Qatar Airways Cargo and MASkargo Launch New Strategic Partnership

DOHA, Qatar – Qatar Airways Cargo, the world’s leading air cargo carrier, is proud to announce the launch of a new strategic partnership with MASkargo, the cargo airline and subsidiary of Malaysia Aviation Group.

This partnership, inaugurated today by Qatar Airways Cargo’s Chief Officer Cargo, Mr Mark Drusch, and MASkargo’s Chief Executive, Mr Mark Jason Thomas, marks a significant milestone in enhancing global cargo connectivity and operational efficiency.

The collaboration, which officially began on 1 October 2024, has already seen the successful movement of approximately 2,400 tonnes of cargo, including over 600 tonnes of perishables and 130 tonnes of pharmaceuticals.

Qatar Airways Cargo Boeing 777 flights will now operate from Doha to Kuala Lumpur twice a week, increasing weekly cargo capacity by over 200 tonnes. The strategic partnership will further solidify connectivity and efficiency to Sydney and Melbourne with MASkargo Airbus A330 freighters carrying more than 75 tonnes of weekly cargo capacity to these cities, with a swift connection time of just eight hours in Kuala Lumpur. The strategic hubs at Hamad International Airport (DOH) and Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) will play a pivotal role, providing seamless connections and state-of-the-art handling facilities.

The agreement benefits both parties, allowing MASkargo to access key points in Europe, GCC, Levant and Africa, while Qatar Airways Cargo gains increased capacity access to Australia, New Zealand, South East Asia and North East Asia. It also supports the local market in Kuala Lumpur by enabling the export of products to more global markets.

Chief Officer Cargo at Qatar Airways Cargo, Mr Mark Drusch, said: “As the world’s leading global air cargo carrier, this partnership with MASkargo is a testament to our commitment to providing exceptional service and tailored solutions while expanding our global network through strategic alliances.

“By combining our strengths, we are able to offer our customers enhanced connectivity and efficiency, ensuring their products reach global markets in optimal condition. We are excited about the opportunities this collaboration brings and remain committed to setting the standard for excellence in the air cargo industry.”

MASkargo Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mark Jason Thomas, added: “Today marks an exciting step forward for MASkargo as we join forces with Qatar Airways Cargo to create a truly interconnected global cargo network. This partnership represents a significant advancement in MASkargo’s mission to connect our customers to the world with increased speed and efficiency.

“With this partnership, MASkargo is now better positioned than ever to serve as a bridge between South East Asia and key international destinations. This alliance with Qatar Airways Cargo strengthens our infrastructure and capacity, empowering us to support the regional economy and facilitate the movement of high-demand goods to a larger global market, furthermore, setting new standards in cargo transportation”.

In July 2024, Qatar Airways Cargo and MASkargo signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deliver an enhanced product offering to cargo customers and achieve operational synergies. This strategic joint cargo business agreement allows both airlines to leverage each other’s network strengths and fleet capacity, significantly increasing cargo offerings.

The collaboration between Qatar Airways and Malaysia Airlines extends beyond cargo. As members of the oneworld alliance, both airlines have a strong partnership on the passenger side as well. The codeshare agreement, which includes 62 destinations across Malaysia, South East Asia, Australia, New Zealand, the Middle East, Europe, the Americas, and Africa, exemplifies their commitment to providing seamless travel experiences. The strategic MoU signed in 2022 further enhances this partnership, facilitating an increase in flight options and destinations for passengers.

About MASkargo

MAB Kargo Sdn Bhd, known as MASkargo, is the cargo division of Malaysia Airlines and a key subsidiary of the Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG). Offering comprehensive air cargo solutions, MASkargo specializes in scheduled and chartered air freight services, ground handling, and integrated airport-to-seaport logistics via ground transportation. Leveraging the belly space capacity of its parent airline and its dedicated fleet of three Airbus A330-200F freighters, MASkargo serves nearly 100 destinations worldwide.

Headquartered at a 108-acre complex in Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), MASkargo operates state-of-the-art facilities capable of handling up to one million tonnes of cargo annually, with scalability to accommodate three million tonnes. Its 92,900-square-meter processing area ensures efficient and reliable service for diverse customer needs.

MASkargo is a global pioneer in halal logistics, proudly operating the world’s first Halal-Certified Cargo Terminal (HAL Zone), certified by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM). This facility guarantees hygienic storage, handling, and transportation of both food and non-food items, adhering to strict Halal Logistics Standards and reinforcing the integrity of Halal shipments.

Renowned for its excellence in air cargo services, today, MASkargo has established itself as a trusted global brand and a market leader in Asia's air cargo industry.

About Qatar Airways Cargo

Qatar Airways Cargo, the world’s leading international air cargo carrier is based in Doha, State of Qatar.

It serves a global network of more than 60 freighter destinations and 170 passenger destinations utilising freighters and belly-hold passenger aircraft.

The airline’s freighter fleet includes 28 Boeing 777 freighters and 230 belly-hold planes. It also has an extensive road feeder service (RFS) network. The cargo airline is the launch customer for the innovative Boeing 777-8F featuring advanced technology, and a 25 per cent improvement in fuel efficiency and emissions, with the first delivery arriving in 2027.

As a market leader, the cargo carrier provides high operating standards for the transportation of cargo, with considerable investments in digitalisation, products, facilities and services.

Qatar Airways Cargo remains committed to sustainability and giving back to communities it serves through its sustainability programme WeQare, built on the key pillars of sustainability: environment, society, economy and culture.

With considerable investments in its products, services, quality handling, infrastructure, facilities, people and procedures at each of its destinations, the cargo carrier provides high operating standards for the transportation of cargo.

Qatar Airways Cargo remains committed to sustainability and giving back to communities it serves through its sustainability programme WeQare, built on the key pillars of sustainability: environment, society, economy, and culture.