MALAYSIA Airlines (MAS) is scheduled to join the oneworld alliance in late 2012.
“With the world airline industry increasingly focused on alliances, we have carried out careful analysis of the global airline groups, and oneworld is clearly the best option for us,” said MAS’ managing director and CEO, Tengku Azmil Aziz, adding that the alliance would “allow (MAS) to fast-track (its) own expansion plans”.
MAS already code-shares with oneworld partners Cathay Pacific and Royal Jordanian, and will be expanding bilateral links with other oneworld member airlines.
Aside from tapping into the alliance’s global coverage of almost 950 destinations in 150 countries, MAS will also integrate its Enrich frequent flyer programme with those of the alliance’s other member airlines.
Malaysian Association of Tour & Travel Agent chairman, Mohd Khalid Harun, said: “This is a great strategy that will directly benefit both ticketing and inbound travel agents, as well as enhance the viability of MAS’ hubs in Malaysia.”
“The Malaysian government should now focus on making MAS a more competitive and reliable airline, by benchmarking its product and services against other quality airlines,” he added.
