Archive · 30 Aug 2026
Why Singapore Airlines’ Air India Bet May Pay Off
Singapore Airlines invested in an Indian airline called Vistara.
The investment helped Singapore Airlines reach more places and attract more passengers.
Vistara later became part of Air India through a merger.
Singapore Airlines now owns about one-quarter of Air India.
Air India is the second-largest airline in India by domestic market share.
It has about 20% of that market.
India gives Singapore Airlines access to many potential passengers.
Because of this, the investment may become more valuable over time.
Singapore Airlines previously held a 49% stake in Vistara.
Singapore Airlines said its Vistara investment expanded its geographic reach and passenger base.
Vistara was eventually merged with Air India.
Singapore Airlines now holds approximately 25% of Air India.
Air India has about 20% of India’s domestic airline market, ranking second.
- Who
- Singapore Airlines, Air India, Vistara, and Singapore Airlines CEO Goh Choon Phong.
- What
- Singapore Airlines’ investment in Vistara became an approximately 25% stake in Air India after the two airlines merged.
- When
- Singapore Airlines’ CEO discussed the benefits of the Vistara investment as far back as 2022; the merger occurred afterward.
- Where
- The investment concerns India and Singapore Airlines, which is based in Singapore.
- Why
- The investment expanded Singapore Airlines’ geographic reach and passenger base while giving it access to India’s air-travel market.
- Singapore Airlines’ former Vistara stake
- 49%
- Singapore Airlines’ Air India stake
- Approximately 25%
- Air India domestic market share
- Approximately 20% in India
- Air India market position
- Second in India’s domestic market
- Investment benefit cited
- Wider geographic reach and a larger passenger base
- Singapore Airlines CEO
- Goh Choon Phong