From left: Ministry of youth and sports deputy secretary general (strategy) Ramona Mohd Ghazali, minister of youth and sports Hannah Yeoh, Malaysia Aviation Group Bhd managing director Datuk Captain Izham Ismail, MAG chief executive officer of airlines Ahmad Luqman Mohd Azmi
SEPANG: The Malaysian Aviation Group Bhd (MAG) is tying up with the Youth and Sports Ministry to synergise efforts to advance sports development nationwide.
The tie-up entails a slew of privileges for national athletes, sports personnel, coaches and management staff affiliated with sports associations registered under the ministry.
Those entitled to the privileges are offered exclusive discounts on airfares and an additional 10kg in baggage allowance in addition to earning loyalty-reward points.
The exclusive offer is applicable for flights operated by Malaysia Airlines Bhd only and excludes Oneworld and codeshare airline partners.
MAG group managing director Datuk Izham Ismail said the group will offer the benefits for athletes attending sports competitions and training overseas.
According to Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh, the ministry has 1,000 athletes, 221 sports associations, and 150 coaching staff under 103 sports categories that will benefit from the strategic partnership with MAG.
In a statement, MAG shared that the initiative aim to streamline travel arrangements for athletes under the Youth and Sports Ministry, bolster promotional efforts and foster recognition of sporting achievements.
The aviation group will also develop a customised portal tailored to the specific needs of athletes and sports associations affiliated with the ministry.
Izham said: “Through this strategic partnership with the Youth and Sports Ministry, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting sports excellence and nurturing the talents of our athletes by providing a dedicated self-serve portal that can be used by athletes and personnel under the stewardship of the Youth and Sports Ministry.”
“This initiative not only demonstrates our continued dedication to advancing sports development but also highlights our belief in the transformative power of collaboration,” he added.
Izham highlighted that the airfare discount will be up to 20% for all sports personnel. Additionally, both entities will explore branding opportunities to maximise visibility and engagement at Youth and Sports Ministry-sanctioned events, aiming to elevate Malaysia’s profile as a sports destination on the global stage.
The partnership will also entail the establishment of recognition programmes to honour outstanding athletes and organisations supported by Malaysia Airlines.
