Qatar Airways Cargo has launched a new freighter service between Doha and Kuala Lumpur as part of its previously announced tie-up with MASkargo.

The new service operates twice per week using one of the Doha-hubbed carrier’s Boeing 777 freighters, with the first flight having taking place last month.

In turn, MASkargo is operating its Airbus A330 freighters to Sydney and Melbourne offering 75 tonnes of weekly cargo capacity to the two cities. The connection time in Kuala Lumpur is eight hours.

The carriers are also sharing capacity on other flights. The partnership was first announced in July of this year.

“The agreement benefits both parties, allowing MASkargo to access key points in Europe, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Levant and Africa, while Qatar Cargo gains increased capacity access to Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia and North East Asia,” the two partners said. “It also supports the local market in Kuala Lumpur by enabling the export of products to more global markets.”

The partnership is the result of a move by Qatar Airways Group and Malaysia Aviation Group to further their relationship as Oneworld alliance partners with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two airline group’s cargo arms.

Chief officer cargo at 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. We are excited about the opportunities this collaboration brings and remain committed to setting the standard for excellence in the air cargo industry.”

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.”

MASkargo and Qatar Cargo share networks and capacity