In the news: Partnerships make the travel world go round, or so it seems judging from the number of agreements and MoUs inked almost daily between companies to increase product offerings, expand accommodation choices and more. Latest to join forces are Malaysia Airlines /Japan Airlines, Amadeus/Booking.com and Merlin Entertainments/Klook.
Aviation: Malaysia Airlines, JAL pursue joint business partnership to boost traffic, enhance services
(Image credit: Malaysia Airlines)
In 2012, when Malaysia Airlines Bhd (MAB) joined the oneworld alliance it started codesharing with Japan Airlines (JAL), also a member, to offer flight operations between Japan and Malaysia.
Malaysia’s national carrier is expanding this cooperation with the Japanese airline in a joint business agreement inked earlier this week.
Describing the collaboration as a “new chapter” in their working relationship, the two carriers said the joint business would improve “customer convenience” by enhancing the quality of services they provide on their flights.
Additionally, MAB and JAL will cooperate in a wider scope that includes exchanging best practices, exploring collaboration in other operational areas such as cargo and developing jointly tourism in both Japanese and Malaysian markets.
“This partnership will provide better efficiencies and a more comprehensive network for our customers whilst also playing a key role in further strengthening trade ties between Malaysia and Japan, increasing tourism and promoting the KL International Airport as an air hub,” said MAB group chief executive officer Captain Izham Ismail.
He added the deal would be “an important milestone” of the airline’s long term business plan, which looks at exploring more strategic opportunities as well as deepen more partnerships.
Yuji Akasaka, president of Japan Airlines, said the partnership would bring more benefits, choices and value to its customers, as well as “potentially increase passenger traffic between the two countries and open up commercial opportunities.”
Both MAB and JAL have filed an application with the the Malaysian Aviation Commission (MAVCOM) and Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, seeking exemptions or immunity from antitrust laws.
If approved, the two airlines will strive to deliver convenient travel options to customers with a comprehensive network throughout Malaysia and Japan.
Subject to the relevant approvals, MAB and JAL intend to start the joint business in 2020 to coincide with the Summer Olympics in Tokyo (Tokyo 2020).
Currently, MAB operates a 12 times weekly service and JAL a seven times weekly service, representing a total 19 times weekly flights between Kuala Lumpur to Tokyo.
MAB also operates a daily service from Kuala Lumpur to Osaka, and a twice weekly service from Kota Kinabalu (Sabah) to Tokyo.
The agreement will open up both countries to incoming traffic from their respective markets.
This partnership has led to speculation that JAL may take an equity investment in MAB.
In March, Malaysia’s Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said the government was considering whether to shut, sell or refinance the loss-making carrier. .
Distribution: Amadeus integrates Booking.com content into travel platform
(Image credit: Booking.com)
Amadeus has signed a distribution agreement with Booking.com to integrate its accommodation content into the Amadeus Travel Platform.
According to the travel technology company, the deal will increase the accommodation options on its global distribution system by 30%.
Travel sellers will be able to access the new content “in the coming months through multiple points of sale including Amadeus Selling Platform Connect and, for corporate bookers, through Amadeus cytric Travel & Expense,” said Amadeus.
Commenting on the tie-up Ripsy Bandourian, vice president of partnerships at Booking.com said: “We’re constantly on the lookout for strategic collaborations that can enable us to reach even more people around the globe …”
Jorge Elliott, Amadeus’ executive vice president of travel content sourcing, travel channels, added that the combination of Amadeus’ technology and Booking.com’s content means “travel sellers can search, book and integrate Booking.com’s content seamlessly, ensuring the booking process is simple, and trips can easily be customised for travellers.”
Peter Waters, Amadeus executive vice-president for hotels, mobility and insurance remarked that hospitality is a top priority for the company. “We are actively investing to further enrich our portfolio in terms of both IT and content.”
Travel: Merlin Entertainment joins hands with Klook to tap mobile savvy travellers
(Image credit: Klook)
Merlin Entertainments, the UK-based visitor attractions group, has formed a global partnership with Klook, Hong Kong’s travel activities and services booking platform, to meet the in-destination demands of mobile travellers.
According to both parties, the collaboration will “enhance guest experience” at eight Merlin attractions across Asia through a series of marketing promotions, user experience optimisation, data analytics, and information exchange.
The Merlin’s attractions include Legoland Japan in Nagoya, Legoland Discovery Centre in Tokyo and Osaka, Busan Sea Life Aquarium, Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World and Madame Tussauds in Singapore, Bangkok and Tokyo.
Klook said its over 100,000 tours, activities and tickets in more 270 destinations worldwide and Merlin’s 120 plus attractions will add to its growing pool of experiences throughout the region.
Users of the Klook app can now book tickets for Merlin attractions via their mobile devices, and get confirmation instantly.
Throughout 2019 Klook and Merlin will also launch a series of marketing initiatives and special promotions for mobile travellers. More information will be announced later in the year.
• Featured image credit: Peshkova/Getty Images
