Singapore Airlines has joined hands with India's Tata Sons to start a new full-service airline in New Delhi.

In a major announcment on Thursday evening, SIA said the parties have signed a Memorandum of Understanding and applied for approval from authorities in India.

Subject to approval, the airline will be 51 per cent owned by Tata Sons and 49 per cent by SIA.

"We have always been a strong believer in the growth potential of India's aviation sector and are excited about the opportunity to partner Tata Sons in contributing to the future expansion of the market," said SIA's chief executive officer, Goh Choon Phong.