KELANA JAYA: Malaysia Airlines Bhd (MAB) is set to ferry over 70,000 pilgrims from four umrah tour operators for the umrah season beginning October 2018 until June 2019.
MAB group chief executive officer Captain Izham said the national airline is honoured to be selected once again as the preferred carrier to provide air charter services.
MAB today signed a one-year agreement with four umrah tour operators KRS Travel Sdn Bhd (KRS), ATS Global Travel & Charter (ATS), Ecoriths Leisure Travel & Tour (Ecoriths) and Rayhar Travels Sdn Bhd (Rayhar).
“This agreement is the largest in terms of passenger volume for umrah charter services, which underlines our position as the carrier of choice in servicing the umrah market sector,” he told a press conference after signing the agreement with four operators, today.
He added the pilgrims' travel experience has always been a great focus and the airline would work hard to ensure pilgrims' safety, comfort and convenience during their journey to the Holy Land.
“We continue to strive to enhance our services, facilities and operational efficiency in line with our promise of true Malaysian hospitality,” he said.
Under the one-year agreement for the umrah charter service, Izham said MAB would deploy its superjumbo Airbus A380-800 with a total of 149 flights.
“The agreement represents the highest number of scheduled flights for the umrah season to date for the MAB's charter unit,” he said, adding that not only from Malaysian pilgrims but also neighbouring country such as Indonesia.
Representing the group of four umrah tour operators, KRS chief executive officer Mohamed Ssunaibari said the company value MAB's commitment in providing superior and reliable services for umrah pilgrims.
“This agreement is a continuation of the existing cooperation between these four companies and MAB that started since 2012.
“It is also a testament to our faith in the excellent service provided to ensure the well-being of pilgrims throughout their journey,” he said.
Signing on behalf of the umrah tour operators include Mohammed, ATS chief executive officer Azizie Othman, Ecoriths chief executive officer Datuk Rithsman Mohammed and Rayhar executive director Zakaria Ahammu, while MAB was represented by Izham and Project AMAL senior member, Hazman Hilmi Sallahuddin.
The signing ceremony was also graced by the Transport Deputy Minister Datuk Kamaruddin Jaafar.