Malaysia Airlines expands China network, digital partnerships

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Airlines Bhd is expanding its presence in China as passenger traffic on its China network rises 27 per cent in the first half of this year, backed by stronger travel demand between Malaysia and the country.

The national carrier carried more than 600,000 passengers on its China services in the first six months of the year, with an average load factor of 84 per cent.

It expects to carry more than 52,000 passengers on flights to and from China during the Golden Week holiday period from Sept 26 to Oct 11, up 21 per cent from the same period last year.

Malaysia Aviation Group Bhd president and group chief executive officer Captain Nasaruddin A. Bakar said the country remained a priority growth market for Malaysia Airlines.

"The expansion of our network to nine gateways reflects our confidence in its long-term potential."

He also said the airline would continue to invest in its network, fleet and operating capabilities under its Long-Term Business Plan 3.0, while positioning Kuala Lumpur as a gateway to Asia and beyond.

In 2026, Malaysia Airlines restored daily services to Chengdu and introduced new daily flights to Shenzhen and Changsha.

The additions bring its China network to nine gateways, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xiamen, Hong Kong and Taipei.

Its sister airline Firefly Sdn Bhd also plans to launch daily Kuala Lumpur-Kunming services, subject to regulatory approval.

The route will use Boeing 737-800 aircraft, providing a direct connection between Yunnan and Malaysia while giving passengers onward access to destinations through Kuala Lumpur.

The airline is also expanding its digital presence in China through partnerships with technology and travel platforms.

Malaysia Airlines hosted its China Trade Gala in Shanghai on Tuesday, bringing together travel trade and corporate partners as it outlined plans to expand its network and digital presence in the market.

During the event, the airline formalised three memoranda of understanding with Huawei Technologies Co Ltd, TravelSky Technology Ltd and Weixin Pay.