KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA: Malaysia Airlines CEO Datuk Seri Idris Jala said, MAS is currently having talks with a number of foreign airlines, including Qantas, on possible merger.
He however did not reveal further details on the merger talks.
"We are currently initiating merger talks with some airlines, including Qantas. The talks include things like merger, joint flights or code sharing."
Idris pointed out in an e-mail statement that MAS would make the announcement once there is an outcome. However, he refused to provide further details for the time being.
Earlier this month, MAS announced that it had approached a few airlines for possible strategic partnerships, including signing of aircraft maintenance MoU with Qantas.
Deputy prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has said Tuesday that the government is viewing MAS' merger talks with foreign airlines with optimism.
Najib said we had to be creative, including working with foreign partners for a win-win situation during the current global economic downturn.
