Singapore Airlines deepens Air India ties, offers deputation to pilots in low-cost brand Scoot

In a recent initiative, Air India pilots are being offered a deputation opportunities with in Singapore Airlines’ low-cost brand, Scoot.
| Photo Credit:
KAI PFAFFENBACH

Singapore Airlines (SIA) and Air India are deepening their partnership, bringing mutual benefits in sales, operations and other areas.

In a recent initiative, Air India pilots are being offered deputation opportunities with Singapore Airlines’ low-cost brand, Scoot.

Around 100 positions are available for captains and first officers for a one- to two-year deputation on a voluntary basis. While Scoot will be able to fill up vacancies, Air India pilots would get international exposure and an opportunity to train on the Embraer aircraft, which they currently do not operate.

Air India managing director and CEO Campbell Wilson described the opportunity as a win-win for both the airlines. 

Wilson said Air India and SIA share close and warm relations that are increasingly bringing mutual benefits. 

Other SIA executives, Basil Kwauk and Hamish Maxwell are also contributing their experience to Air India’s turnaround plans. There is sharing of information between the two airlines and SIA has also hosted Air India executives to impart their knowledge, Wilson said.

In a statement, SIA said it is offering its expertise and support to Air India as a significant minority shareholder. “ We will continue to engage with the Tata group and Air India, contributing our expertise in specific areas that will be mutually beneficial, subject to regulatory restrictions,” the airline said.

“We actively seek talent within and outside Singapore, focusing on attracting and retaining qualified individuals who align with our values and can contribute to Scoot’s continued growth,” Scoot said.

SIA partnered with Tata Sons to launch Vistara in 2015. Following Vistara’s merger with Air India, the Singapore carrier holds 25.1 per cent share in the unified airline. The two airlines have an extensive code-share pact.

The investment in Air India is a part of SIA’s multi-hub strategy, enabling it to participate in the fast-growing Indian market and complement its Changi airport hub. While air travel demand between India and Singapore remains strong, SIA also competes with Malaysia Airlines, Thai Airways and Qantas for traffic to Australia, Bali (Indonesia) and New Zealand.

In FY25, Singapore Airlines flew over 2.4 million passengers to/from India. Around 65 per cent of traffic flew onward or connected via Singapore to India.

“Indian market continues to be strong, and we are optimistic about it. We are looking at how to collaborate closely with Air India,” SIA CEO Goh Choon Phong told businessline.

Published on June 8, 2025