Malaysia Airlines Berhad (MAB) and Japan Airlines (JAL) have signed a memorandum of understanding to pursue a joint business agreement.
The two airlines have worked together for many years, in 2012, when MAB decided to join the one world alliance, the two airlines began offering codeshare flight operations between Japan and Malaysia.
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/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.
Currently, Malaysia Airlines operates a 12-times weekly service and Japan Airlines operates a 7-times weekly service, representing a total 19-times weekly flights, between Kuala Lumpur to Tokyo.
Malaysia Airlines also operates a daily service from Kuala Lumpur to Osaka and a two times weekly service from Kota Kinabalu to Tokyo. The agreement will open up both countries to incoming traffic from their respective markets.
Captain Izham Ismail, group chief executive officer of Malaysia Airlines said, "Japan Airlines has always had strong commercial links with the national carrier and we are delighted to have taken this next important step with our close oneworld partner. This partnership will provide better efficiencies and a more comprehensive network for our customers whilst also playing a key role in further strengthening trade ties between Malaysia and Japan, increasing tourism and promoting Kuala Lumpur International Airport as an air hub.”
“The start of this joint business between Malaysia Airlines and Japan Airlines is an important milestone of our Long Term Business Plan which looks to explore more strategic opportunities as well as deepen more partnerships,” added Izham.
Subject to the relevant approvals, Malaysia Airlines and Japan Airlines intend to start the joint business in 2020 to coincide with the Tokyo Olympics.