Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, India, Indonesia and UK Connected Like Never Before as Malaysia Airlines Unveils Bold Expansion with New Routes and Premium Upgrades

Published on April 22, 2025

Malaysia Airlines expands globally with new routes to Brisbane, premium cabins, Manchester United livery, and enhanced links across Asia-Pacific and the UK.

Malaysia Airlines has revealed a sweeping series of upgrades aimed at amplifying its global influence and boosting regional and long-haul connectivity. Among the key highlights is the introduction of a striking new co-branded aircraft livery created in collaboration with Manchester United, alongside the much-anticipated return of direct flights to Brisbane in November 2025. These milestones form part of the airline’s broader strategy to solidify its role as a premier gateway to Asia and beyond.

The new livery, showcased on its flagship Airbus A330-300, fuses Malaysia’s national identity with the worldwide prestige of Manchester United. Flowing red accents inspired by the Malaysian flag seamlessly blend into the club’s signature red, symbolising unity, strength, and a shared spirit of excellence between the aviation and sporting worlds.

Manchester United legends Dimitar Berbatov, Nemanja Vidić, and Luís Nani added glamour to the launch event in Malaysia. Fans will also have the rare chance to engage with the football icons during public meet-and-greet sessions from 18–20 April 2025 at MAG Arena.

Brisbane Comeback and Network Growth Across Asia-Pacific

Malaysia Airlines is set to restart its direct Brisbane–Kuala Lumpur route from 29 November 2025, marking a strategic return to Queensland. Promotional fares start at RM 1,999 (approx. GBP 343) for Economy Class and RM 8,999 (approx. GBP 1,715) for Business Class, inclusive of all taxes and surcharges. This move strengthens the airline’s footprint in the Australian market and complements increased frequencies to Melbourne and Sydney.

The carrier will also deploy its latest Airbus A330neo on select Australia-New Zealand routes, offering improved passenger comfort, reduced emissions, and state-of-the-art cabins. Australia continues to be a crucial market for the airline, with robust demand across both business and leisure segments.

Malaysia Airlines plans to highlight these developments during the MATTA Fair 2025, where key tourism partnerships with Australian stakeholders are expected to be cemented.

Across the broader Asia-Pacific region, the airline is ramping up frequencies to high-demand destinations such as Surabaya, Phuket, Auckland, Trivandrum, Sydney, and Melbourne. This expansion supports the airline’s commitment to serving regional travel demand while reinforcing its position in key markets.

Lie-Flat Business Class Debuts on Boeing 737-10

A major product innovation came with the reveal of lie-flat Business Class seats on the Boeing 737-10, a first for Malaysia Airlines’ narrowbody fleet. This premium offering allows regional passengers—for instance, traveling from Trivandrum to Kuala Lumpur—to enjoy seamless onward journeys to Melbourne in a fully lie-flat environment when connecting to the A330neo. With plans to operate 55 Boeing 737-8 and 737-10 aircraft by 2030, the airline is accelerating its fleet renewal strategy to become one of the top 10 global and top 5 Asian carriers.

Customer-Focused Product Enhancements

The airline is also rolling out refreshed Economy Class fare options—Economy Value, Basic, and Flex—giving passengers more flexibility. The Economy Value tier includes 7kg of cabin baggage, 20kg checked luggage, complimentary in-flight meals, a 10% discount for children, and optional booking changes for a fee, all while preserving the warmth of Malaysian hospitality.

Introducing EnrichMoney’s New Redemption Feature

To elevate lifestyle and travel experiences, Malaysia Airlines has expanded its EnrichMoney platform—its multi-currency e-wallet and Visa prepaid card. The newest feature, Pay with EnrichMoney Points, allows members to redeem loyalty points instantly through DuitNow QR at participating merchants. From 18 April to 31 May 2025, members will receive up to RM5 off eligible purchases, offering real-world value from their loyalty rewards.

Strategic Alliances and Innovation Partnerships

Malaysia Airlines continues to drive innovation through high-impact collaborations with global leaders such as Google, Atout France, Panorama Group, Student Universe, and more. These alliances signal the airline’s ongoing commitment to digital transformation and strategic growth across the travel ecosystem.

With bold moves across network expansion, product upgrades, and digital innovation, Malaysia Airlines is setting a powerful course toward becoming a dominant force in global aviation.