The cooperation between Malaysia Airlines (MAS) and Qatar Airways is gaining momentum with a new step in the connectivity of the two carriers' networks. Malaysia Airlines is launching a non-stop service between Kuala Lumpur and Doha from 25 May.. This will result in a closer network of connections and codeshare flights between the two partners. The densification of air routes between Qatar and Malaysia will enable passengers to travel all over the world and benefit from seamless connectivity via the two hubs of Kuala Lumpur and Doha.
MAS returns to Europe via Qatar Airways
The code-share extension, which adds 34 destinations to the existing 62, marks a new stage in the relationship between the national carriers of the two countries. which began in 2001. The agreement gives travellers access to a much wider combined network with a simplified travel experience for passengers. A single ticket will include check-in, boarding and baggage screening, frequent flyer benefits and access to world-class lounges throughout the journey.
From 25 May 2022, customers travelling on the new Malaysia Airlines from Kuala Lumpur to Doha will have access to 62 code-sharing destinations within the Qatar Airways to the Middle East, Africa, Europe and North America. In the early 2010s, MAS drastically reduced its intercontinental network, flying only to London with its own aircraft in Europe.
Similarly, Qatar Airways customers travelling from Doha to Kuala Lumpur will be able to join 34 Malaysia Airlines destinations, including its entire domestic network and key Asian markets such as Singapore, Seoul, Hong Kong and Ho Chi Minh City, subject to regulatory approval.
By linking the two road networks, the partners are striving to make Kuala Lumpur a leading aviation hub in the South East Asia regionQatar Airways and Malaysia Airlines will develop a new route network linking Malaysia, Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand to the Middle East, Europe, the Americas and Africa. In addition, Qatar Airways and Malaysia Airlines will exploit synergies across multiple business areas and develop innovative products for the benefit of their customers worldwide.
Greater service synergies
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Akbar Al Baker said: "We share a close and deep bond with Malaysia Airlines and welcome their new non-stop service between Kuala Lumpur and Doha. Through this strategic partnership, we are committed to offering greater choice and connectivity to our customers around the world. A new optimism is emerging in air travel and we expect a strong rebound in global demand. Through our dynamic partnership with Malaysia Airlines, we aim to provide unrivalled service and a superior travel experience for our customers."
Captain Izham Ismail, Group Managing Director of Malaysia Airlines, explained that "as we enter the endemic phase of covid-19, this strategic cooperation reflects the agility and resilience of our two companies in the face of the challenges of the pandemic. This partnership is timely in our efforts to boost air traffic and accelerate the recovery to pre-pandemic levels, while improving the visibility of our brand worldwide".
Enhanced cooperation will also include reciprocal loyalty benefits, enabling Qatar Airways Privilege Club members to earn and redeem Avios points when travelling on Malaysia Airlines flights. Privilege Club and Enrich members will also enjoy a wide range of other unique benefits, depending on their status, such as complimentary lounge access, additional baggage allowance, priority check-in, priority boarding and priority baggage delivery on Malaysia Airlines and Qatar Airways.
