ARMONK, N.Y. & KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia -- Malaysia Airlines signed a 10-year information technology (IT) partnership agreement with IBM worth approximately RM440 million (approximately USD115 million). The aim of the partnership is to leverage the expertise of the global IT service provider to support Malaysia Airlines in meeting its future business and technology challenges.

The agreement was signed by Marzida Mohd Noor, Senior General Manager, IT Planning and Services, representing Malaysia Airlines, while IBM was represented by Mohd Puzi Ahamad, Chief Financial Officer of Mesiniaga Berhad, agent for IBM in Malaysia, and Voon Seng Chuan, Managing Director of IBM Malaysia.

Under the agreement, IBM will operate and manage the airline's IT infrastructure, application maintenance and development.

"Malaysia Airlines is looking forward to developing this partnership with IBM. It will allow us to maintain control of our IT strategy and focus on supporting business development and growth, while ensuring greater stability and performance of our IT operations," said Marzida.

"We are entering into a unique partnership which will help Malaysia Airlines manage its growing IT infrastructure and significantly improve the air travel experience of its passengers," Voon said. "This partnership will set a new benchmark in the strategic use of technology by the airline industry in this region."

"We are very excited to participate in a strategic partnership with one of the region's premier airlines. IBM leads the world in business innovation, and we are uniquely positioned as a full service IT provider to bring the necessary technical and business skills to Malaysia Airlines," he added.

Career Development
Under the agreement, IBM will provide skills transfer and development opportunities for Malaysia Airlines' IT staff who join IBM to ensure that the service level of the airline's IT operations is maintained.

Commenting on the partnership, Dato' Md Nor Yusof, Managing Director, Malaysia Airlines, said, "The agreement ensures that the interests of our IT staff are fully addressed. The human resources package offers the IT staff of Malaysia Airlines the choice of developing their IT careers with IBM, or remaining employed with the airline."

Voon noted that Malaysia Airlines' employees will be joining a technology leader with a long history of managing skills besides developing the career opportunities and growth of IT professionals.

About Malaysia Airlines
Malaysia Airlines, the national carrier, is recognised as one of Asia's largest, flying more than 40,000 passengers to over 100 destinations across 6 continents every day.

Operating 100 aircraft, Malaysia Airlines' fleet is one of the world's youngest, dominated by Boeing 737s, 747s and 777s, the most technically advanced aircraft in the sky today.

Malaysia Airlines holds a lengthy record of service excellence, having received more than 100 awards in the last 10 years, most recently 'World's Best Cabin Crew 2003' presented by Skytrax UK, retaining their premier position from 2002 and 2001, the first airline to win the award consecutively.

The airline has also been voted one of the Top Five Airlines in the World in 2002 and 2003, one of the Best Asian Airlines, No. 3 in Business Class, No. 4 in Best All-Round First Class Service and No. 5 in Best Long-Haul Business Class Airline.

About IBM Global Services
IBM Global Services is the world's largest information technology services and consulting provider, generating over $36 billion in 2002. Approximately 180,000 professionals serve customers in over 160 countries, providing the entire spectrum of customers' e-business needs -- from the business transformation and industry expertise of IBM Business Consulting Services to hosting, infrastructure, technology design and training services. IBM Global Services delivers integrated, flexible and resilient processes -- across companies and through business partners -- that enable customers to maximize the opportunities of an on-demand business environment.

Source: IBM