Gulf Air and Malaysia Airlines have entered a codesharing agreement, opening up routes and services to each other in their respective networks effective Sept. 18.

The agreement allows Malaysia Airlines to market seats under its code on Gulf Air flights between Kuala Lumpur and the Middle East countries of Bahrain and Oman as part of its “hub-and-spoke” strategy.

Malaysia is a popular destination for visitors from the Middle East. Later this year Gulf Air and Malaysia Airlines will expand the commercial relationship further, with Gulf Air adding its code on some routes of Malaysia Airlines’ domestic and international network. The pact also includes initiating cooperation in frequent flyer programs.