Malaysia Airlines has continued its turnaround drive after signing a deal to expand its partnership with Emirates.
The two airlines have signed a codeshare agreement that will see Malaysia add its code on flights of Emirates to Europe, Middle East, Africa and the Americas. In return, Emirates will add its code on flights to domestic routes in Malaysia, and across the Asia Pacific region.
The deal will also mean Malaysia can abandon certain loss-making routes as well as doubling the amount of destinations it can offer.
Earlier this year Malaysia was declared “technically bankrupt” with the airline being hit by two tragic events – disappearance of MH370 and the shooting down of MH17 over Ukraine. A complete restructure and 6,000 job losses were announced.
Malaysia CEO Christoph Mueller, who joined the company from Aer Lingus seven months ago, told Reuters the deal would allow it to stop flying to Amsterdam and Paris with its own aircraft and instead book customers onto flights operated by Emirates.
It is yet to be confirmed what carrier will now operate the Amsterdam and Paris routes, however it seems likely that Malaysia’s Paris – Kuala Lumpur route will be operated by Emirates via Dubai from early 2016.
The plan is also for Emirates to operate the Amsterdam route again via Dubai, however discussions are being held with KLM about a possible codeshare on this route.
“The strategic partnership paves the path towards an integrated customer proposition offering for both airlines,” said Mueller.
“The improved connectivity will enable Malaysia Airlines customers to reach up to 38 destinations in Europe on a daily and even double daily basis for key European cities such as Zurich, Rome, Munich, Frankfurt, Madrid, and Barcelona.
“This partnership gives our customers access to a dramatically expanded range of travel options. It is a great way for customers to travel seamlessly to major cities across the world,” he said.
The codeshare will be implemented progressively throughout 2016 subject to regulatory approvals.