SIA has started a loyalty scheme for small and medium-sized firms, to create new revenue streams amid tough times that have hit profits. SIA said about 400 companies have already signed up for the programme, which was launched a month ago. It targets firms that are not able to qualify for the SIA Corporate Travel Programme, which comes with conditions attached. For example, there is an annual minimum spending requirement of S$50,000, which smaller firms are unlikely to be able to meet. The new programme, tailored for small and medium-sized enterprises, has no such criteria. It is designed to reward both corporations and employees when they fly with SIA and SilkAir, SIA's area VP (Singapore) Alan Lim, said Sunday. <br/>
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United Airlines has introduced Boeing 777-300ER service, the airline's latest aircraft type featuring the all-new United Polaris business class seats, to additional routes. The westbound service between San Francisco (SFO) and Beijing (PEK) is scheduled to begin from Sep 6, 2017, while the eastbound journey is expected to take off Sep 8, 2017. Services between San Francisco (SFO) - Frankfurt (FRA) and New York/Newark (EWR) - Tokyo Narita (NRT) will start from Oct 5, 2017, eastbound (westbound services will start a day later) and Oct 28, 2017 westbound (Oct 29, 2017 eastbound), respectively. The new aircraft is already in service along the San Francisco - Hong Kong (HKG) and New York/Newark - Tel Aviv (TLV) routes and will commence operations from San Francisco to Taipei (TPE) Aug 1. <br/>
Air Canada is evaluating new direct routes to India as it aims to grow its presence in the fast-growing market. Saturday, Air Canada launched 3 weekly non-stop flights between Toronto and Mumbai. It also flies non-stop between Toronto and Delhi as well as Vancouver-Delhi. "We are evaluating new routes to India and are in discussions with airports. There are lot of growth opportunities," said Duncan Bureau, VP (global sales), Air Canada. Bureau said Air Canada has no plans for an equity investment in Air India but will look to expand commercial partnership. The two airlines have a code share pact. Over 1.1m passengers flew between India and Canada in FY 2017 and Air Canada has a market share of over 15% on the routes-highest among all airlines. <br/>