Qatar Airways and Malaysia Airlines are expanding a codeshare pact as the Asian carrier starts flying between Kuala Lumpur and Doha.
The non-stop service starts on May 25, triggering the next phase of a long-term strategic partnership between the two Oneworld alliance carriers.
The codeshare expansion adds 34 destinations to 62 already served jointly as part of the co-operation.
Passengers using Malaysia Airlines’ new Kuala Lumpur-Doha service will have access to 62 codeshare destinations within Qatar Airways’ network to the Middle East, Africa, Europe and North America.
At the same time, travellers using Qatar Airways from Doha to Kuala Lumpur can connect to 34 destinations within Malaysia Airlines’ network including domestic flights and other key markets in Asia such as Singapore, Seoul, Hong Kong and Ho Chi Minh City, subject to government approval.
The two partners are bidding to develop Kuala Lumpur as a leading aviation hub in south-east Asia, connecting Malaysia, Australia and New Zealand with the Middle East, Europe, the Americas and Africa.
Qatar Airways and Malaysia Airlines plans to “leverage synergies” across multiple business areas and develop innovative products to benefit their customers worldwide.
The enhanced partnership will also include reciprocal loyalty benefits.
The two airlines have been in a strategic partnership since 2001.
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 our home in Doha, Hamad International Airport.
“With this strategic partnership, we are committed to delivering greater choice and connectivity to our customers around the world.
“We are experiencing a new optimism in air travel and expect a strong rebound in global demand. With our dynamic partnership with Malaysia Airlines, we are aiming to provide unparalleled service and a superior travel experience for our customers.”
His Malaysia Airlines counterpart Izham Ismail said: “As we move into the endemic phase, this strategic co-operation shows both carriers’ commitment to offering an unrivalled range of value-added services to passengers and reflects the agility and resilience in facing the pandemic challenges.
“This partnership is opportune in our efforts to boost air traffic and expedite recovery to pre-pandemic levels, while also enhancing our global brand visibility.”