KUALA LUMPUR (May 27): Malaysia Airlines Bhd (MAB) has inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Japan Airlines (JAL) to pursue a joint business agreement that is aimed at improving customer convenience by enhancing the quality of services on both airlines between Malaysia and Japan.

"MAB and JAL will also seek to cooperate in a wider scope, such as exchanging best practices, exploring collaboration in other operational areas such as cargo, and developing jointly tourism in both Japanese and Malaysian markets," MAB said in a statement today.

Both parties have already filed applications with regulators, namely the Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) and Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, seeking exemptions or immunity from antitrust laws.

"If approved, MAB and JAL will strive to deliver convenient travel options to customers with a comprehensive network throughout Malaysia and Japan," it added.

The two airlines have offered codeshare flight operations since 2012, when MAB decided to join the oneworld alliance, of which JAL is also a partner.

"The start of this joint business between Malaysia Airlines and Japan Airlines is an important milestone of our Long Term Business Plan which looks to explore more strategic opportunities as well as deepen more partnerships," said MAB group chief executive officer Captain Izham Ismail.

Meanwhile, JAL president Yuji Akasaka said the partnership looks to bring more benefits, choices and value to their customers.

"This partnership can potentially increase passenger traffic between the two countries and open up commercial opportunities," he said.

Subject to the relevant approvals, the airlines intend to start the joint business in 2020 to coincide with the Tokyo Olympics.

MAB currently operates a 12 times weekly service and JAL operates a seven times weekly service between Kuala Lumpur and Tokyo, representing a total of 19 weekly flights.