29 Jan 2026
#4 January 2026: India Aviation Newsletter
Air India and Singapore Airlines Sign Commercial Cooperation Framework
Air India and Singapore Airlines have signed a commercial cooperation framework agreement to deepen their long-standing partnership and explore future joint business arrangements, subject to regulatory approvals. The agreement aims to enhance connectivity between India and Singapore by improving schedule coordination, expanding route options, and enabling more seamless travel across both airlines under a unified journey. Air India stated that the framework provides a structured platform to explore closer collaboration, supporting its strategy to expand global reach through fleet growth and stronger partnerships within the Star Alliance network.
Escape Plan Raises $25 Million in Series A Funding
Travel platform Escape Plan has secured $25 million in Series A funding led by Jungle Ventures, with participation from Fireside Ventures and IndiGo Ventures. The company is scaling an omni-channel travel model spanning online, direct-to-consumer, and offline retail channels, and is currently operating at an annualised revenue run rate exceeding ₹300 crore. Escape Plan stated that the funding will support continued expansion across cities and travel use cases, with a focus on affordability, product selection, and execution. IndiGo Ventures noted that Escape Plan’s emphasis on reliability and customer experience aligns with long-term growth opportunities in India’s expanding travel market.
FLY91 Announces Expansion to Seven New Regional Stations
FLY91 announced the launch of daily nonstop services between Kochi and Agatti in the Lakshadweep islands, alongside plans to add seven new stations over the next 90 days. The expansion will include Kochi, Rajahmundry, Vijayawada, Hubballi, Dabolim, Nanded, and Indore, taking the airline’s network to 15 stations. The growth will be supported by a fleet of ATR 72-600 aircraft, with three additional aircraft scheduled for induction within 45 days. FLY91 stated that the phased expansion will allow increased frequencies and new city pairs while maintaining operational reliability and strengthening regional connectivity.
Acumen’s Take
On Air India–Singapore Airlines Cooperation
The framework agreement signals Air India’s intent to build deeper, structured partnerships to complement fleet expansion. Closer coordination with Singapore Airlines could significantly enhance India–Southeast Asia connectivity and customer choice.
On Escape Plan’s Series A Raise
The funding highlights growing investor confidence in scalable, omni-channel travel platforms. Strategic participation from IndiGo Ventures reflects alignment with India’s long-term travel demand growth.
On FLY91’s Network Expansion
FLY91’s measured station and fleet growth reinforces the role of regional aviation in connecting tier-two and tier-three markets. The focus on reliability and phased expansion supports sustainable network development.
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