China Southern Airlines and Malaysia Airlines have announced that they are expanding their codeshare flights, with the aim of strengthening connectivity and enabling more diversified travel options between the two countries.
In a press release, Malaysia Airlines said the codeshare flights include Guangzhou-Penang (CAN-PEN), Kuala Lumpur-Beijing Daxing (KUL-PKX) and Kuala Lumpur-Shanghai Pudong (KUL-PVG), beginning July 10, 2024.
China Southern Airlines said it endeavors to increase its capacity in the Malaysian market to 73 flights per week.
“Under the framework of the Belt and Road initiative, China Southern Airlines will continue to leverage its network advantages to explore new opportunities with Malaysia Airlines, and deepen our cooperation in more fields,” said Zhang Dongsheng, Deputy Director General of the Commercial Steering Committee and Senior Vice President of the Marketing Division at China Southern Airlines.
The Belt and Road initiative (BRI) is China’s plan to develop new trade routes connecting China with the rest of the world.
Meanwhile, Malaysia Airlines currently operates 54 weekly flights to China, covering Guangzhou (CAN), Shanghai Pudong (PVG), Beijing Daxing (PKX) and Xiamen (XMN).
“The new codeshare flights are especially beneficial with the current visa-free policy for Malaysian & Chinese travelers to travel between the two countries, making it easier than ever to discover and appreciate the rich cultures and attractions they have to offer,” said Ahmad Luqman Mohd Azmi, Chief Executive Officer of Airlines at Malaysia Aviation Group.