KUALA LUMPUR: Four new destinations have been unveiled by Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), spreading its wings further into China and South-East Asia.
From Jan 9, Malaysia Airlines will commence daily flights between Kuala Lumpur and Chengdu's Tianfu International Airport in China.
The expansion reinforces the airline’s presence in one of the region’s fastest-growing markets for both business and leisure travel.
It also adds to the airline’s network in Greater China, including flights to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xiamen, Hong Kong and Taipei.
Firefly, meanwhile, is set to launch a new jet service to Krabi, Thailand; Siem Reap, Cambodia; and Cebu, the Philippines, from Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 1 beginning in November.
“With these new routes and expanded frequencies, MAG is strengthening its role as the gateway to Asia and beyond, making it easier for travellers to discover top destinations across the region and further afield," MAG group managing director Datuk Capt Izham Ismail said when making the announcement here on Friday (Sept 5).
“At the same time, we remain focused on delivering a premium in-flight experience that reflects our commitment to Malaysian hospitality."
The flights to Krabi, Siem Reap and Cebu will operate at a frequency of seven, three and five times a week, respectively.
“With our expanding networks, the products we are enhancing, and the people driving these efforts, MAG is ready to meet the future with confidence and deliver value for our customers and our nation,” Izham added.
In addition to new routes, Izham said both Malaysia Airlines and Firefly will also increase frequencies across their network from October.
Malaysia Airlines is adding more services to Australia, New Zealand, China, India, the Maldives and Bangladesh.
Firefly will also be boosting domestic and regional connectivity to Singapore, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Penang and Johor Baru.
To support this growth, he said MAG’s fleet strategy is already advancing in tandem with the delivery of six Airbus A330neo and 14 Boeing 737-8 aircraft, part of the fleet’s modernisation programme.
“These aircraft not only strengthen our competitiveness but also deliver a more consistent and comfortable experience for our customers," he added.
“By 2035, our aim is for Malaysia Airlines to operate a modern mainline fleet of 116 aircraft, with an average age of just seven years (from 10 years today).
“This renewed fleet, alongside Firefly’s expanding services, will support a group network spanning 106 destinations across Asia, the Middle East, Europe and beyond,” he said.
