Qatar Airways and MASkargo Collaborate for Joint Cargo Business Operations
Qatar Airways Group and Malaysia Aviation Group have taken their long-standing partnership to the next level by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Qatar Airways Cargo and MASkargo. This collaboration aims to provide an improved product offering to cargo customers and generate operational synergies. The MoU builds upon the expanded codeshare agreement signed in 2022 between Qatar Airways and Malaysia Airlines, enhancing connectivity for passengers.
Through this strategic joint cargo business agreement, both cargo airlines will capitalize on each other’s network strengths and fleet capacity to enhance their cargo services. MASkargo customers will benefit from access to Qatar Airways Cargo’s extensive global network, while Qatar Airways Cargo customers will gain access to the growing APAC market, including new destinations and increased capacity in existing stations.
Moreover, the airlines will utilize both hubs, Hamad International Airport (DOH) and Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL), as strategic stopovers to better serve their combined network. This partnership is further supported by Qatar Airways Cargo’s planned expansion of handling capabilities at its new Cargo Terminal in Doha.
In line with their growth strategies, Qatar Airways Cargo has made a substantial investment as the launch customer of the Boeing 777-8 freighter, acquiring 34 aircraft with options for 16 more. On the other hand, Malaysia Airlines has acquired 20 new A330neo aircraft for passenger flights, utilizing the belly-hold capacity for cargo transportation.
Engr. Badr Mohammed Al Meer, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, expressed, “Our new MoU with Malaysia Aviation Group underscores our deepening relations with Malaysia and the vital APAC market. This strategic collaboration with our oneworld partner will facilitate the connection of our freighter and belly-hold networks, enhancing our cargo services and capacity, and strengthening the relationship between our airlines.”
Captain Izham Ismail, Group Managing Director of Malaysia Aviation Group, added, “The expansion of our partnership with Qatar Airways Cargo is a significant milestone for MASkargo. This collaboration will not only improve our product offering and operational capabilities but also reinforce our presence in the global cargo market.”
Qatar Airways and Malaysia Airlines have been cooperating through codeshare agreements since 2004, and the partnership has grown significantly over the years. Currently, the codeshare network covers 62 destinations in Malaysia, South East Asia, Australia, New Zealand, the Middle East, Europe, the Americas, and Africa.
The strategic MoU signed in 2022 between Qatar Airways and Malaysia Airlines aimed to enhance the passenger airline partnership, offering passengers a wider choice of flights, expanded destinations, and increased flexibility. This ongoing collaboration between the two airlines demonstrates their commitment to providing seamless travel experiences for passengers and efficient cargo services for customers.