The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) has announced a public consultation regarding a proposed joint business arrangement involving MAB Kargo Sdn. Bhd. (MABK), Qatar Airways Group Q.C.S.C. (QR), and IAG Cargo Limited (IAGC).
The advisory, issued under Advisory Information 01/2026, outlines CAAM’s proposed decision to grant an individual exemption pursuant to Section 360 of the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia Act 2017 (Act 788), in relation to the applicants’ proposed metal-neutral cargo partnership.
Scope of the Proposed Joint Business
According to CAAM, the proposed joint business falls within Section 360 of Act 788, which allows individual exemptions where agreements may otherwise restrict competition within a defined territory.
The proposed arrangement would cover air cargo operations across the applicants’ home markets in more than 67 countries. The cooperation would include:
- Dedicated freighter and belly cargo services;
- Schedule coordination and capacity planning;
- Revenue management;
- Cargo handling and sales and marketing activities.
The proposal involves seven airlines, namely Malaysia Airlines (MH), Qatar Airways (QR), British Airways (BA), Iberia (IB), Vueling (VY), Aer Lingus (EI), and LEVEL (LL).
Public Consultation Process
CAAM has indicated its intention to invite views, comments, and submissions from interested stakeholders, including freight forwarders, shippers, industry participants, and members of the public.
Details of the consultation process, including relevant documentation, submission procedures, and deadlines, are expected to be made available on CAAM’s official website in early March 2026.
All written submissions will be considered as part of CAAM’s assessment before reaching a final decision on the proposed joint business.
Submission Contact
Public consultation enquiries are to be directed to the Economics and Competition Department of CAAM via email at:
Source: Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM), Advisory Information 01/2026 dated 26 February 2026.
