Qatar Airways Cargo today (Nov 19, 2024) announced the launch of a new partnership with MASkargo, the cargo airline and subsidiary of Malaysia Aviation Group, under which QR Cargo now operates Boeing 777 freighter flights twice a week between Doha and Kuala Lumpur.

The new flights, operated on Tuesdays & Fridays from Doha and on Tuesdays & Saturdays from Kuala Lumpur, have increased Qatar Airways Cargo’s weekly cargo capacity by over 200 tonnes on both routes. Qatar Airways already operates two daily B777 passenger flights to Kuala Lumpur with an average cargo capacity of 20 tonnes per aircraft, while Malaysia Airlines also operates two daily flights with A350 and A330 aircraft which bring in 16 to 18 tonnes of capacity per aircraft.

The collaboration, which officially began on 1 October 2024, has already seen the movement of over 2,400 tonnes of cargo, including over 600 tonnes of perishables and 130 tonnes of pharmaceuticals.

The agreement allows MASkargo to access Europe, GCC, Levant and Africa, while Qatar Airways Cargo gains increased capacity access to Australia, New Zealand, South East Asia and North East Asia. It also supports the local market in Kuala Lumpur by enabling the export of products to more global markets.

“The partnership will further solidify connectivity and efficiency to Sydney and Melbourne with MASkargo Airbus A330 freighters carrying more than 75 tonnes of weekly cargo capacity to these cities, with a swift connection time of just 8 hours in Kuala Lumpur,” the release reads.

Chief Officer Cargo of Qatar Airways Cargo, Mark Drusch, said, “By combining our strengths, we are able to offer our customers enhanced connectivity and efficiency, ensuring their products reach global markets in optimal condition.”

MASkargo Chief Executive Officer, Mark Jason Thomas, added: “With this partnership, MASkargo is now better positioned than ever to serve as a bridge between South East Asia and key international destinations. This alliance with Qatar Airways Cargo strengthens our infrastructure and capacity, empowering us to support the regional economy and facilitate the movement of high-demand goods to a larger global market, furthermore, setting new standards in cargo transportation”

In July 2024, Qatar Airways Cargo and MASkargo signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deliver an enhanced product offering to cargo customers and achieve operational synergies.

The collaboration between Qatar Airways and Malaysia Airlines extends beyond cargo. As members of the oneworld alliance, both airlines have a strong partnership on the passenger side as well. The codeshare agreement, which includes 62 destinations across Malaysia, South East Asia, Australia, New Zealand, the Middle East, Europe, the Americas, and Africa, exemplifies their commitment to providing seamless travel experiences.

The release also reads, “The strategic hubs at Hamad International Airport (DOH) and Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) will play a pivotal role, providing seamless connections and state-of-the-art handling facilities.”