Malaysia Airlines signs strategic cooperation With HNA Group
22-Oct-2009 Malaysia Airline System Berhad (MAS) and Hainan Airlines Group (HNA) today signed a strategic cooperation framework, signifying the strengthening of their business relationship. This, in turn, will lead to a better resource sharing, multi-hub airline network and expedite the international development progress.
The collaboration will also enable its cargo arm, Malaysia Airlines Cargo Sdn. Bhd (MASkargo), access to HNA Group's strong global network, increase its market share and thus allow the national cargo carrier to have a wider presence worldwide.
The agreement was signed by Tengku Dato' Azmil Zahruddin, Managing Director Malaysia Airlines and Mr. Tan Xiangdong, Director of Board, HNA Group & Executive Chairman of HNA Industrial Co., Ltd, witnessed by Shahari Sulaiman, Managing Director of MASkargo and Mr. Chen Ming, Vice President & Marketing Director of Hainan Airlines Co., Ltd.
In his speech, Tengku Dato' Azmil Zahruddin said, "Through this partnership, we are looking to provide our passengers and cargo with improved connectivity to domestic destinations in China and increase feeder traffic from the Chinese domestic points to our international services. This mutually rewarding partnership will combine excellent service with world-class operations and augurs well for our customers who will enjoy more flight connectivity and trade lanes".
"MASkargo hopes to expand the logistics growth in Malaysia by exploring new markets and venturing into various businesses which have not been tapped into by other carriers and would like to see how the joint venture can help us continue to provide world class high value services at competitive rates to maintain our position as one of Asia's top three air cargo carriers", he added.
Meanwhile, Mr. Tan Xiangdong, Director of Board, HNA Group & Executive Chairman of HNA Industrial Co. Ltd. Said, "Hainan Airlines Group, as China's fourth largest airline group, pursues to create a world-class enterprise of the Chinese nation and world-class brand. Before the outbreak of the financial crisis, it has been carrying out a series of changes in response to market conditions, and adjusting management structure in order to ensure a normal businesses operation. Today, by signing a strategic cooperation framework agreement, Hainan Airlines and Malaysia Airlines jointly formed a strategic partnership to jointly develop the Asia-Pacific as well as the global aviation market, which has a far-reaching significance to both parties".
The event in Shanghai was also attended by the cargo associates of MASkargo based in Shanghai and Hong Kong.