MH in Skyteam
 

I've just heard from a senior MH flight attendant (which might no be the best source I admit) that MH have allegedly started negotiations to join Skyteam.

This would obviously be a very smart move for MH. They would fill a huge hole in Skyteam's global airline distribution and would also undoubtedly attract more foreign traffic to KUL.

MH's problem has long been a lack of promotion and exposure in foreign markets, and this sounds like a great step toward upping their stature and visibility.

Here's hoping it happens, and soon!

I haven't personally heard anything to that effect, but I would welcome them... KE is not doing much for our Asia customers (or for my flight benefits for that matter). MH would be a great addition. I'll keep my fingers crossed!

It would be fantastic to be able to fly to SE Asia without having to connect in ICN. I'll keep my fingers crossed.

Would probably still have to transfer in TPE or DXB... unless MH launches a nonstop to NYC/ATL/LAX or some major SkyTeam focal point.

My copy of their inflight magazine (April 2004) shows nonstops to CDG and LHR. And they're going to fly to SVO, too, next year - Aeroflot should be in ST by then.

Currently MH has direct flights between LAX and KUL, but with 90 minute(ish) stops in TPE. Going nonstop between anywhere in the lower 48 and KUL would be a pretty long haul. KUL is farther from US airports than SIN, and <a href="http://www.twincities.com/mld/pioneerpress/living/travel/9060091.htm?1c">EWR - SIN is currently the longest (distance-wise) flight in the world</a>. One never knows what the future holds in terms of new flight service, but even if its added, US-KUL service could be rather physically taxing!

I assume you mean SIN (Singapore) rather than SYN (Stanton, Minnesota). In any case, although KUL is about 40 nm farther from LAX than SIN, it is actually about 100 nm *closer* to EWR than SIN (according to great circle mapper). So I don't see any reason why we can't have non-stops to EWR, and I doubt the 40 nm difference would preclude non-stops to LAX (although, as the article you linked points out, SQ SIN-LAX flights have world's longest duration).

MH also have a non-stop to AMS. So with KL joining SkyTeam in September, E. Coast North America - S.E. Asia could be done via CDG or AMS.

I think this would be a very smart move for MH as SkyTeam then has far better coverage with a very large combined European/US/Asian network. Besides, I think the word should spread about MH's excellent service and facilities for both the Asian as well as the intercontinental market. Skyteam will provide this.

My question, as MH is already codesharing with KL, won't some flights already be codeshared through KL anyway, therefore making MH some kind of "distant allee"?

Any updates or new rumours on this?

I really wonder which way MH will go...

Hope it will be SKY they go for..
 

Hi!

Just read from the following link:
http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v3/ne...s.php?id=88308

It will be interesting to see what they will go for. I am sure that with their history of co-op with KLM and NW, they should join SKY. Furthermore, i think *A would not be an option with TG and SQ at the top and bottom of them..

Ok, let's see how this progresses.. I really think that they will fill the missing link in SKY..

:)

During dinner last night with a senior Malaysian minister, I can confirm that MAS will be joining up with Skyteam by the Summer of 2005 latest. The minister is over in Europe now for G to G meetings on this matter.

Hows about lighting a fire under their @$$ so my wife and I can use the F lounge at KUL when we travel MH in november / december? ;)

Why don't you give me your details and I'll see what I can do!