KUALA LUMPUR- Malaysia’s aviation industry witnessed unprecedented growth throughout 2024, with Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd reporting substantial expansions across its network.
The sector demonstrated robust development through the introduction of 12 new airlines, 16 route resumptions, and connections to 24 new destinations.
Malaysia New Airlines
Kuala Lumpur International Airport emerged as the primary beneficiary of this expansion, welcoming prominent international carriers including Air Macau, Iraqi Airways, Turkmenistan Airlines, Cambodia Airways, Qingdao Airlines, AirAsia Cambodia, Loong Air, and Air India.
The airport established new direct connections to diverse destinations such as Almaty, Ashgabat, Baghdad, Chiang Rai, Lam Dong, Labuan Bajo, Jaipur, Nairobi, Nanjing, and Vientiane.
The expansion resulted in the Malaysia Airports network now hosting 73 foreign carriers and six local airlines, excluding freight operators. These airlines collectively serve 138 international and 31 domestic destinations, underlining the network’s extensive reach and connectivity.
The growth manifested in passenger numbers as well. The Malaysia Airports network, including Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport in Turkiye, processed more than 135 million passenger movements in 2024, reaching 96.1 percent of pre-pandemic 2019 levels.
Close to 100 Million Passengers
Malaysian airports specifically handled 93.8 million passengers, achieving 89.1 percent of their pre-pandemic traffic volume.
International travel exhibited particular strength, handling 49.6 million passengers and reaching 93.1 percent of 2019 figures, despite industry challenges including delayed aircraft deliveries and disrupted maintenance services.
The domestic aviation sector maintained stability with 44.2 million passengers, representing 85.1 percent of pre-pandemic volumes. Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport surpassed pre-pandemic performance, serving 41.9 million passengers and marking a 16.7 percent increase from 2019 levels.
Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd’s Managing Director, Datuk Mohd Izani Ghani, unveiled ambitious expansion plans for 2025. The airport operator intends to introduce more than ten new airlines, with a strategic focus on strengthening connections to key markets across Asia and Europe.
his expansion aligns with preparations for Visit Malaysia 2026, reinforcing the operator’s commitment to enhancing global connectivity and elevating travel experiences.
First A330neo Delivery
Malaysia Airlines (MH) received its first Airbus A330neo aircraft from lessor Avolon, initiating a significant fleet expansion plan that will bring 20 new A330-900 aircraft to the carrier’s operations. The aircraft, registered as 9M-MNG, transforms from its test registration F-WWCZ to join the airline’s mainline fleet.
The new A330neo features a premium dual-class configuration, incorporating 28 fully flat Business Class suites and 269 Economy Class seats. Advanced cabin features include expanded overhead storage capacity, improved air filtration systems, modern entertainment options, and high-speed internet connectivity.
The airline plans to deploy this aircraft across its network, serving routes throughout Asia, the Pacific region, and selected Middle Eastern destinations. This delivery establishes Malaysia Airlines as the twentieth global operator of the A330neo type, joining an expanding network of carriers utilizing this modern aircraft.
The A330neo’s introduction aligns with broader industry trends toward fuel-efficient operations, with Airbus having delivered more than 140 units worldwide.
Featured Image by Clément Alloing | Flickr
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The post Malaysia Welcomed 12 New Airlines, 24 New Destinations in 2024 appeared first on Aviation A2Z.