The partnership was officially launched on 1 October and inaugurated yesterday (Tuesday 19 November) in a ceremony attended by Mark Drusch, Chief Officer Cargo of Qatar Airways Cargo and Mark Jason Thomas, Chief Executive of MASkargo.
Since the collaboration was launched on 1 October, the airlines have moved 2,400 tonnes of cargo including over 600 tonnes of perishables and 130 tonnes of pharmaceuticals.
Qatar Airways Cargo is flying a Boeing 777 from Doha to Kuala Lumpur twice a week, increasing weekly capacity by over 200 tonnes.
The partnership will make MASkargo Airbus A330 services to Sydney and Melbourne more efficient with connection times in Kuala Lumpur of eight hours.
The strategic hubs at Hamad International Airport and Kuala Lumpur International Airport will provide seamless connections and state-of-the-art handling facilities.
Through the partnership, MASkargo gains connections to Europe, the GCC, Levant and Africa while Qatar Airways Cargo has increased access to Australia, New Zealand, South East Asia and North East Asia.
Drusch says, “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.”
Thomas adds, “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.”
The partnership builds on the memorandum of understanding that was signed in June.