Malaysia Airlines Bhd (MAB) and Japan Airlines (JAL) announced that they have signed a memorandum of understanding to pursue a joint business agreement. The partnership is aimed to enhance customer convenience by improving the quality of services provided by both carriers on flights between Malaysia and Japan. MAB group chief executive officer Captain Izham Ismail said JAL has always had strong commercial links with MAB together with one world alliance.
He also stated that the partnership with JAL will provide better efficiencies and a more comprehensive network for their customers and playing a key role in further strengthening trade bonds between Malaysia and Japan, increasing tourism as well as promoting Kuala Lumpur International Airport as an air hub at the same time.
Captain Izham added that the partnership would be an essential milestone of the airline’s long-term business plan, while exploring more strategic opportunities and deepen more partnerships.
JAL president Yuji Akasaka said the partnership with MAB would bring more benefits, choices and values to its customers. He added that this partnership can potentially increase passenger traffic between the two countries and create commercial opportunities.
The joint business will also mark a new chapter for both airlines provide even more value to their customers by cooperating in a wider scope.
This includes exchanging best practices, exploring collaboration in other operational areas such as cargo and developing jointly tourism in both Japanese and Malaysian markets.
The two airlines began offering codeshare flight operations between Japan and Malaysia since 2012, when MAB decided to join the one world alliance.
Both MAB and JAL have already filed an application with the Malaysian Aviation Commission (MAVCOM) and Japan`s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, seeking exemptions or immunity from antitrust laws.
If approved, MAB and JAL will strive to deliver convenient travel options to customers with a comprehensive network throughout Malaysia and Japan.
Subject to the relevant approvals, MAB and JAL intend to start the joint business in 2020 to coincide with the Tokyo Olympics.
Currently, Malaysia Airlines operates a 12 times weekly service and Japan Airlines operates a seven times weekly service, representing a total 19 times weekly flights, between Kuala Lumpur to Tokyo. MAB also operates a daily service from Kuala Lumpur to Osaka and a two times weekly service from Kota Kinabalu to Tokyo.
The agreement will create both countries to incoming traffic from their respective markets.
Source: www.nst.com.my
