Will provide support, says Singapore Airlines amid Air India seeking ₹10,000 crore aid from owners

Singapore Airlines said in a statement on Friday (October 31, 2025) that the global aviation giant will provide its expertise and support to Tata Group-owned Air India upon the company’s request. ₹10,000 crore aid from owners Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines.

Singapore Airlines became a minority shareholder in Air India after the Indian aviation company completely acquired Vistara. According to the news agency PTIA Singapore Airlines spokesperson said the company was working with Tata Sons to support Air India’s needs.

“As a significant minority shareholder of Air India, Singapore Airlines (SIA) is working closely with our partner Tata Sons to support Air India’s transformation programme. This includes providing our expertise and support to Air India where required,” a Singapore Airlines spokesperson said in a statement included in the agency report.

The company responded to questions sent by the news agency regarding funding for Air India. However, Singapore Airlines did not disclose any specific details regarding Air India’s operations and financial requirements.

Air India wants ₹10,000 crore support

According to a recent news Bloomberg According to the report, Air India has at least asked for support ₹10,000 crore from its owners, Tata Sons (the entity that owns all Tata Group companies) and Singapore Airlines.

People aware of the development told the news agency that Air India had sought funds to improve the airline’s systems and services while enhancing its in-house engineering and maintenance departments.

The report also emphasized that any financial support would be commensurate with ownership and that Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines would decide whether any financing would be provided through interest-free loans or equity.

According to the agency’s report, Tata Sons owns 74.9 percent of Air India, while the rest is owned by Singapore Airlines.

Air India’s Challenges

Air India is going through a headwind phase where the company is undertaking a transformation program while meeting its operational and financial obligations.

The company also witnessed one of the worst air crashes recently, when an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed from Ahmedabad to London, killing all 260 people on board.

Apart from headwinds from accidents and regulatory restrictions, the closure of Pakistani airspace is also causing the airline to use longer routes for its long-haul flights to Europe, increasing the company’s operating costs.

according to PTI The airline is expected to incur losses, the report said, citing Air India CEO Campbell Wilson. ₹4,000 crore due to closure of Pakistani airspace.

“I think the operative word for 2025 is uncertainty. Uncertainty in global trade policy, global stability and peace and politics. I think that has an impact on the demand environment,” Wilson said, according to the agency report.

Air India’s funding request follows earlier investments from Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines ₹9,558 crore in Air India in fiscal year 2024-25. Supporters also invested ₹4,306 crore in March 2025.