Singapore Airlines (SIA) has entered a codeshare agreement with US-based Alaska Airlines in order to expand its presence in the North American market.

As part of the deal, SIA will include its ‘SQ’ designator code to Alaska Airlines-operated flights that serve 18 destinations within the US and Mexico.

The agreement also includes existing codeshare flights operated by Alaska Airlines unit Virgin America on routes serving 19 destinations within the US.

“It reflects our commitment to continuously expand our network reach and offer our customers greater flexibility when planning their travel itineraries.”

Members of SIA and Alaska Airlines’ frequent flyer programmes, KrisFlyer and Mileage Plan respectively, will also be able to receive benefits when travelling on flights operated by either carrier under the new codeshare deal.

SIA marketing planning senior vice-president Tan Ping said: “Our new partnership with Alaska Airlines enables us to improve connectivity between Singapore and the important North American market, providing customers with more codeshare destinations and enhanced KrisFlyer benefits.

“It reflects our commitment to continuously expand our network reach and offer our customers greater flexibility when planning their travel itineraries.”

The new agreement is yet to receive necessary regulatory approvals. Once approved, the deal is expected to come into effect on 27 September.

Alaska Airlines chief commercial officer Andrew Harrison said: “Our guests will enjoy truly distinctive in-flight service when travelling with Singapore Airlines, while also taking full advantage of their Alaska Mileage Plan benefits when travelling from the West Coast to Asia.”

Alaska Airlines and its subsidiaries currently operate a mixed fleet comprising 156 Boeing and 52 Bombardier aircraft, while SIA operates a fleet of 106 planes.