Singapore Airlines, India's Vistara launch frequent flyer programme tie-up

SINGAPORE Airlines (SIA) and India's Vistara are launching a partnership between their respective frequent flyer programmes, KrisFlyer and Club Vistara.

Under the new partnership, KrisFlyer members will earn KrisFlyer miles when travelling with Vistara and will be able to redeem Vistara flight tickets with their KrisFlyer miles. Meanwhile, Club Vistara members will also be able to rack up and redeem points when they travel on SIA or regional wing SilkAir.

Delhi-based Vistara, which began operations earlier this month, is a joint venture between India's Tata and SIA.

Accrual of miles and points for both frequent flyer programmes will start in March, with redemption to commence from May.

The tie-up is Vistara's first one with another airline and comes on the heels of the launch of an interline partnership with SIA.

"It has been an exciting start to the new year for KrisFlyer as we continue to expand our choice of airline and non-airline rewards for our members," said SIA senior vice-president (marketing planning) Lee Wen Fen.

Earlier this week, SIA announced that local budget carriers Scoot and Tiger Airways would be joining its KrisFlyer programme as well.

Scoot is wholly-owned by SIA, which also owns some 56 per cent in Tiger.

"We are confident that through SIA and their sister airline SilkAir's well-connected network from India, we will be able to broaden our reach and strengthen the value proposition for Club Vistara members," said Vistara chief executive Phee Teik Yeoh.