It has been over 27 years since the world's first major airline alliance was formed. Since then, alliances have become an integral part of commercial aviation, with more and more airlines coming together to pool their resources. Today, there are three major alliances, all of which have several benefits for member airlines and their customers. Let us explore them. An alliance is simply a partnership among a group of carriers to expand their services. Star Alliance, oneworld, and SkyTeam are the world's three major alliances. They bring together nearly 60 airlines, with extensive fleets, hubs, and networks reaching nearly every part of the globe. While most major carriers are part of an alliance, others have managed to grow independently. When an airline decides to join an alliance, it agrees to pool resources with several other carriers to expand routes, match frequent flyer benefits, and ensure a seamless travel experience for passengers. As a result, it can better compete with other carriers. Alliances primarily operate codeshare flights, which allow passengers to book connections across multiple carriers using a single ticket and booking platform. The next significant benefit is how the airlines share their frequent flyer rewards. With British Airways Executive Club Avios, a traveler can book reward flights all over the world, as every member of the alliance will accept the points (at varying prices). Likewise, the benefits of frequent flyer status are shared. So, if you're traveling with British Airways Silver status in the US, you can access American Airlines' lounge when flying with them.<br/>
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Garuda Indonesia and Singapore Airlines have deepened their commercial cooperation, with the signing of new agreements covering frequent flyer programmes, and a potential revenue sharing arrangement. The revenue sharing agreement, when implemented, will “support joint capacity growth”, both carriers state, noting that it is a “significant step” in plans for a proposed commercial joint venture arrangement. However, they did not elaborate further. The frequent flyer partnership will allow members of both airlines to earn and redeem miles on codeshare flights operated by either party. Garuda puts its code on SIA flights from Singapore to Bali, Jakarta, Medan and Surabaya, as well as on long-haul routes to London, Johannesburg and Mumbai. SIA, meanwhile, has its code on Garuda flights between Singapore and Jakarta, Bali and Surabaya. Garuda chief Irfan Setiaputra says the latest expansion of its partnership with SIA are part of efforts to improve airline performance. “Having the same mission in optimising the potential of the aviation business ecosystem in South East Asia after the pandemic, this initiative is certainly an important manifestation of both airlines’ commitment to continue strengthening our well-established cooperation,” he notes. Adds SIA chief Goh Choon Phong: “Our win-win partnership with Garuda Indonesia will improve the connectivity between Indonesia and Singapore for our customers. This will help to meet the increasing demand for air travel between the two countries and beyond, as well as facilitate the growth of tourism and economic activities.” SIA and Garuda will also continue with joint marketing activities relating to tourism. <br/>