Malaysia Airlines and Japan Airlines pursue a joint business on flights between Malaysia and Japan　

The agreement is subject to regulatory approvals

Malaysia Airlines Berhad (MAB) and Japan Airlines (JAL) today announced that they have signed a memorandum of understanding to pursue a joint business agreement. The joint business ultimately aims to improve customer convenience by enhancing the quality of services provided by both carriers on flights between Malaysia and Japan.

In 2012, when MAB decided to join the oneworld alliance, the two airlines began offering codeshare flight operations between Japan and Malaysia. The joint business will mark a new chapter which will provide even more value to customers.

In addition to it, MAB and JAL will also seek to cooperate in a wider scope, such as exchanging best practices, exploring collaboration in other operational areas, such as cargo and jointly developing tourism in both Japanese and Malaysian markets.

Both MAB and JAL have already filed an application with MAVCOM and Japan`s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, seeking exemptions/immunity from antitrust laws. If approved, MAB and JAL will strive to deliver convenient travel options to customers with a comprehensive network throughout Malaysia and Japan.

Currently, Malaysia Airlines operates a 12 times weekly service and Japan Airlines operates a 7 times weekly service, representing a total 19 times weekly flights, between Kuala Lumpur to Tokyo. Malaysia Airlines also operates a daily service from Kuala Lumpur to Osaka and a 2 times weekly service from Kota Kinabalu to Tokyo. The agreement will open up both countries to incoming traffic from their respective markets.

Captain Izham Ismail, Group Chief Executive Officer of Malaysia Airlines said, "Japan Airlines has always had strong commercial links with the national carrier and we are delighted to have taken this next important step with our close oneworld partner. This partnership will provide better efficiencies and a more comprehensive network for our customers whilst also playing a key role in further strengthening trade ties between Malaysia and Japan, increasing tourism and promoting Kuala Lumpur International Airport as an air hub."

"The start of this joint business between Malaysia Airlines and Japan Airlines is an important milestone of our Long Term Business Plan which looks to explore more strategic opportunities as well as deepen more partnerships," added Captain Izham.

"We are delighted to announce our partnership with Malaysia Airlines as we look to bring more benefits, more choices, and more value to our customers. It is an honor to deepen the relationship with a partner that places hospitality at its core, where we look to provide a comfortable travel experience for our mutual customers. This partnership can potentially increase passenger traffic between the two countries and open up commercial opportunities," said Yuji Akasaka, president of Japan Airlines.

Subject to the relevant approvals, Malaysia Airlines and Japan Airlines intend to start the joint business in 2020.

JALとマレーシア航空、共同事業を目指すことに合意

～日本=マレーシア間のフライトがますます便利になります～

日本航空株式会社（本社：東京都品川区、代表取締役社長：赤坂 祐二、以下「JAL」）とマレーシア航空（本社：マレーシア クアラルンプール、代表取締役社長：Izham Ismail）は、お客さまの利便性とサービス向上を目的とした共同事業実施に向けた覚書を締結しました。

JALとマレーシア航空は、マレーシア航空がワンワールド加盟を決定した2012年より、日本とマレーシア両国間などでのコードシェア提携を開始しました。2019年5月現在、成田=クアラルンプール間においては、JALが週7便、マレーシア航空が週12便を運航しています。また、マレーシア航空は関西=クアラルンプール（週7便）、成田=コタキナバル（週2便）を運航しています。

両社の提携関係をさらに深化させる取り組みである共同事業により、お客さまによりよいサービスの提供が可能となります。加えて両社は、共同事業以外でもお互いの知見を共有し、貨物やその他周辺事業も含めた協力関係の構築を検討し、両国マーケットにおけるツーリズム振興に寄与していきたいと考えています。

両社はすでに、関係当局への独占禁止法の適用除外の申請を行っております。認可後は、日本とマレーシアの間でますます便利にご旅行いただけるよう、2020年までの共同事業の開始を目指します。

JALとマレーシア航空は、今後もお客さまにより多くの選択肢と、より満足のいただけるサービスをご提供出来るよう努めて参ります。

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