Malaysia Airlines and Japan Airlines have inked a memorandum of understanding for a joint business agreement that looks set to expand the scope of the two carriers’ partnership.
A joint press release states that the expanded cooperation will include “exchanging best practices”, and other areas such as cargo, and tourism development.
The proposal is still subject to regulatory approval, from the Malaysian Aviation Commission and Japan’s transport ministry. Both carriers did not indicate when that would take place, but said that they intend to start the joint business in 2020, in time for the Tokyo Olympics.
The inking of the agreement comes about a month after details of the carriers’ regulatory applications were reported.
Earlier in May, FlightGlobal reported that the proposed joint venture would allow the two carriers to co-ordinate schedules, capacity, sales and marketing and revenue planning on their passenger services between Japan and Malaysia.
It stated that the joint business will realise “significant” consumer and economic benefits, as well as efficiencies.
Cirium schedules data show that for the month of June, Malaysia Airlines is due to operate 47,160 seats between both countries. JAL, meanwhile, is due to operate 11,580 seats.
Source: Cirium Dashboard
