Singapore Airlines may develop Delhi as long haul network hub

Mumbai: Singapore Airlines might develop Delhi as a hub for its long haul network, analysts and experts have said.
On Thursday, the airline announcing a joint venture (JV) with the Tata Group and would hold 49% in the airline.
“Singapore Airlines’ (SIA) latest investment with Tata Sons on an Indian premium carrier appears to be a double-edged sword. On the plus side, Singapore Airlines has the expertise to create premium products and this deal enables it to tap into India's growth in international travel,” said Hong Kong-based aviation analyst Daniel Tsang.
Furthermore, SIA could use New Delhi to launch new flights to North and South America alongside its Indian subsidiary, while picking up domestic feed traffic at the same time, thereby remedying SIA's network deficiencies, Tsang added.
Indian government rules do not allow airlines with less than five years of operations (within India) and 20 planes to fly abroad. There is a move to amend the rule but no decision has been taken yet.
Read News In full 20/09/13 Aneesh Phadnis/Business Standard