Qatar Airways Cargo and Maskargo, the cargo division of Malaysia Airlines, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enter joint cargo business operations.
Both carriers are oneworld partners and according to Qatar Airways the agreement will deliver an enhanced product offering to cargo customers and “help achieve operational synergies”.
The MoU follows an expanded codeshare agreement signed by Qatar Airways and Malaysia Airlines in 2022 to offer increased connectivity to passengers.
Under the MoU, MASkargo customers will have access to Qatar Airways Cargo network, while Qatar Airways Cargo customers will have access to the growing APAC market, which includes new destinations and additional capacity in existing stations.
The airlines will also be able to leverage its respective hubs, Hamad International Airport (DOH) and Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL), as strategic stops to serve the combined network.
Qatar Airways Cargo said that its growth strategies align with MASkargo. Qatar Airways Cargo has purchased 34 Boeing 777-8 freighter aircraft and has options for 16 more.
Meanwhile, Malaysia Airlines has obtained 20 new A330neo aircraft for passenger flights operations. The aircraft belly-hold capacity will be used for cargo purposes.
“Our new MoU with Malaysia Aviation Group is testament to our deepening relations with Malaysia and the integral APAC market,” Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer said in a statement.
“This strategic cooperation with our oneworld partner will serve to link our freighter and belly-hold networks with our cargo product offering and capacity, allowing us to further cement our relationship and foster the close links between our airlines,” Al-Meer added.