PETALING JAYA: Malaysia Airlines recorded more than 600,000 passengers carried on its China services in the first half of financial year 2026, reflecting continued strong demand across its China network.
This represented a 27% increase from the same period last year, and an average load factor of 84%, according to the airline’s parent, Malaysia Aviation Group Bhd (MAG).
For the upcoming Golden Week holiday period from Sept 26 to Oct 11, the airline further expects to carry over 52,000 passengers to and from China, which would mark a 21% year-on-year rise.
Amid this growing demand, Malaysia Airlines remains committed to deepening its presence in China through an expanded network and strengthened digital partnerships.
MAG announced the airline has signed three memoranda of understanding (MoU) with Huawei, Weixin Pay, and TravelSky Technology Ltd.
The partnerships, encompassing digital platforms, customer engagement and distribution, will support better integration with the digital ecosystems that are widely used by Chinese consumers, while broadening the Malaysia Airlines’ local market reach.
“The collaborations are aimed at making it easier for travellers to discover and book the airline’s services, access travel information, and engage with the airline through familiar channels,” the group said.
The MoUs were formalised in conjunction with the China Trade Gala in Shanghai, hosted by Malaysia Airlines on Sept 22, which brought together travel trade leaders and corporate partners to celebrate shared achievements and reaffirm the airline’s long-term commitment to the market.
This year saw the airline restore daily services to Chengdu and add new daily flights to Shenzhen and Changsha, bringing the number of gateways served in China to nine, complemented by its current services to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xiamen, Hong Kong and Taipei.
MAG president and group chief executive officer Captain Nasaruddin A Bakar said the network expansion reflects the group’s confidence in the long-term potential of China as a priority growth market.
“As MAG enters its next phase of growth under our Long-Term Business Plan 3.0, we will continue to position Kuala Lumpur as a gateway to Asia and beyond, while investing in the network, fleet, operating capabilities and locally relevant partnerships needed to serve Chinese travellers at scale,” he said.
Meanwhile, sister airline Firefly is expected to further extend this network, with plans to commence daily services between Kuala Lumpur and Kunming, subject to regulatory approval.
The route is set to be operated by the Boeing 737-800 aircraft, establishing a new direct connection between Yunnan and Malaysia that will support leisure, business, education and cultural travel.
With Kuala Lumpur serving as the heart of this network, travellers from China are provided more convenient access to destinations across Malaysia, Asean, South Asia, Australia, and New Zealand.
Additionally, initiatives such as Malaysia Airlines’ Bonus Side Trip programme enable travellers stopping over in Kuala Lumpur to discover more of Malaysia as part of their journey.
“Guided by Malaysian hospitality, we remain committed to bringing people and places close together across China, Malaysia and the wider region,” Nasaruddin said.
