Singapore Airlines (SIA) and Air India are expanding their strategic partnership to drive mutual benefits across sales, operations, and talent development. In a new development, Air India pilots are being offered deputation opportunities with SIA’s low-cost subsidiary, Scoot, for a voluntary tenure of one to two years. Around 100 positions are open for captains and first officers, giving Air India pilots valuable international flying experience and exposure to the Embraer aircraft—currently not part of Air India’s fleet.
Air India’s Managing Director and CEO, Campbell Wilson, called the initiative a win-win arrangement for both carriers. While Scoot will address its staffing needs, Air India pilots gain global experience and technical training. The move reflects the close collaboration between Air India and Singapore Airlines, which has grown since SIA became a significant minority shareholder in the Indian carrier after its merger with Vistara.
Singapore Airlines executives including Basil Kwauk and Hamish Maxwell are playing key roles in Air India’s transformation by offering expertise and operational guidance. SIA has also hosted Air India teams in Singapore to share best practices and operational knowledge. In a statement, SIA confirmed its continued commitment to working closely with the Tata Group and Air India, offering support in areas that drive mutual growth, subject to regulatory approvals.
Scoot, in its official communication, highlighted that it seeks talent aligned with its values and is focused on expanding its team through both internal and international recruitment, in line with its growth trajectory.
SIA’s investment in Air India is a key component of its multi-hub strategy, which allows the airline to tap into India’s rapidly growing aviation market while strengthening its connectivity through the Changi Airport hub in Singapore. The deepening partnership is also expected to boost competition against regional carriers like Malaysia Airlines, Thai Airways, and Qantas, especially on popular international routes to Australia, Bali, and New Zealand.
In FY25, Singapore Airlines carried over 2.4 million passengers between India and Singapore, with nearly 65% of passengers using Singapore as a transit hub to or from other international destinations. SIA CEO Goh Choon Phong expressed optimism about India’s aviation future, saying, “The Indian market continues to be strong, and we are looking at how to collaborate closely with Air India.”
This partnership not only enhances operational efficiency and global exposure for Indian pilots but also aligns with both airlines’ broader goals of capturing a larger share of the global aviation market through integrated networks and shared capabilities.
