Singapore Airlines (SIA) is the flag carrier of Singapore and was founded in 1947 as Malayan Airways Limited, which later became Malaysia-Singapore Airlines (MSA) in 1963. However, due to political differences between Singapore and Malaysia, MSA was split into two separate airlines in 1972, with SIA being created as the national airline of Singapore.
In its early years, SIA operated a small fleet of planes and primarily served regional destinations in Southeast Asia. However, with the opening of Singapore's Changi Airport in 1981, SIA began expanding its global reach and established a reputation for luxurious and high-quality service.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, SIA expanded its network and fleet, introducing new routes to Europe, the United States, and Australia. It also became the first airline in the world to offer a non-stop flight from Singapore to Los Angeles, which helped solidify its position as a leader in long-haul travel.
In the early 2000s, SIA faced increased competition from low-cost carriers and underwent a major restructuring to remain competitive. This included cutting costs, streamlining operations, and introducing a new low-cost carrier, Scoot, to capture the growing budget travel market.
Today, Singapore Airlines is one of the world's leading airlines, operating a modern fleet of over 130 aircraft and serving more than 60 destinations worldwide. It has received numerous awards for its exceptional service, including being named the "World's Best Airline" by Skytrax on multiple occasions.
| Legal Name | Singapore Airlines Limited |
|---|---|
| ICAO Code | SIA |
| Airline Code | 618 |
| IATA Designator | SQ |
| Region | Asia Pacific |