KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Airlines, in partnership with AccessRail, has introduced 'MHrail', a service that combines rail and flight tickets.
This facilitates smooth transitions between trains and planes in Seoul and London, which makes it simpler for tourists to reserve connecting train tickets within a single itinerary.
Malaysia Airlines customers can also book Korail KTX train tickets for routes to and from Incheon International Airport in South Korea, it said in a statement.
Additionally, customers can book train tickets between London Heathrow in the United Kingdom and destinations along the East Coast via the London North Eastern Railway (LNER) and the West Coast with Avanti West Coast.
According to Malaysia Airlines, this expansion complements the existing rail route offered through this partnership on the Great Western Railway.
Tickets are available for purchase on Malaysia Airlines' official website and all global distribution systems (GDS) travel agencies.
Malaysia Airlines said that customers can also seamlessly connect to and from their international flights onto rail routes operated by these railways and various railways, facilitated by AccesRail's "9B" carrier code.
Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) chief commercial officer Dersenish Aresandiran said the group is delighted to offer customers more options on flight-to-rail connections, ensuring a hassle-free travel experience for all.
"With the introduction of our new MHrail product, we provide passengers with a seamless avenue to purchase both flight and train tickets, making it convenient for our guests to explore neighbouring cities and enjoy onward connections upon arrival in London or Seoul through a single itinerary and ticket," he added.
AccesRail, based in Montreal, has been operating for 25 years and enables consumers to book and purchase both air and rail travel on the same itinerary. It has a presence on all international GDS systems and partnerships with significant train operators in Europe, North America, and Asia.
According to Andrew Popescu, vice president of business development at AccesRail, Malaysia Airlines will be able to provide its customers with additional options and destinations in a more seamless manner going forward thanks to the agreement.
"AccesRail and Malaysia Airlines have worked together for many years with interline opportunities that have expanded the airline's route network.
"We are excited to be deepening our Malaysia Airlines-AccesRail cooperation and look forward to continuing with them on a global scale," he noted.