Singapore Airlines (SIA) is the flag carrier of Singapore, known for its exceptional service and innovation. Founded in 1947 as Malayan Airways, it evolved through mergers and rebranding to become a global aviation leader, with milestones including the launch of the Airbus A380, the world's longest flights, and consistent profitability despite industry challenges.
Malayan Airways is established, initially operating charter flights. The airline was founded by the Ocean Steamship Company, Straits Steamship Company, and Imperial Airways.
Malayan Airways operates its first commercial flight from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur. The airline uses Airspeed Consul aircraft.
The airline is renamed Malayan Airways Limited after the Federation of Malaya is formed. It continues to expand regional routes using Douglas DC-3 aircraft.
Following the formation of Malaysia, Malayan Airways merges with Borneo Airways and is renamed Malaysia Airways. The airline adopts the livery of the new nation.
After Singapore's independence, the airline is divided into Singapore-based and Malaysia-based entities. Singapore retains the assets and routes, forming the basis for Singapore Airlines.
On New Year's Day, Singapore Airlines (SIA) is officially formed as a separate entity from Malaysia-Singapore Airlines (MSA). The new airline inherits the Boeing 707 and 737 fleets.
A new logo featuring a stylised bird is introduced, and the iconic 'Singapore Girl' cabin crew image becomes the airline's trademark, symbolising Asian hospitality.
SIA orders its first Boeing 747-200 aircraft, becoming one of the first Asian airlines to operate the iconic jumbo jet, enabling long-haul routes to Europe and America.
SIA launches the first non-stop flight between Singapore and San Francisco, a milestone in long-haul aviation, using a DC-10 aircraft leased from UTA.
SIA establishes its cargo division, Singapore Airlines Cargo, to manage freight operations separately. It later becomes a major player in air freight.
SIA introduces sleeper seats in First Class, a pioneering cabin innovation that sets new standards for luxury air travel.
SIA orders the Airbus A300 wide-body aircraft, expanding its fleet with European-built planes for regional routes.
SIA introduces Raffles Class, a premium business class product named after Singapore's founder, Sir Stamford Raffles. It becomes a benchmark for business travel.
SIA becomes the launch customer for the Airbus A340-300, ordering 10 aircraft for ultra-long-haul routes.
Singapore Airlines is listed on the Stock Exchange of Singapore (now SGX), offering shares to the public for the first time, raising capital for expansion.
SIA launches the first non-stop flight between Singapore and Newark, New Jersey, using an A340-300. This is the world's longest non-stop flight at the time.
SIA debuts KrisWorld, one of the most advanced inflight entertainment systems, featuring personal screens and a wide selection of movies, music, and games.
SIA orders the Boeing 777-300ER, becoming a launch customer for this fuel-efficient long-haul aircraft.
SIA invests in a new low-cost carrier, Tiger Airways, as a separate subsidiary to compete in the budget airline market.
SIA purchases a 49% stake in Virgin Atlantic for £600 million, marking a major strategic investment in a European carrier.
SIA revolutionises First Class travel with the introduction of private suites featuring sliding doors, a first in the industry.
SIA resumes the Singapore-Newark route with an A340-500, setting a record for the longest non-stop commercial flight at 18 hours.
SIA becomes the launch customer for the Airbus A380 superjumbo, ordering 10 aircraft with options for more, signalling its commitment to the largest passenger jet.
SIA operates the world's first commercial A380 flight, from Singapore to Sydney, ushering in a new era of superjumbo travel.
The 2008 financial crisis leads to a sharp decline in passenger demand. SIA reports its first quarterly loss in years but remains profitable for the full year.
Tiger Airways, SIA's low-cost subsidiary, is listed on the Singapore Exchange, raising funds for expansion.
SIA trials mobile phone services on select flights, allowing passengers to make calls and send texts via satellite.
Due to high fuel costs and low demand, SIA terminates the Singapore-Newark non-stop flight. The route is later revived in 2016.
SIA increases its stake in Tiger Airways to 100%, fully absorbing the low-cost carrier into its group.
SIA launches Scoot, a new long-haul low-cost airline, to serve budget travellers on medium-to-long haul routes.
SIA posts a record net profit of S$1.3 billion (US$1 billion) for the financial year 2013/14, driven by strong passenger and cargo demand.
SIA orders 30 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners, becoming the launch customer for the largest variant of the 787 family.
SIA resumes non-stop flights to San Francisco and Newark using the Airbus A350-900ULR, offering premium service on these ultra-long-haul routes.
SIA introduces Premium Economy Class, a new cabin product between Economy and Business Class, starting on selected Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.
SIA launches the world's longest commercial flight: Singapore to Newark, a 17-hour journey covering 15,347 km, using the A350-900ULR.
Singapore Airlines is awarded the prestigious Skytrax Airline of the Year title, recognising its service excellence.
The COVID-19 pandemic causes a near-total collapse of air travel. SIA grounds most of its fleet, reports record losses, and secures a S$15 billion rescue package from shareholders and the Singapore government.
SIA announces a merger of its Indian subsidiary Vistara with Air India, creating a larger Indian carrier. The merger is completed in 2022.
SIA completes a S$6.2 billion rights issue to strengthen its balance sheet and prepare for recovery from the pandemic.
SIA reports a net profit of S$1.2 billion for the financial year 2022/23, marking a strong recovery as air travel demand rebounds.
SIA and its low-cost subsidiaries carry over 35 million passengers in the financial year, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.