Malaysia Airlines Aims for Skytrax Top 10: What This Ambitious Five-Year Plan Means for Global Travelers!

Published on December 16, 2025

Malaysia Aviation Group has unveiled an ambitious five-year roadmap aimed at positioning Malaysia Airlines among the Skytrax Top 10 Global Airlines by 2030. This significant move marks the beginning of a new phase in the airline’s growth trajectory, transitioning from a period of post-restructuring recovery to a disciplined expansion phase. The plan, titled Long-Term Business Plan 3.0, outlines clear goals for fleet modernization, increased revenue targets, and improvements in customer satisfaction as the airline strengthens its footprint in Asia and Europe.

Malaysia Airlines, already one of the most recognized names in Southeast Asia, aims to take its service and operational standards to new heights. By focusing on strategic fleet growth, expanding its network, and improving revenue diversification, the airline is positioning itself to become a globally competitive force in the airline industry.

Post-Restructuring Growth: A Shift Toward Expansion

Following its restructuring in 2020, which successfully cleared RM15 billion in liabilities and eliminated RM10 billion in legacy debt, Malaysia Aviation Group has seen steady growth. The airline now operates with a much stronger financial foundation, having delivered three consecutive years of operating profit and two years of positive net income. This growth has been further bolstered by an improved Customer Satisfaction Index, which increased from 80 percent in 2024 to 84 percent year-to-date, reflecting a marked improvement in the guest experience.

Datuk Captain Izham Ismail, the Group Managing Director of Malaysia Aviation Group, emphasized that the airline has now moved beyond stabilization and is ready for scalable growth. This new strategy, which includes enhanced customer service and stronger financial discipline, lays the groundwork for Malaysia Airlines to achieve its goal of entering the Skytrax Top 10 by 2030.

Fleet Modernization and Expanding Network

One of the key pillars of Long-Term Business Plan 3.0 is fleet modernization. Over the past five years, Malaysia Aviation Group has already inducted 22 next-generation aircraft, including Airbus A320neo models, to replace older planes and improve the overall service quality. Looking forward, the group plans to expand its fleet by acquiring 40 Airbus A330neo aircraft, 43 Boeing 737-8s, and 12 Boeing 737-10s.

This investment in new aircraft is designed to support capacity growth and ensure that Malaysia Airlines offers the highest standards in both comfort and efficiency. By 2035, the airline plans to operate a modern fleet of 116 aircraft, achieving an average annual capacity growth rate of 8.5 percent. This expansion not only focuses on modernizing the fleet but also aims to support Malaysia Airlines’ strategy of increasing connectivity and improving its global presence.

Expanding Global Reach and Strengthening Regional Connectivity

In addition to fleet upgrades, Malaysia Airlines plans to expand its network of destinations. The airline is focused on increasing its global footprint, with particular attention to Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. Malaysia Aviation Group has already made significant progress in expanding its European network, with Munich becoming the latest addition. As part of its strategy, the group has introduced new services to popular leisure destinations, such as Vienna, Athens, Milan, and Warsaw, and will continue to target new opportunities across Europe and Asia.

The goal is to position Malaysia Airlines as a major transit hub for passengers traveling between Asia and Europe, reinforcing Malaysia’s role as a strategic aviation hub in the Asia-Pacific region. By improving regional connectivity through new routes and partnerships, Malaysia Airlines plans to attract more passengers and increase its market share in the highly competitive global aviation industry.

Revenue Diversification: Beyond Passenger Operations

Another important aspect of Long-Term Business Plan 3.0 is revenue diversification. The plan emphasizes the need to increase non-airline revenue, which accounted for 18 percent of the group’s total revenue in 2024. This diversification strategy focuses on expanding the group’s maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services, cargo operations, and in-flight catering services, all of which are critical to Malaysia Aviation Group’s long-term growth.

In addition to expanding revenue streams, Malaysia Aviation Group plans to increase its third-party aviation services revenue by more than 60 percent. The airline also aims to double overall group revenue to RM24 billion by 2030, with a focus on both operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.

This diversification will not only help Malaysia Aviation Group become more resilient to fluctuations in the passenger market but will also position the group as a global leader in the aviation services industry, enhancing its reputation and financial stability.

Talent Development and Operational Leadership

A crucial component of the plan is talent development and the continuous improvement of operational leadership. Malaysia Aviation Group recognizes that its success depends not only on modernized aircraft and expanded routes but also on its ability to empower its workforce. As part of the plan, the group will focus on structured upskilling and the adoption of best-in-class operational practices to ensure that its employees are equipped to handle the evolving demands of the aviation industry.

Aiming for Skytrax’s Top 10 by 2030

The ultimate goal of Malaysia Aviation Group’s Long-Term Business Plan 3.0 is to position Malaysia Airlines among the Skytrax Top 10 Airlines by 2030. This ambitious goal reflects the group’s commitment to achieving operational excellence and global recognition. By focusing on fleet renewal, capacity growth, customer satisfaction, and revenue diversification, Malaysia Airlines aims to not only meet but exceed the expectations of its customers and stakeholders.

The roadmap also includes sustainable practices, with an emphasis on reducing the airline’s environmental impact. As aviation sustainability continues to gain importance worldwide, Malaysia Airlines is working to integrate eco-friendly initiatives into its business model, ensuring that growth is balanced with environmental responsibility.

Conclusion: A Bright Future for Malaysia Airlines

With Kenny Didier at the helm and a clear five-year roadmap in place, Malaysia Aviation Group is poised to take Malaysia Airlines to new heights. Through a combination of fleet modernization, network expansion, revenue diversification, and talent development, the airline is on track to achieve its goal of becoming one of the top global airlines by 2030. The next five years will be critical for Malaysia Airlines, as it seeks to build on its recovery, continue expanding its international reach, and solidify its position as a key player in the global aviation industry.