Airlines

Navigating the Skies: A Look at MASkargo's History and Success in the Cargo Industry





Malaysia Airlines System (MAS) is one of the oldest airlines in the world, having been founded in 1937. MASkargo, the airline’s cargo division, was formed in 1971 as a subsidiary of MAS. MASkargo has grown to become one of the largest cargo operators in Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent.

Navigating the Skies: A Look at MASkargo's History and Success in the Cargo Industry
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MASkargo began operations with a fleet of Boeing 707-320C and Douglas DC-10 freighters. The airline was the first in the region to introduce a dedicated all-cargo fleet. Over time, MASkargo has expanded its fleet to include the Boeing 747-400ERF, Boeing 747-400F, Boeing 777F, Airbus A330-200F, and Airbus A330-300F.

In the early days of MASkargo, the airline operated flights to its main hub in Kuala Lumpur, as well as to many other destinations across Southeast Asia, India, and the Middle East. Today, the airline operates to more than 50 destinations in more than 30 countries.

MASkargo has experienced several significant milestones over its history. In 1982, MASkargo became the first airline in the region to introduce a dedicated all-cargo fleet. In 1992, the airline was the first in the region to introduce electronic air waybills. In 1998, MASkargo launched its first cargo hub in Singapore, which was later expanded to include other hubs in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Surabaya.





In 2003, MASkargo became the first airline in the world to introduce a cargo tracking system called “MASkargo Track & Trace”. This system allowed customers to track the progress of their shipments in real-time. In 2011, MASkargo was the first airline in the region to introduce an online booking system.

Despite its success, MASkargo has had its share of unfortunate incidents. In 2006, an MASkargo Boeing 747-400F crashed in Iran, killing all 16 people on board. The cause of the crash was determined to be due to the pilots’ failure to recognize and respond to the aircraft’s stall warning.

In 2015, MASkargo was the subject of a federal investigation by the US Department of Justice over allegations of price fixing. The investigation was eventually settled out of court, with MASkargo agreeing to a US$5.5 million fine.

Over its long history, MASkargo has evolved into one of the most successful cargo airlines in the region. From its humble beginnings in 1971, MASkargo has grown to become a major player in the cargo industry, offering services to more than 50 destinations around the world. The airline has also introduced several innovative technologies, making it one of the most efficient cargo carriers in the region.