MAS establishes code-sharing with Ethiopian Airlines

Malaysia Airlines (MAS) and Ethiopian Airlines will be establishing a code-sharing that will take effect from Jan 1, 2014, which will provide access to the national carrier to Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia.

MAS said the new code share is valid for booking from Monday onwards.

The code-sharing arrangement will see Ethiopian Airlines' services from Addis Ababa, the largest city in Ethiopia, to Kuala Lumpur and vice-versa, carrying the MAS flight code.

The service will include a transit in Bangkok, MAS said in a statement.

"MAS is very pleased to offer our customers an extended reach to the African continent and to the customers of Ethiopian Airlines access into Kuala Lumpur.

"This is also our initiative towards enhancing air connectivity with key priority markets overseas for increased tourist arrivals into Malaysia in conjunction with the Visit Malaysia Year 2014 campaign," said MAS’ Group Chief Executive Officer Ahmad Jauhari Yahya.

Through this partnership, MAS can expand its reach in Africa without operating its own flights, Ahmad Jauhari said.

"As one of the most affordable tourist destinations in the Asia-Pacific region, we are confident that more tourists from the African region will use this code-share and visit Malaysia," he added.

MAS flight MH9489 will depart Kuala Lumpur at 11.25 pm every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday and arrive at Addis Ababa at 6.45 am the following day.

Meanwhile, MH9488 will depart Addis Ababa at 12.40 am every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday and arrive at Kuala Lumpur at 6 pm.

The Ethiopian Airlines code for this service is ET619 and ET618, respectively.

To promote this code-share, MAS is now offering attractive all inclusive return fares to Addis Ababa starting from RM3,885 for economy class travel and RM13,170 for Business class travel.

Travellers can book their tickets to Addis Ababa on MAS 24-hour toll-free number 1-300-88-3000, MAS' ticket offices and appointed agents throughout Malaysia.