KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 20): Malaysia Airlines Bhd is reported to have appointed Greece-based Goldair as its general sales agent (GSA) in Greece to expand the airline’s global aviation network.

In a Malaysia Airlines-Goldair joint statement posted on a news website, Malaysia Airlines regional director for UK & Europe Daniel Bainbridge said "the Greek market has proven to be a significant contributor to the Malaysian hospitality global network" and that Malaysia Airlines is confident that with Goldair’s extensive regional expertise, Malaysia Airlines will further grow its market share in the country.

According to the statement, the strategic partnership is designed to increase recognition of Malaysia Airlines in Greece and to steer sales growth throughout the Greek market with a particular focus on marine travel, signalling further expansion of the airlines' sales presence and representation in Europe.

Goldair is one of the largest and most esteemed organisations in the field of transport and tourism in the Greek market, the statement said.

"The GSA’s role is to build Malaysia Airlines’ strong position in Greece by conducting efficient and strategic commercial activities to establish and reinforce Malaysia Airlines' brand awareness in the local market, while focusing on maximising revenues from ticket sales through the Greek market and encouraging trade partners to select and use Malaysia Airlines as a first-choice airline,” the statement said.

Goldair deputy managing director Nikos Sofiadis said in the statement that the beginning of the new partnership between Malaysia Airlines and Goldair is a significant milestone for the latter.

"We look forward to expanding Malaysia Airlines' presence in Greece and we will work closely together to fully maximise Malaysian hospitality’s product and network potential,” Sofiadis said.