Few careers come with the pride of working for your nation’s flag carrier. At Singapore Airlines, a brand synonymous with excellence, Lee Yi Shan and Isaac Tan represent the dedication behind every flight that carries Singapore’s reputation across the globe.

Yi Shan, a Senior Executive in Crew Planning, keeps daily operations running smoothly, coordinating schedules and ensuring teams work seamlessly behind the scenes. Isaac, an Executive in Partnerships and International Relations, drives international collaborations and manages critical global partnerships. Together, they play vital roles passengers rarely see but always rely on.

We spoke with the duo to hear how they’ve built their careers at SIA and the insights they’ve gained along the way.

Can you tell us how your journey with SIA began?

Yi Shan: My broader interest was in tourism and connecting people and cultures, and I have always regarded SIA as the epitome of a successful brand and a cornerstone of Singapore’s tourism success. When the scholarship opportunity came, it felt like a great chance to contribute meaningfully to a brand I’ve admired.

Isaac: My grandfather was a pilot with SIA and one of my earliest role models. Growing up, I spent hours at Changi Airport’s viewing galleries or sketching aircraft from the SilverKris magazine’s ‘Fleet’ page. Over time, my appreciation for aviation’s role in connecting cultures and my respect for SIA’s standards of excellence have only deepened. Choosing a career in the airline industry has brought me full circle to a childhood passion that has never faded.

How did your scholarships open doors for you and help you grow?

Yi Shan: The scholarship gave me the freedom to focus on my education and extra-curricular enrichments while also providing opportunities through internships. The exposure to the aviation industry through internships and engagement sessions bridged what I learnt in school to real-world applications — like understanding how international relations affect air travel demand and restrictions, as well as the downstream effects of airspace constraints.

Isaac: The scholarship allowed me to study abroad in an international environment while staying anchored to a clear sense of purpose in Singapore. In many ways, it let me explore the world without losing sight of home. Maintaining a global outlook while keeping a strong local identity reflects the very essence of the airline industry and continues to shape the way I approach my work today.

Isaac, you got your first taste of SIA through internships, how was that?

I had two internships at SIA during my undergraduate days, the first at Kris+ and the second at the Global and Corporate Sales Department (GCSD). Both experiences were quite different due to their specific functions within the company. However, both internships were undergirded by SIA’s warm and open working culture. My colleagues were forthcoming whenever I asked for help or advice, and my managers checked in regularly. These internships were valuable as they exposed me to unique aspects of the airline business, such as loyalty marketing and global sales operations.

That sounds like a great start! Tell us about your current roles at SIA.

Yi Shan: There is always a good mix of both short-term and longterm planning that keeps us busy. In Integrated Crew Ops and Planning (ICOP), we constantly update our plans based on the latest network and operational changes. This includes manpower planning for network changes, delivery and maintenance schedules for various fleet types. We work closely with rostering teams, overseas stations, and the respective aircraft fleet team to ensure that we can adapt to new plans smoothly.

Isaac: On the International Relations front, I oversee aeropolitical matters relating to Europe and the Americas and engage with stakeholders from the Singapore Aviation Ecosystem. On the Partnerships front, I manage SIA’s partnership with Malaysia Airlines.

There isn’t exactly a ‘typical day’ in my role as an executive. The landscape is very dynamic, and we handle a broad range of matters throughout the year. Exposure to many different issues, both on a micro and macro level, ensures that there is never a dull day at work. Each day presents a new opportunity to learn and sharpen my skills as an airline professional.

Isaac, what’s something you’ve come to realise through your work at SIA?

Teamwork is essential in my department. When unexpected situations arise, collaborating with colleagues lets us quickly pool experience and knowledge to determine the best course of action. SIA’s open and collaborative work culture makes this process run smoothly, even during critical times.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned from managing crew schedules on such a large scale, Yi Shan?

One of my biggest takeaways is the importance of thinking ahead and planning for contingencies. Even with detailed plans, unexpected challenges will arise. Anticipating them helps us shorten reaction time and prepare resources to support alternative plans, keeping us agile.

What makes you feel proud to be part of SIA, Isaac?

Few have the privilege of working for our nation’s flag carrier. Whenever I mention my occupation to friends and relatives, I am often met with curiosity and admiration. They usually remark on the company’s reputation for excellence and tell me that SIA is a great place to grow as a professional. My own experience has affirmed this. The learning curve is steep, but I’m proud to be part of an organisation that continually challenges and develops its people while upholding world-class standards.

How have you grown through your journey with SIA?

Yi Shan: In my time here, I’ve had the chance to work on several key initiatives. One example is the mixed flying scheme that allows a pilot to operate both passenger and freighter aircraft, enhancing operational efficiencies. I also worked with the Integrator team to manage our freighter business with DHL and understand the operational concerns of DHL as a major logistics company. These projects were not only rewarding, but also strengthened my strategic thinking and communication skills.

Isaac: During my time at SIA, my superiors have been patient and forthcoming in their mentorship. I particularly appreciate the times that I’ve been placed on projects that adopt a more strategic outlook. These projects have given me the chance to sharpen my understanding of the industry and the broader company strategy.

Finally, what would you say to those keen on pursuing a career at SIA, Yi Shan?

Keep an open mind and stay curious about the various facets of the organisation. There are many components in this well-oiled machine — a curious outlook and humble attitude will help you absorb all the knowledge the organisation has to offer.