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Malaysia Airlines is set to reconnect Brisbane with Malaysia from the end of this year.
The non-stop flights, launching 29 November, will operate using an A330-300 and add 75,000 annual seats between Brisbane and Kuala Lumpur. According to Brisbane Airport, the service will generate $54 million for the local economy in its first year and offer passengers more options for travel.
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Malaysia Airlines had previously operated A330s to Brisbane before the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The airline boasts a robust Southeast Asian network, strong connections into Europe, and serves 10 Indian hubs, where demand is growing,” said airport CEO Gert-Jan de Graaff.
“Malaysia is Queensland’s 7th largest export destination, and the restoration of non-stop air connections is vital for exporting perishables, including Queensland beef, our top export to Malaysia.
“Kuala Lumpur is the 33rd destination on Brisbane’s international network map, matching our pre-pandemic number for the first time, so it’s a milestone moment.”
Datuk Captain Izham Ismail, group managing director of Malaysia Aviation Group, said the airline is glad to be expanding in Australia with the reinstated service.
“As the national carrier, this route reaffirms our commitment to connecting travellers seamlessly across our extensive network through Kuala Lumpur – positioning Malaysia Airlines as the gateway to Asia and beyond,” he said.
“Whether flying for leisure, business, or trade, we look forward to welcoming passengers onboard with our signature Malaysian Hospitality, while offering convenient access to key destinations across Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia, the Indian Subcontinent, and Europe.”
The news comes after the Australian government late last year secured “open-skies” agreements with both Malaysia and Canada, to come into effect next year.
Canada and Malaysia will have unlimited passenger capacity to and from Australia starting in 2026, with an immediate increase to 50,000 weekly seats to Malaysia and 50 weekly flights to Canada.
Previously, Canadian airlines can operate 9,000 seats per week into Australia’s four major airports of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth, with unlimited flights into other airports. Malaysian carriers could fly 36,000 seats per week into major airports and unlimited capacity into others.
“We’re expanding our international aviation network to increase competition and deliver a better experience for Australian travellers,” Transport Minister Catherine King said at the time.
“Whether travelling to these countries or using them as stepping stones to the rest of the world, each of these arrangements represents a stronger connection with our global market – for travel, trade and tourism.
“We committed to this in our Aviation White Paper and today we are delivering on that commitment – landing additional capacity in the international sector.”
