KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Malaysia Airlines yesterday celebrated 10 years of successful partnership. What started with codesharing on the route between Amsterdam and Kuala Lumpur, has now evolved into an extensive code pact with benefits for the passengers of both airlines. These benefits include access to both carriers’ worldwide networks, the use of frequent flyer programs of the two partners, and seamless transfers at two prime hubs in both Europe and South East Asia.

Malaysia Airlines and KLM started their codeshare cooperation on the route between Kuala Lumpur and Amsterdam in October 1998. Soon, Malaysia Airlines’ passengers were able to use KLM’s network in Europe to travel to Scandinavia, Belgium and other destinations. KLM passengers benefited from Malaysia Airlines’ network in South East Asia, Australia, New Zealand and domestic network in Malaysia. Today the airlines’ two frequent flyer programs, Enrich and Flying Blue, extend benefits to all frequent flyers of both airlines.

Pieter Elbers, KLM’s Senior Vice President – Network, says: “Through this cooperation Malaysia Airlines and KLM created enhanced connectivity beyond the strong hubs in Europe (Schiphol) and South East Asia (KLIA). Since 1998, more than one million passengers have benefited from the mutual codeshares we offer on our extensive combined network between Europe and Malaysia, Australia and New Zealand.”

Malaysia Airlines Commercial Director, Dato’ Rashid Khan, adds: “The partnership with KLM has strengthened our position in Europe and this cooperation is a proven success formula which forms a sound basis for a continued partnership with KLM in the future.”

The celebration of the 10th anniversary took place during The World Route Development Forum at Kuala Lumpur, the world-renowned annual airline and airport networking event.
Malaysia Airlines and KLM currently operate Boeing 747 flights daily between KLIA and Schiphol, offering a weekly capacity of over 5000 seats in each direction.