In a strategic effort to deepen regional aviation collaboration, Singapore Airlines (SIA) is offering deputation roles to over 100 Air India pilots for positions within its low-cost subsidiary, Scoot.
Based at Singapore Changi Airport, the program provides Air India pilots with valuable international exposure and training on Embraer aircraft—types currently absent from Air India’s fleet, according to Hindu BusinessLine.
This initiative marks a growing operational alliance between the two carriers, who now share cross-investment and close partnership arrangements. Air India, headquartered in Delhi, is nominating qualified captains and first officers for voluntary postings at Scoot, with assignments lasting between one and two years.
Scoot benefits by filling urgent pilot vacancies with experienced professionals, while Air India pilots enhance their skill set and gain proficiency on new aircraft platforms, aligning with the carrier’s broader post-privatization transformation strategy.
Air India CEO and MD Campbell Wilson described the arrangement as a “win-win,” highlighting the strengthening synergy between the airlines. Other SIA leaders, including Basil Kwauk and Hamish Maxwell, have also played key roles in supporting Air India’s revival and capacity-building efforts.
Singapore Airlines holds a 25.1% stake in the merged Air India-Vistara entity under Tata Sons’ consolidation. This equity partnership facilitates knowledge sharing and joint planning, extending to personnel exchanges such as this pilot deputation.
SIA CEO Goh Choon Phong reaffirmed the airline’s commitment to the Indian market, citing long-term growth opportunities and enhanced collaboration as part of its multi-hub strategy. Both airlines maintain extensive codeshare agreements and regularly exchange best practices.
The India-Singapore aviation corridor remains one of the busiest routes, with SIA carrying over 2.4 million passengers in FY25. Approximately 65% of these travelers transit through Singapore to destinations in Southeast Asia and Oceania.
Despite competition from regional carriers like Malaysia Airlines, Thai Airways, and Qantas, the partnership with Air India through Scoot strengthens SIA’s market access and talent pipeline while expanding Air India’s international capabilities.
Scoot management emphasized their ongoing commitment to sourcing skilled personnel that align with the airline’s growth ambitions.
Looking ahead, this deputation program signals a long-term alliance aimed at mutual growth. With SIA’s significant stake in Air India, both airlines are poised to capitalize on India’s booming aviation sector through further integration in training, fleet management, and route optimization.
Navigating regulatory environments, their shared focus remains on delivering enhanced value to passengers and stakeholders alike.
