Qatar Airways Cargo announced on Tuesday the launch of a new strategic partnership with MASkargo, a cargo carrier subsidiary of Malaysia Aviation Group. The partnership, inaugurated by Qatar Airways Cargo Chief Officer Cargo, Mark Drusch, and MASkargo CEO, Mark Jason Thomas, marks a significant milestone in enhancing global cargo connectivity and operational efficiency.

The partnership, which officially began on October 1, has already seen the movement of approximately 2,400 tonnes of cargo, including over 600 tonnes of perishables and 130 tonnes of pharmaceuticals. Qatar Airways Cargo’s B-777 aircraft now fly from Doha to Kuala Lumpur twice a week, increasing weekly cargo capacity by over 200 tonnes. The strategic partnership will further strengthen connectivity and efficiency to Sydney and Melbourne with MASkargo’s A-330 freighters carrying more than 75 tonnes of weekly cargo capacity to these cities, with rapid connection times of just 8 hours in Kuala Lumpur. The strategic hubs of Hamad International Airport and Kuala Lumpur International Airport will play a key role, providing seamless connections and state-of-the-art handling facilities.

The agreement benefits both parties, allowing MASkargo to access key points in Europe, GCC, Levant and Africa, while Qatar Airways Cargo gains greater access to capacity to Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia and Northeast Asia. It also supports the local Kuala Lumpur market by enabling export of products to more global markets.

The collaboration between Qatar Airways and Malaysia Airlines extends beyond cargo. As members of the oneworld alliance, they both have a strong partnership on the passenger side as well. The codeshare agreement, which includes 62 destinations in Malaysia, Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand, the Middle East, Europe, the Americas and Africa, exemplifies their commitment to providing seamless travel experiences. The strategic MoU signed in 2022 further strengthens this partnership, facilitating an increase in flight options and destinations for passengers.