Airline History - Singapore Airlines Limited

IATA Code: SQ

ICAO Code: SIA

Known As: Singapore Airlines

Full Name: Singapore Airlines Ltd.

Country: Singapore

Hubs: Singapore

Callsign: Singapore

Web Site: www.singaporeair.com

History: Singapore Airlines traces its foundation to the establishment of Malayan Airways Limited (MAL) on October 12, 1937. When Malaya, Singapore, Sabah and Sarawak federated in 1963 to form the Federation of Malaysia, the airline name was similarly changed, from Malayan Airways to Malaysian Airlines, though still abbreviated to MAL. In 1966, following Singapore's independence from the Federation, the airline's name was changed again, to Malaysia-Singapore Airlines (MSA). The next year saw a rapid expansion in the airline's fleet and route, including the purchase of MSA's first Boeing 707s. MSA ceased operations in 1972, when political disagreements between Singapore and Malaysia resulted in the formation of two new airlines: Singapore Airlines (SIA) and Malaysia Airlines (MAS). SIA kept all 10 of MSA's Boeing 737s and 707s and retained the international routes out of Singapore. Singapore Airlines expanded rapidly during the 1970s, adding Boeing 747s to its fleet. SIA owns several subsidiaries, including regional carrier Silkair, founded in 1976 as Tradewinds Charters and renamed Silkair in 1991. In 2001 air freight operations were transferred to Singapore Airlines Cargo, which assumed the entire freighter fleet from SIA, as well as management of the cargo holds in passenger-cargo aircraft. Launched in 2004, low-cost carrier Tiger Airways is SIA's entry into the low-cost carrier ranks.