KUALA LUMPUR, 28 April 2025: Malaysia Airlines and Melbourne Airport have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that supports the airline’s expansion in Melbourne marking a significant step forward in strengthening air connectivity between Malaysia and Australia.
The signing ceremony held at the MATTA Fair 2025 19 April focuses on expanding Malaysia Airlines’ network and helps establish Kuala Lumpur as a gateway for Australians travelling to Malaysia and beyond.
As part of its expansion, Malaysia Airlines will introduce a third daily service from Kuala Lumpur to Melbourne starting October 2025, increasing weekly flights from 14 to 21.
Malaysia Aviation Group, Chief Commercial Officer of Airlines Dersenish Aresandiran said: “This collaboration marks an exciting new chapter for Malaysia Airlines as we expand our network with the introduction of a third daily service to Melbourne.
We are committed to providing passengers with more direct flight options while ensuring an exceptional travel experience defined by comfort, premium service, and the warmth of Malaysian Hospitality. Through our collaboration with Melbourne Airport, we aim to enhance connectivity, drive demand, and reinforce our position as the gateway to Asia and beyond. Our partnership with Melbourne Airport aims to enhance connectivity, drive demand, and reinforce our position as the gateway to Asia and beyond. This initiative will strengthen ties between Malaysia and Australia, supporting cultural, business, and tourism exchanges and creating new opportunities for both regions.”
Malaysia Airlines will progressively deploy its brand-new A330neo aircraft on the Kuala Lumpur – Melbourne route, aiming to operate all 21 weekly flights using the new fleet by the end of the year. It will also improve connections via Kuala Lumpur to destinations across Southeast Asia, India, and Europe.
Additional flights scheduled through to 31 October 2025
Malaysia Aviation Group reports 2024 net profit
Meanwhile Malaysia Aviation Group Malaysia Aviation Group reports a positive Net Profit After Interest and Tax of MYR54 million for the year 2024, marking a third consecutive year of positive operating profit at MYR113million.
The performance, underscored by robust Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA) of MYR788 million, was achieved despite operational headwinds, including proactive network cuts in Q4 2024, which reduced capacity by 18%.
The airline group maintained a strong cash balance of MYR3 billion as of 31 December 2024, without any capital injections from its main shareholder, Khazanah Nasional Berhad, since October 2021.
The capacity cuts, driven by supply chain disruptions which extended maintenance times and delays in new aircraft delivery, were implemented during a traditionally strong quarter, impacting the group’s full-year revenue, which stood at MYR13,679 million — a marginal 1% decrease year-on-year on the back of a 6% increase in Available Seat Kilometre (ASK). However, passenger traffic remained robust in the premium segment, with stronger load factors for both passenger and cargo segments. The group also expanded its international network through new routes and deep partnership collaborations..
By 2030, the group aims to operate a new generation narrowbody fleet of 55 aircraft comprising the Boeing 737-8 and 737-10, significantly enhancing operational efficiency and flexibility to better serve both domestic and international markets. In parallel, the group is integrating A330neo aircraft into its long-haul network. Two aircraft have already entered service, operating to Melbourne, Bali and Auckland, with eight more expected this year.
With forward bookings increasing approximately 9% year-on-year, the group anticipates expanding its presence in key markets, including ASEAN, Australia, New Zealand, and South Asia, reinforcing Kuala Lumpur as a gateway to Asia and beyond. This strategic growth is further complemented by its return to Paris on 22 March 2025, marking the second European destination in the network.
MAB’s yearly capacity increased by 7%, with a 17% rise in passengers carried and a load factor of 81% compared to 77% in 2023.
MAB introduced three new destinations: Male (Maldives), Danang (Vietnam), and Chiang Mai (Thailand), and resumed flights to Kolkata, India.
