SINGAPORE – Singapore Airlines (SIA) and flag carrier Garuda Indonesia signed an agreement on May 20 to explore revenue-sharing arrangements for flights between Indonesia and Singapore, and to partner on their frequent flier programmes.

The companies said in a joint media release that the frequent flier partnership, when launched, will allow GarudaMiles and KrisFlyer members to earn and redeem miles on code-share flights operated by both airlines.

The two airlines have also entered into a revenue-sharing agreement, which will support joint capacity growth when implemented. The airlines said this marks a “significant step” towards plans for a proposed commercial joint venture arrangement that covers Garuda and SIA flights between Singapore and Indonesia.

SIA and Garuda announced in 2023 that they planned to enter into a joint venture arrangement that would increase passenger capacity between Singapore and Indonesia.

Subject to regulatory approvals, the proposed joint venture would cover routes between Singapore and Denpasar, Jakarta, and Surabaya, the airlines previously said.

SIA chief executive officer Goh Choon Phong said on May 20 that the partnership with Garuda will improve the connectivity between Indonesia and Singapore.

“This will help to meet the increasing demand for air travel between the two countries and beyond, as well as facilitate the growth of tourism and economic activities,” he said.

“Furthermore, by deepening the synergies between our frequent flier programmes, we can enhance the benefits for our loyal customers, offering them more opportunities to earn and redeem miles when travelling with both airlines.” THE BUSINESS TIMES