New Standalone Booking Rules
Under current operating rules reported by Financial Express, a codeshare flight operated by Air India and booked through Singapore Airlines must be bundled with an SIA-operated leg, and vice versa. From October 15, that prerequisite will be lifted, giving travellers direct access to standalone inventory across routes linking Singapore with Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, and Mumbai.
The expanded arrangement stems from the Commercial Cooperation Framework Agreement signed by the two carriers in January 2026. Singapore Airlines holds a 25.1% equity stake in Air India, following the consolidation of Air India and Vistara.
Frequent Flyer Enhancements and Corporate Offerings
Beyond booking flexibility, the carriers are rolling out reciprocal loyalty programme adjustments. Building on mileage earn-rate updates introduced in April 2026, members of Air India’s Maharaja Club and Singapore Airlines’ KrisFlyer will receive upgraded benefits starting in the second quarter of 2027. Top-tier members, including Maharaja Club Platinum and KrisFlyer PPS Club tiers, will gain priority check-in and boarding privileges. Meanwhile, Maharaja Club Silver and KrisFlyer Elite Silver members will qualify for extra baggage allowances and priority boarding on eligible routes alongside existing Star Alliance privileges.
Executive leadership from both carriers emphasised the strategic value of the ongoing integration. Nipun Agarwal, Chief Commercial Officer at Air India, noted that the partnership supports the carrier’s broader evolution into a global airline, while Lee Lik Hsin, Chief Commercial Officer at Singapore Airlines, highlighted the reduction of travel friction. Both airlines confirmed they are working on additional schedule alignment initiatives to reduce layovers, along with tailored offerings for corporate clients across their combined codeshare network spanning 77 destinations in 27 countries.