It is now easier for Malaysians to visit India's spiritual city of Varanasi, thanks to a codeshare partnership between Malaysia Airlines and IndiGo. — Unsplash
Malaysia Airlines and India’s IndiGo airlines are now codeshare partners, following the memorandum of understanding (MoU) that both parties signed earlier in April.
The codeshare partnership aims to boost connectivity between the two countries, as well as elevate traveller experience across key hubs in Malaysia and India.
What this also means for Malaysians is that passengers will now gain wider access to destinations in India, as the carrier’s “MH” flight code will be added to seven more domestic flights there. These cities include Kolkata, Varanasi, Patna, Tiruchirappalli, Goa, Bhuba-neswar, and Visakhapatnam.
Prior to this agreement, Malaysia Airlines had already been servicing 10 direct routes in India: New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Trivandrum and Kolkata.
As for IndiGo, its “6E” flight code will be included in numerous domestic routes in Malaysia, particularly flights that depart from Malaysia Airlines’ main hub, the Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 1. Some of these destinations include Penang, Langkawi (Kedah), Johor Baru, Kota Kinabalu (Sabah) and Kuching (Sarawak).
In a statement, group managing director of Malaysian Aviation Group (MAG) Datuk Captain Izham Ismail, said: “This collaboration allows us to offer Malaysia Airlines customers greater access to India’s rich cultural and economic landscape, while welcoming IndiGo passengers to experience the unique charm of ‘Malaysian Hospitality’. This strategic partnership reflects our mutual commitment to boosting tourism growth between our nations ... Our goal is to provide more travel options, enhanced connectivity, and a seamless travel experience for our valued customers.”
Meanwhile, MAG has also announced a delay in the delivery of its first A330neo aircraft. According to a statement released by MAG, the delay is due to some findings by Airbus – which supplies the A330neo aircraft – during its “flight line stage”. The aircraft was originally scheduled for delivery in September.
As a result of this delay, Malaysia Airlines’ planed inaugural A330neo flight to Melbourne, Australia on Nov 25, along with subsequent flights scheduled on the A330neo, will be affected. While there will be no changes in the flight schedules, the airline will continue to use its current A330-300 aircraft for these services instead.
MAG is working closely with Airbus and its lessor, Avolon, to secure a new delivery timeline and expedite the aircraft’s entry into service. The airline expects to receive five A330neo planes by the first quarter of 2025.
As for its remaining Boeing 737-8 aircraft delivery, MAG is also in communication with Boeing and its lessor AirLease Corp, while closely monitoring the evolving situation.
Captain Izham said in the press release, “We are deeply disappointed by the aircraft delivery delays by Airbus, compounded by the ongoing setbacks of our Boeing 737-8 deliveries. These delays are significantly disrupting our fleet modernisation plans and growth requirements. As we take decisive steps toward a stronger 2025, having the necessary assets in place is crucial to meet our growth targets, optimise our network and continue delivering enhanced services to our customers.”
