KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA: "We are in talks with a number of airlines on collaborating and creating synergies for growth. This ranges from joint ventures and code shares to interlining partnerships.
"For example, we have signed a memorandum of understanding with Qantas on a joint venture on maintenance, repair and overhaul," MAS (Malaysia Airlines) managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Seri Idris Jala said in a statement yesterday.
Foreign and local newspapers have reported a possible merger of three airlines recently with a local Chinese daily yesterday saying the three carriers have entered into the final stages of talks.
An Australian daily, however, said while there had been talks between Qantas and MAS, the latter is said to have rejected the offer.
Analysts said a merger is unlikely due to political sensitivities, as MAS is considered a national asset.
"The carrier has a strong cash flow and is quite healthy.
"We don't see that the Malaysian government will see any urgency for the airline to merge with another or two other airlines," OSK Research Sdn Bhd analyst Ng Sem Guan said.
However, he does not rule out a code-share agreement between the three airlines.
"Code-share agreements have many variations. So, they could come up with an agreement that would see the three airlines offering each other seats and sharing profits," Ng said.
