KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Airlines Bhd has partnered with British Airways via a codeshare arrangement to offer seamless one-stop air connectivity between Kuala Lumpur and several major cities in the United Kingdom (UK).
The national carrier said the agreement allows its customers to book seats on British Airways flights from London Heathrow to Aberdeen, Belfast, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester and Newcastle.
Bookings were opened on Wednesday (October 2), with the travelling period valid from October 9.
Malaysia Airlines group chief executive officer Captain Izham Ismail said the codeshare provides the airline an opportunity to expand its UK and European network without having to mount its own flights to the various cities there.
“This is part of our strategy to develop commercial cooperation with oneworld alliance members, besides enhancing air connectivity with key priority markets overseas for increased tourist arrivals into Malaysia,” he said in a statement.
Malaysia Airlines already offers connectivity between Malaysia and the UK with twice daily direct flights from London Heathrow to Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
Izham said Malaysia Airlines’s passengers will benefit from the increase of destination choices resulting from the carrier’s expanded partnership with British Airways.
All codeshare services will be marketed as Malaysia Airlines flights, thus simplifying ticketing to one document issued by the national carrier.
Subject to regulatory approval, Malaysia Airlines will also be codesharing with British Airways on European points namely Barcelona, Berlin, Copenhagen, Vienna, Brussels, Geneva, Hamburg, Lyon, Toulouse, Paris and Zurich.
Other connections on British Airways and Malaysia Airlines network will be enabled progressively in 2019/2020.
Meanwhile, British Airways passengers will be able to book Malaysia Airlines flights to 14 destinations the airline serves locally such as Langkawi, Penang and Bintulu, and nine cities in Australia, Cambodia, Indonesia, New Zealand and Vietnam.
“As one of the most affordable tourist destinations in the Asia Pacific region, we are confident that more tourists from other parts of the UK and Europe will use this codeshare and visit Malaysia and Asia Pacific, said Izham.
British Airways head of sales for Asia Pacific and Middle East Moran Birger said Malaysia is one of the airline’s key markets in Asia Pacific.
“We are delighted to strengthen our business relationship with Malaysia Airlines with an agreement that will provide seamless travel benefits and enhanced connectivity to our customers.
“British Airways Executive Club members will gain enhanced frequent flyer benefits and access to more destinations on their network in Malaysia,” he added.