MAS, Gulf Air enter code-share pact
By P. Marilyn

Fareed Al Alawi, Vice President Network Gulf Air (L) exchanges
code share agreement with Idris Jala (R) after the
 signing ceremony. - Malaysian Airlines

Malaysian Airlines and Gulf Air entered a code-sharing agreement recently at a signing ceremony in Subang, opening up routes and services to each other in their respective networks effective September 18.

The agreement allows Malaysia Airlines (MAS) to market seats under its code on Gulf Air flights between Kuala Lumpur and the Middle East countries of Bahrain and Oman as part of its "hub-and-spoke" strategy, according to a MAS press release.

Gulf Air President and Chief Executive James Hogan said Gulf Air is delighted with this tie up, as Gulf Air believes in choosing and cooperating with world class leading carriers such as Malaysia Airlines. Code-sharing, he added, enables travelers to enjoy a seamless product, as a single airline supervises the passenger's entire journey. Such an arrangement offers significant economic and consumer benefits giving passengers price and service options.

Malaysia Airlines (MAS) Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Idris Jala also expressed delight in the Gulf Air/Malaysian Airlines partnership as it is in line with Malaysia Airlines strategy of shifting from point-to-point network to hub-and-spoke connecting network.

Malaysia Airlines is in discussions with other airlines to develop hub-and-spoke network in Australia, South Africa, China, Europe and USA.

Malaysia is a popular destination for visitors from the Middle East and with a steady increase in tourist arrivals over the years from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, a significant jump in the numbers from that region during Visit Malaysia year 2007 is expected, said Idris.

The code-share between Gulf Air and Malaysia Airlines comes shortly after a meeting between Idris and Hogan in June 2006. It was complemented by a series of meetings between both parties. Discussions involving Gulf Air and high-level delegation from Malaysian Tourism Promotion Board (MTPB) also took place. During that meeting, both parties agreed to set up a task force to study possibilities of joint co-operation to promote the upcoming 50 years of Malaysia's nationhood in 2007, said the press release.

Later this year, Gulf Air and Malaysia Airlines will expand the commercial relationship further, with Gulf Air adding its code on some routes of Malaysia Airlines domestic and international network.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin