Malaysia Airlines (MH, Kuala Lumpur International) will establish a separate airline to cater to its A380-800 charter operations Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Peter Bellew has disclosed.

Speaking to CAPA, Bellew said the airline, which will have its own Air Operator's Certificate (AOC), will cater primarily to Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage flights.

Earlier this year, Malaysia Airlines signed contracts with two local travel agencies, Andalusia Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd and Rayhar Travels Sdn Bhd, for the provision of charter flights to Saudi Arabia which began earlier this month.

Under the terms of the contracts, Malaysia Airlines will use its A380s to run a total of fifty-three flights from Malaysia to Madinah and Jeddah International between November 10, 2016 and July 6, 2017.

Should charter demand prove adequate, the carrier may even acquire additional A380s Bellew added.