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Malaysia Airlines is set to increase its capacity from Sydney and Melbourne later this year.
The carrier will add a third daily Kuala Lumpur service for each airport starting in August, with Sydney to be served by A330-300s and Melbourne to be progressively served by A330neos. It comes ahead of the beginning of an “open skies” agreement with Malaysia in 2026.
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Sydney Airport will now see 630,000 Malaysia Airlines seats to Kuala Lumpur per year, which it says is the highest for any airport in the country. Sydney has gained more than 2 million seats across 20 airlines over the past 12 months.
“Malaysia Airlines is one of our most iconic airline partners – our relationship dates back to 1974 and we look forward to continuing to grow together in the future,” Scott Charlton, chief executive of Sydney Airport, said.
“We also thank the Albanese Government for their efforts in expanding air traffic rights between Australia and Malaysia. It’s fantastic to see an immediate increase in capacity as a direct result of these efforts.
“Sydney Airport has experienced strong international growth over the past year, reinforcing our position as the leading choice for new airline capacity into Australia and cementing our status as the nation’s gateway.
“With around a third of our total slot pool still available, we are open for business and ready to accommodate any airline looking to expand.”
More than 175,000 Malaysian tourists visited Australia in 2023, Federal Transport Minister Catherine King said.
“In 2025, we’re expecting that number to grow with the support of this increase in capacity,” Minister King said.
“The Albanese Labor Government has signed a record number of bilateral air service agreements during our term, and we’re thrilled to see Sydney Airport turning them into a reality – with Türkiye, Hong Kong, and now Malaysia.”
In Melbourne, the increase in capacity is expected to add around 216,000 seats to Kuala Lumpur per year. Melbourne Airport saw a total of 937,696 overseas travellers in March, up 2 per cent year on year.
Melbourne Airport chief executive Lorie Argus said the capacity increase “underscores the airline’s ongoing commitment to our city and state”.
“It speaks to the importance of the Victorian market that Malaysia Airlines plans to use its newest aircraft, featuring the latest onboard product for its enhanced Melbourne services,” Argus said.
“We know that Victorian travellers and exporters will welcome the increased choice and flexibility these new services deliver, and we’ll work with Visit Victoria to ensure Malaysian tourists make the most of them too.
“To keep pace with demand, we’re working with our airlines to deliver an expansion of the international terminal, and a third runway to ensure our airfield has the capacity to serve Victoria’s growing population.”
Malaysia Airlines is also resurrecting a pre-COVID-19 service from Kuala Lumpur to Brisbane, starting in November.
