Which airline was created in 1972 when Malaysia-Singapore Airlines split into two national carriers?

Singapore Airlines was created in 1972 when Malaysia-Singapore Airlines split into separate national carriers. The other successor became Malaysian Airline System, later known as Malaysia Airlines.

Malaysia-Singapore Airlines itself had operated since 1966, after the separation of Malaysia and Singapore. Political and economic differences eventually led to the division of the company. Singapore Airlines retained the international routes and much of the former carrier’s overseas identity, while Malaysia Airlines focused on Malaysia’s national network.

Singapore Airlines later developed a strong reputation for long-haul service, cabin products, and fleet modernization. The split is sometimes confused with the founding of Singapore’s earlier Malayan Airways, which began in 1947. Those earlier companies form part of the airline’s history, but 1972 is the key year for the modern Singapore Airlines brand.