Malaysia Airlines and Japan Airlines enter new partnership

National carriers Malaysia Airlines (MAB) and Japan Airlines (JAL) will enter a joint business partnership on 25 July cooperating on commercially on flights between Malaysia and Japan. This initiative is said to enable the two airlines to enhance capabilities and leverage on each other’s strengths, combining JAL’s service and offerings with MAB’s hospitality. Meanwhile, according to the press release, both airlines have adjusted to the “new normal” with modifications to offerings on ground and onboard as well as processes and procedures from check-in, boarding and arrival to uphold safety and health standards.

Under this joint business, MAB and JAL aim to further enhance convenience between Japan and Malaysia and allow customers to benefit from more flight choices. With MAB resuming flights to Japan starting July, MAB and JAL combined will offer four weekly services between Kuala Lumpur to Tokyo Narita in July and August.

Izham Ismail, group CEO of MAB said the company looked forward to the bilateral discussions between the governments of Malaysia and Japan to establish a travel bubble between the two countries, which would ease restrictions for cross-border travel. “MAB being the country’s national airline and JAL, play a crucial role in reviving the economy and we are confident that this synergy will facilitate commerce, trade, and boost tourism for both countries,” Ismail added.

Yuji Akasaka, president of JAL said the launch of this business partnership in unprecedented times had allowed both airlines to ensure the highest standards of safety and hygiene were in place from the onset for the mutual customers’ peace of mind. “With hospitality in mind, we are confident that customers will delight in the in-flight experience and enjoy convenient flight schedules and seamless services,” Akasaka added.

This is not the first time MAB and JAL have entered a business partnership. Just last year, the national carriers inked a deal to offer codeshare flight operations between Malaysia and Japan, aiming to improve customer convenience by enhancing the quality of services provided by both carriers on flights. Under this partnership, both airlines sought to cooperate in a wider scope, such as exchanging best practices, exploring collaboration in other operational areas such as cargo and developing jointly tourism in both the Malaysian and Japanese markets.

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