Malaysia Airlines Celebrates First Year of Joint Business Partnership with Japan Airlines

KLIA, 18 July 2021: Malaysia Airlines and Japan Airlines celebrate the first anniversary of their joint business partnership, reaffirming the relationship between both carriers by flying 44 Malaysian Olympic contingents and officials to Tokyo 2020 on 17 July via flight MH9118 operated by Japan Airlines.

The two airlines entered into the partnership to provide customers additional flight choices and larger network with the flexibility to choose flight schedules to suit their travel needs as well as an enhanced frequent flyer program.

Over the last year, customers could perform check-in procedures through online or check for flight status on both airlines' websites, offering greater convenience to customers' experience.

To celebrate the anniversary, both carriers have collaborated to ensure safe travel for the Malaysian athletes by providing a seamless and touchless end-to-end experience with dedicated lanes arranged for check-in and boarding processes to ensure they are fully protected throughout their journey. These special arrangements are in addition to the existing high standards in aircraft safety and hygiene procedures that are in place to protect their passengers and employees.

As show of support and to flag-off the Malaysian athletes, Malaysia’ Prime Minister, Tan Sri Dato’ Haji Muhyiddin Bin Hj Muhammad Yassin, Minister of Youth and Sports, Dato' Sri Reezal Merican Naina Merican and Group Chief Executive Officer of Malaysia Airlines, Captain Izham Ismail, were present at KL International Airport.

Group Chief Executive Officer of Malaysia Aviation Group, Captain Izham Ismail, said, "This year marks the first anniversary of our joint business partnership and long-standing relationship with Japan Airlines, and we are pleased to celebrate the collaboration with Japan Airlines flying our national heroes to the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020.

As part of Malaysia Airlines’ Long-Term Business Plan, we commenced the Joint Business with Japan Airlines in July 2020, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the challenges, the joint business strategy has provided advantages to both airlines, leveraging on each other’s strengths to provide better connectivity and facilitating trade between the two countries. We believe the partnership will help rebuild traffic, boost the recovery and resume frequencies back to pre-pandemic level.

Malaysia Airlines and Japan Airlines are committed to upholding the highest standards in aircraft safety and hygiene procedures to ensure safer travel for the national athletes so they can fly confidently and be at ease to perform during the games, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic season,” added Captain Izham.