Turkish-Singapore airlines’ deal to add dozens of new destinations

ISTANBUL

Singapore Airlines and Turkish Airlines are to expand their range of jointly operated flights. REUTERS photo

Singapore Airlines and Turkish Airlines are to expand their range of jointly operated flights to destinations beyond Istanbul and Singapore.

In a tie-up with Turkey’s national carrier SIA customers will be able to hop onto flights operated by Turkish Airlines - both domestically in Turkey and internationally.

Singapore Airlines travellers will soon have access to 23 new destinations in 11 countries, including Turkey, Bulgaria, Portugal and Ghana.

Turkish Airlines will similarly add its code to SIA flights from Changi Airport to five cities in Australia, two points in New Zealand as well as to Brunei and Hanoi. The deal takes effect from May 1, subject to regulatory approval on both sides. With intensifying competition putting pressure on profits, such partnerships are a key part of SIA’s strategy to grow its network without having to launch its own new flights. Singapore Airlines is due to increase its frequency on the Singapore-Istanbul route to six flights per week from May 26.

“It is an example of Turkish Airlines’ target to maximise the travel opportunities offered to passengers through the extensive networks of both airlines,” said Ahmet Bolat, Turkish Airlines’ chief investment and technology officer.

SIA chief executive Goh Choon Phong also said: “These arrangements enable us in some cases to extend our network to points that are not commercially viable to serve with our own aircraft, and in other cases, to offer additional travel windows on existing routes to our customers.”