Malaysia Airlines joins oneworld, seals new codeshare agreement

Malaysia Airlines (MAS) officially joined the ranks of the oneworld alliance last week, and has started getting cosy with fellow alliance member American Airlines through a new codeshare agreement.


MAS, which operates flights to more than 60 destinations in almost 30 countries, will expand the alliance’s network in South-east Asia.

The airline’s group CEO Ahmad Jauhari Yahya said: “Oneworld enables its member airlines to deliver more services and benefits to their customers – particularly frequent flyers – than any airline can on its own. For MAS, joining the alliance will strengthen its competitiveness, enabling it to offer customers an unrivalled alliance global network served by the highest quality partners from each of the world’s key regions.”

Members of MAS’s Enrich frequent flyer programme will be able to earn and redeem reward points when travelling with any member airline. Enrich Platinum and Gold members can also make use of the 550 airport lounges worldwide offered by member airlines.

At the same time, through a codeshare agreement with fellow oneworld alliance member, American Airlines, MAS will extend its reach into the US. American Airlines also stands to benefit from new growth opportunities in South-east Asia.

Following government approvals, MAS will place American Airlines’ code on non-stop flights between Kuala Lumpur and its South-east Asian destinations, as well as flights to European cities such as Paris and London.

Bookings for codeshare flights will begin as early as February 24 for travel beginning March 1, according to a press statement from American Airlines.

Meanwhile, in a bid to celebrate MAS’ entry to the alliance, American Airlines is offering members of its AAdvantage programme double miles whenever they fly an eligible fare on the Asian carrier between February 15 and April 15 this year.
-TTG Asia.
www.malaysiaairlines.com