A major expansion of codeshare ties has been agreed between Singapore Airlines and Turkish Airlines covering destinations beyond both Istanbul and Singapore.
SIA plans to raise frequency on a seasonal basis between Singapore and Istanbul from four to six flights a week from May 26 to meet growth in demand on the route.
The Star Alliance partners have been codesharing on each other’s flights between the two cities for seven years with Turkish Airlines running seven flights a week.
The extended deal will see SIA add its ‘SQ’ designator code to Turkish Airlines-operated flights beyond Istanbul to destinations within Turkey, as well as to points in Africa, Europe, the Middle East and North America.
In return Turkish Airlines will add its ‘TK’ designator code to SIA flights beyond Singapore to points in southeast Asia and the southwest Pacific.
The expanded codeshare ties are expected to take effect from May 1, subject to regulatory approvals.
SIA executive vice president commercial Mak Swee Wah said: “This significant expansion of our partnership with Turkish Airlines, together with our increase in frequency to Istanbul, is in line with ongoing efforts to expand our network reach and to offer customers more travel options.
“This partnership is another example of how we can jointly do more together than we could each do on our own.”
The Turkish carrier’s chief investment and technology officer Dr Ahmet Bolat said: “This expansion will serve as an example of Turkish Airlines’ target to maximise the travel opportunities offered to passengers through the extensive networks of both airlines.
“With this co-operation we will have the opportunity to transfer our passengers to destinations in Australia, New Zealand and southeast Asia via Singapore by connecting our networks.
“Reciprocally, Singapore Airlines will have the increased chance to transfer its passengers to Africa, Europe, the Middle East and North America via our hub in Istanbul.”