Malaysia Airlines adds three Chinese cities and digital partners as China traffic surges

Malaysia Airlines reported a 27% increase in China-bound passengers during the first six months, carrying over 600,000 travelers with an 84% load factor. Under its Long-Term Business Plan 3.0, the carrier restored daily flights to Chengdu and added daily services to Shenzhen and Changsha, bringing its China network to nine gateways such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xiamen, Hong Kong and Taipei. It projects a 21% rise in passenger numbers for the Golden Week holiday period.

Firefly Sdn Bhd intends to start daily Kuala Lumpur-Kunming flights using Boeing 737-800s, subject to regulatory clearance. At a China Trade Gala in Shanghai, Malaysia Airlines formalised three memoranda of understanding with Huawei Technologies, TravelSky Technology and Weixin Pay to enhance its digital offerings in the market.