| 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. 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. |
