QATAR Airways Cargo and MASkargo – the cargo division of Malaysia Airlines – have launched a strategic partnership that will increase Qatar Airways Cargo’s capacity access to Australia.

The partnership was inaugurated at Kuala Lumpur International Airport on Tuesday (16 November) by Mark Drusch, chief officer cargo at Qatar Airways Cargo; and Mark Jason Thomas, CEO of MASkargo – the cargo airline of Malaysia Aviation Group.

The partnership builds off a memorandum of understanding signed in July this year when the two cargo carriers announced their plans to leverage each other’s networks and fleet capacity. The carriers began collaborating on 1 October 2024. Since then, they have already moved around 2400 tonnes of cargo, including more than 600 tonnes of perishables.

Tuesday’s ceremony formalised the partnership. MASkargo customers now have access to the global Qatar Airways Cargo network, and Qatar Airways Cargo customers have access to the growing Asia-Pacific market.

Qatar Airways Cargo Boeing 777 flights now fly from Doha to Kuala Lumpur twice a week, increasing weekly cargo capacity by more than 200 tonnes.

Australia plays an important role in the partnership – Mr Drusch and Mr Thomas highlighted stronger connectivity to Sydney and Melbourne, with MASkargo Airbus A330 freighters carrying more than 75 tonnes of weekly cargo capacity to these cities.

While Qatar Airways Cargo will have greater capacity access to Australia, New Zealand, South East Asia and North East Asia, MASkargo will gain access to key points in Europe, the Gulf, Levant and Africa.

“By combining our strengths, we are able to offer our customers enhanced connectivity and efficiency, ensuring their products reach global markets in optimal condition,” Mr Drusch said.

“We are excited about the opportunities this collaboration brings and remain committed to setting the standard for excellence in the air cargo industry.”

And Mr Thomas said joining forces with Qatar Airways Cargo is a step toward creating an interconnected global network.

“With this partnership, MASkargo is now better positioned than ever to serve as a bridge between South East Asia and key international destinations,” he said.

“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.”

Qatar Airways Cargo serves a network of more than 60 freighter destinations and 170 passenger destinations utilising freighters and belly-hold passenger aircraft. Its freighter fleet includes 28 Boeing 777 freighters and 230 belly-hold planes.

MASkargo leverages the belly space capacity of its parent airline Malaysia Airlines and a fleet of three A330-200 freighters, serving almost 100 destinations.

Qatar Airways and Malaysia Airlines have had a codeshare co-operation since 2004. Their agreement currently covers 62 destinations across Malaysia, South East Asia, Australia, New Zealand, the Middle East, Europe, the Americas and Africa.

DCN visited Kuala Lumpur as a guest of Qatar Airways. Further coverage will appear in the DCN magazine.