CAAM issues Advisory Information 03/2026 on proposed SQ-LH joint venture decision
The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) has issued Advisory Information 03/2026 on the proposed decision relating to the Proposed Joint Venture between Singapore Airlines Limited (SQ) and Deutsche Lufthansa AG (LH).
The document states that CAAM will conduct a public consultation on its proposed decision in relation to the proposed joint venture.
The Advisory Information is dated 31 March 2026 and names SQ and LH collectively as the Applicants.
Application submitted under the CAAM Act 2017
According to the document, the Applicants submitted an application for an individual exemption for their proposed metal-neutral joint venture partnership.
The application was submitted in accordance with section 36Q of the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia Act 2017 [Act 788].
CAAM states that the Proposed Joint Venture falls within the scope of section 36O of Act 788.
Proposed joint venture covers passenger services between Asia, Oceania and Europe
The document states that the Proposed Joint Venture involves scheduled air passenger services on Singapore Airlines, Lufthansa, Swiss International Air Lines, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Air Dolomiti, Lufthansa City Airlines, Discover Airlines and Scoot Tigerair.
The services covered are between seven countries in Asia and Oceania, including Malaysia, and 39 countries in Europe.
The document also states that the Proposed Joint Venture allows the Applicants to use third parties or wet lease partners as operating carriers for certain feeder routes within specified countries.
Cooperation includes schedules, capacity, pricing and revenue sharing
CAAM states that the Proposed Joint Venture provides for intermodal transportation options, including bus and rail connections, from hub destinations in Europe.
The document further states that the Applicants will cooperate in schedule coordination and capacity management, pricing and inventory management, sales, marketing and revenue sharing.
These cooperation areas are listed as part of the background to the Proposed Joint Venture.
Public consultation will invite views from interested parties
Under the public consultation section, CAAM states that it will undertake a public consultation in relation to the proposed decision that it intends to grant pursuant to section 36Q of Act 788.
The purpose of the consultation is to invite views, comments and submissions from interested parties on the potential impact of the Proposed Joint Venture on competition and the aviation sector.
The document identifies interested parties as including industry stakeholders, freight forwarders, shippers and members of the public.
Consultation details to be published on CAAM official website
CAAM states that details of the consultation, including the relevant documents, submission procedures and deadline for responses, will be made available on its official website in early April 2026.
The document invites all interested parties to submit written submissions within the stipulated consultation period.
CAAM states that all submissions received will be duly considered as part of its assessment in arriving at the final decision on the Proposed Joint Venture.
Competition enquiries to be directed to CAAM
The Advisory Information states that public consultation enquiries shall be made to the Economics and Competition Department of the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia in Putrajaya.
The contact email provided in the document is competition@caam.gov.my.
