Malaysia Airlines Berhad (MAB) and Melbourne Airport (MelAir) have announced the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) following MAB’s expansion into Victoria.
The MoU, which was signed on 19 April at the Malaysia Airlines Pavilion during the 2025 edition of MATTA Fair, marks the beginning of an enhanced strategic partnership between the two companies, further expanding MAB’s network and reinforcing its position as a connection between Kuala Lumpur and Victoria for residents travelling to Malaysia.
As part of its expansion, MAB has stated it will soon introduce a third daily service to Melbourne, with flights scheduled to begin in October 2025, bringing the operator’s flight schedule from 14 to 21 flights per week.
Dersenish Aresandiran, Chief Commercial Officer of Airlines from Malaysia Aviation Group, said:This collaboration marks an exciting new chapter for Malaysia Airlines as we expand our network with the introduction of a third daily service to Melbourne. We are committed to providing passengers with more direct flight options while ensuring an exceptional travel experience, defined by comfort, premium service, and the warmth of Malaysian Hospitality. Through our collaboration with Melbourne Airport, we aim to enhance connectivity, drive demand, and reinforce our position as the gateway to Asia and beyond.
Through our partnership with Melbourne Airport, we aim to enhance connectivity, drive demand, and reinforce our position as the gateway to Asia and beyond. This initiative will strengthen ties between Malaysia and Australia, supporting cultural, business, and tourism exchanges, and creating new opportunities for both regions.
Malaysia Airlines has also stated intentions to progressively deploy its new A330neo aircraft along its route between Kuala Lumpur & Melbourne, with the operator aiming to utilise the aircraft along all 21 weekly flights along the route by 2026.
The MoU will also see the two companies engage in a series of joint promotional campaigns aimed at driving travel demand, as well as boosting passenger numbers between Malaysia and Victoria.
Melbourne Airport Chief Executive Officer, Lorie Argus, said:Malaysia Airlines has been serving Victoria for decades, and this 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. 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.
