Campbell Wilson, CEO and MD of Air India, called it a āwin-winā scenario, reinforcing the growing synergy between the two airlines.
By
David HughesJune 9, 20253 Mins
SINGAPORE- In a strategic move strengthening regional aviation ties,
Singapore Airlines (SQ) is offering deputation roles to over 100 pilots from
Air India (AI) for positions within its low-cost subsidiary
Scoot (TR).
The deputation, based in
Singapore Changi Airport (SIN), offers Air India pilots an opportunity for international exposure and training on Embraer aircraft currently not part of Air Indiaās fleet, reported
Hindu BusinessLine.
Photo: Embraer
Singapore Airlines Offers Air India Pilots A Job
This initiative reflects growing cooperation between Singapore Airlines (SQ) and Air India (AI), now partners through a deeper operational alliance and cross-investment.
Air India, headquartered in Delhi (DEL), is nominating qualified captains and first officers for voluntary postings in Scoot, with a tenure ranging from one to two years.
Scoot stands to benefit from the arrangement by filling urgent vacancies with experienced talent, while Air India pilots will gain global experience and proficiency in new aircraft platforms, particularly Embraer jets.
This enhances Air Indiaās human capital and aligns with its broader transformation strategy post-privatization.
Campbell Wilson, CEO and MD of Air India, called it a āwin-winā scenario, reinforcing the growing synergy between the two airlines.
Other Singapore Airlines executives, such as Basil Kwauk and Hamish Maxwell, are also playing active roles in supporting Air Indiaās revival and capacity building.
Singapore Airlines owns a 25.1% stake in the merged entity of Vistara and Air India, following the Tata Sons consolidation.
This equity relationship allows SIA to share operational knowledge and support, which has extended into personnel exchange and joint planning across routes and services.
Reported by Businessline, Goh Choon Phong, CEO of Singapore Airlines, affirmed the airlineās commitment to strengthening the India partnership as part of its multi-hub strategy.
He stated that the Indian market remains strong and presents long-term opportunities for growth and collaboration.
The two airlines already share an extensive codeshare agreement and exchange best practices regularly.
SIA executives have hosted their Indian counterparts in Singapore, offering strategic insights into airline turnaround practices and international service models.
The IndiaāSingapore aviation corridor remains a high-demand route, with Singapore Airlines transporting over 2.4 million passengers between the two countries in FY25.
Approximately 65% of these travelers transited through Singapore to destinations in Southeast Asia and Oceania.
SIA faces competition from regional carriers like Malaysia Airlines (MH), Thai Airways (TG), and Qantas (QF) for the same onward traffic.
However, its collaboration with Air India through Scoot enhances its market access and crew pipeline while boosting Air Indiaās international capabilities.
Scootās management reiterated its goal of sourcing skilled personnel aligned with its values.
āWe actively seek talent within and outside Singapore to support Scootās continued growth,ā the airline stated.
Scoot E190-E2 services are set to begin in May 2024 with Explorer 3.0ās inaugural flight to Krabi, Thailand.
The collaboration signals a long-term commitment to mutual growth. SIAās 25.1% stake in Air India positions it to benefit from Indiaās aviation boom, while Air India gains from SIAās operational expertise and global network.
The pilot deputation program is a stepping stone for further integration, with potential expansions in training, fleet management, and route optimization.
As both airlines navigate regulatory restrictions, their focus remains on creating value for passengers and stakeholders.
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