SIA cuts WPP agencies from shortlist

SINGAPORE - Singapore Airlines has selected Publicis, and Omnicom's TBWA and DDB to compete in the final round for the airline's S$100 million (US$60 million) creative business, dealing a major blow to the three WPP agencies involved in the review - 34-year incumbent Batey, Y&R and the newly-created Bates-Ogilvy unit, Gold.

The future of the once iconic creative shop Batey, which was founded in 1972 to handle the SIA business, is now uncertain. Alan Fairington, Batey CEO, admitted to Media last year: “If SIA disappeared today, then Batey would be consumed by another WPP company.”

A statement from Singapore Airlines said: "(SIA) also wishes to thank Batey for its partnership and contribution to the development and growth of the airline's brand over the years."

It also confirmed that a further round of evaluation involving the three shortlisted agencies would be held, and the company reiterated that the Singapore Girl icon would remain as an integral part of the brand. 

Other agencies cut from the final shortlist include Saatchi & Saatchi and Leo Burnett.

Agencies were informed in person this afternoon by SIA. The review process is being managed by R3.