KUALA LUMPUR/DOHA – Qatar Airways Cargo and Malaysia Airlines have launched a new cargo cooperation that promises to significantly enhance global freight connectivity. Officially beginning on October 1, 2024, the new partnership aims to leverage the combined networks and fleets of both airlines to streamline cargo transportation across key international routes. Since its inception, approximately 2,400 tons of cargo, including 600 tons of perishable goods and 130 tons of pharmaceutical products, have been successfully transported under the agreement.
As part of the cooperation, Qatar Airways Cargo now operates twice-weekly flights from Doha to Kuala Lumpur using its Boeing 777 freighters, which boosts the overall weekly cargo capacity by over 200 tons. Malaysia Airlines’ cargo division, Maskargo, complements this connection by using its Airbus A330 freighters to connect Kuala Lumpur with Sydney and Melbourne, offering an additional 75 tons of cargo capacity per week with a transfer time of just eight hours in Kuala Lumpur.
The agreement, formalized by a letter of intent signed in July 2024, marks a significant milestone for both carriers, as it expands their respective freight networks and enhances operational efficiency. Both Qatar Airways Cargo and Maskargo are members of the Oneworld alliance, which facilitates their seamless collaboration and strengthens the passenger network between the two airlines through codeshare agreements, providing access to over 62 destinations.
The new cooperation is expected to streamline cargo movement, especially for time-sensitive goods such as perishables and pharmaceuticals, offering faster transit times and more reliable capacity across the Asia-Pacific and Middle Eastern corridors. Qatar Airways Cargo’s Executive Vice President, Guillaume Lemoine, expressed optimism about the partnership, saying, “This cooperation significantly enhances our ability to offer customers reliable, fast, and efficient cargo services across a critical network of global trade routes.”
For Malaysia Airlines, the partnership is an opportunity to enhance its service offerings, particularly in key sectors like perishable goods and pharmaceuticals. Maskargo’s Chief Executive Officer, Ibrahim Mohamed, emphasized the strategic importance of the cooperation: “By combining our strengths with Qatar Airways Cargo, we are not only enhancing our capacity but also offering our customers more options and faster, more reliable services.”
Both airlines are looking to expand their reach in the highly competitive global cargo market, which has seen rising demand for fast, efficient freight solutions. By combining resources, they hope to capitalize on the growing trend of e-commerce and global trade while strengthening their position as key players in the logistics and transportation sector.
Looking forward, both Qatar Airways and Malaysia Airlines are committed to further enhancing their cargo operations and exploring new opportunities for growth in the air freight industry. The cooperation is expected to continue evolving as the two carriers adapt to the changing demands of the global supply chain and strive to meet the growing needs of their customers. (zai)
Photo: QATAR AIRWAYS