Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), the parent company of Malaysia Airlines and Firefly, has rolled out network expansions and increased frequencies to strengthen regional connectivity and support its aim to be among the world’s top 10 global airlines by 2030.
Malaysia Airlines will launch daily flights between Kuala Lumpur and Chengdu from January 9, 2026, expanding its presence in China to seven destinations. The new route adds to existing services to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xiamen, Hong Kong and Taipei.
The expansion follows growing demand and the recent introduction of reciprocal visa-free travel between Malaysia and China, Izham Ismail, group managing director of MAG, said at a media event.
Firefly will also launch new jet services to Krabi, Siem Reap and Cebu from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1 from November.
In addition to new routes, Malaysia Airlines and Firefly will increase frequencies across their networks from October. Malaysia Airlines is adding services to Australia, New Zealand, China, India, the Maldives and Bangladesh, while Firefly is boosting domestic and regional connectivity to Singapore, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Penang and Johor Bahru.
Dersenish Aresandiran, chief commercial officer of Airlines, Malaysia Aviation Group, said: “Firefly’s jet operations at KLIA Terminal 1 make it easier for international passengers to connect onto Firefly’s regional network, broadening our footprint and strengthening our role as the gateway to Asia and beyond.”
He added that Firefly will expand its turboprop services from its hub in Subang, with Johor Bahru flights rising to 26 times weekly and Penang services increasing to 42 times weekly from December 1.
Malaysia Airlines is also advancing its fleet modernisation programme to support its growth.
The airline currently operates 86 aircraft, including 54 narrowbodies and 32 widebodies, and has inducted 14 Boeing 737-8s this year.
By 2030, the narrowbody fleet will expand to 55 aircraft, comprising 32 Boeing 737-8s and 12 Boeing 737-10s.
On the widebody front, Malaysia Airlines has 40 Airbus A330neos on order and will be operating nine of them by the end of October 2025, positioning itself among the largest A330neo operators in Asia-Pacific.
By early 2026, Malaysia Airlines will operate its youngest widebody fleet on routes to Australia and New Zealand, featuring fuel-efficient engines and upgraded cabin interiors.
Nasaruddin A Bakar, chief operating officer of Malaysia Airlines, said: “By 1Q2026, we will also be operating the youngest fleet to Australia and New Zealand. These new-generation aircraft will not only deliver operational efficiencies with their fuel-efficient engines but also elevate the travel experience for our passengers with superior cabin interiors and enhanced comfort.”
