Lufthansa

German airline Lufthansa has signed a wide-ranging partnership agreement with Singapore Airlines (SIA) to create a joint venture, in order to expand codeshare ties and strengthen commercial collaboration.

Under the deal, both the airlines expect to operate major routes between Singapore and Europe through the joint venture.

They will also expand codeshare ties and work on joint fare promotions.

The new codeshare services are expected to be introduced in the next couple of months.

Other features of the deal require additional regulatory approval, and are likely to be implemented by next year.

"This agreement deepens ties with the wider Lufthansa Group, providing a solid foundation for numerous commercial co-operation opportunities."

With the help of the new codeshare ties, the SIA customers will be able to travel to and from points in Austria, Belgium, Germany and Switzerland, via the transfer hubs in Frankfurt, Munich and Zurich, and more than 20 new routes.

A revenue-sharing arrangement will help flights to be operated between Singapore and Frankfurt, Munich and Zurich.

SIA will launch new flights between Singapore and Düsseldorf from next year, which will also be covered under the arrangement.

Singapore Airlines CEO Goh Choon Phong said: "Singapore Airlines has had long-standing ties to Lufthansa, which is an ideal partner with an excellent network and strong customer focus.

"This agreement deepens ties with the wider Lufthansa Group, providing a solid foundation for numerous commercial co-operation opportunities."

Both airlines also look forward to explore opportunities such as more convenient connections between route networks, joint fare promotions, programmes for corporate customers, and enhance existing frequent-flyer programme ties in major markets in Europe, Southeast Asia and Australia.

Image: Officials during the signing of the agreement. Photo: courtesy of Lufthansa Group.