SYDNEY— Singapore Airlines (SQ) and All Nippon Airways (NH) have moved a step closer to expanding their commercial partnership after Australia’s competition regulator proposed approving a five-year joint venture covering key international passenger markets.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has issued a draft determination supporting the application submitted by Singapore Airlines (SQ) and All Nippon Airways (NH), allowing the carriers to coordinate selected commercial activities across routes linking Japan with Singapore (SIN), Australia, India, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
The proposal also includes limited cooperation across additional markets in Asia and Africa, subject to regulatory approval.
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The airlines first applied for authorization in March 2026 under a joint venture agreement signed in April 2025.
Rather than seeking approval for every aspect of the agreement, the carriers requested authorization for specific commercial coordination designed to improve network efficiency and customer connectivity.
According to the draft determination, the ACCC proposes granting authorization for five years.
The regulator also approved interim authorization that allows both airlines to discuss and prepare their planned cooperation while prohibiting implementation until a final decision is issued.
The proposed arrangement would enable Singapore Airlines and All Nippon Airways to share revenue on selected Australia–Japan passenger routes. This includes nonstop flights operated by All Nippon Airways and one-stop itineraries offered by Singapore Airlines through Singapore.
Beyond revenue sharing, the airlines plan to coordinate route planning, scheduling, pricing, sales, and marketing across approved joint venture routes.
The objective is to provide passengers with more seamless travel options while improving operational efficiency between the participating networks.
Planned Cooperation Across Markets
The proposed partnership extends beyond commercial sales activities. Both airlines also seek approval to coordinate airport operations, customer service standards, baggage policies, and information technology systems across both the approved and priority markets.
The carriers intend to align operational procedures wherever commercially practical.
Shared technology tools and coordinated passenger service policies could simplify transfers and improve the overall travel experience, particularly for customers connecting between the airlines’ networks.
The joint venture would primarily cover passenger services between Japan and Singapore, Australia, India, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
In addition, the agreement allows broader commercial cooperation involving selected destinations across Asia and Africa, although the airlines are not requesting authorization for every provision contained in their original agreement.
The ACCC stated that the interim authorization only permits planning and discussions. Any commercial coordination outlined in the proposal cannot begin until the regulator reaches its final determination.
Consultation Continues Before Decision
The ACCC has invited airlines, travel organizations, and other interested parties to comment on the draft determination before making its final decision. Public submissions will remain open until August 7, 2026.
Earlier consultation attracted responses from several industry stakeholders, including the Australian Travel Industry Association and Japan Airlines (JL). Singapore Airlines and All Nippon Airways also submitted responses addressing concerns raised during the consultation process.
Following the close of submissions, the ACCC is expected to issue its final determination during August or September 2026.
If approved, the alliance would strengthen commercial cooperation between two of Asia-Pacific’s largest full-service airlines while expanding connectivity between Japan and major regional markets.
The proposed authorization reflects a growing trend of international airline partnerships seeking regulatory approval to improve network coordination without proceeding to full corporate mergers.
Should the ACCC confirm its draft decision, the five-year authorization would provide Singapore Airlines and All Nippon Airways with a framework to jointly develop services while remaining independent carriers operating under their respective brands.
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