Malaysia Airlines and Turkish Airlines sealed a code share agreement that will provide the 2 airlines with an air bridge into their respective key markets.
Malaysia Airlines will have access into Turkey, Europe, Commonwealth of Independent States and North Africa while Turkish Airlines will gain access into Malaysia, Southeast Asia and Asia Pacific.
There will be 2 phases to this code share agreement; phase one will see Turkish Airlines code sharing on Malaysia Airlines’ flights between Kuala Lumpur and Istanbul. Malaysia Airlines connects to Istanbul via Dubai 2X weekly, on Tuesday and Friday.
“We are pleased to partner with Turkish Airlines to provide our passengers with convenient and seamless services. In addition, with the strong feeder traffic from Europe, Commonwealth of Independent States and North Africa into Istanbul, we can expect robust passenger and revenue growth,” said Malaysia Airlines Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Dato’ Sri Idris Jala.
Malaysia Airlines expects to offer 3X weekly direct flights from Istanbul by the end of this year.
“We are delighted to conclude a code-share arrangement with Malaysia Airlines. This is a testament to the growing relationship between Turkish Airlines and Malaysia Airlines, our new partner.
“We will make every effort to maximize the opportunities offered by our combined network. More importantly, customers are the ultimate winners, as they benefit from the extensive networks of both airlines linking both the two hubs, Istanbul and Kuala Lumpur, and beyond,” said Turkish Airlines Chief Executive Officer, Mr Temel Kotil.
In phase 2, Malaysia Airlines expects to code share on Turkish Airlines’ flights into the domestic points in Turkey, Europe, Commonwealth of Independent States and North Africa. ?
In return, Turkish Airlines will code share on Malaysia Airlines’ flights into domestic points in Malaysia, Southeast Asia and Asia Pacific.
The two airlines are also working out an arrangement for a reciprocal frequent flyer programme between Malaysia Airlines’ Enrich and Turkish Airlines’ Miles and Smiles.
To commemorate the signing ceremony, Malaysia Airlines is offering a promotional all inclusive return fare of RM2,274 from Kuala Lumpur to Istanbul until 30th June 2009.
