Malaysia Airlines is set to deepen its footprint in the Indian aviation market, with plans for a comprehensive codeshare partnership with an Indian carrier and a strategic expansion to key destinations in the north-east and southern regions of the country. Group Managing Director of Malaysia Aviation Group Captain Izham Ismail expressed optimism about the “important” Indian market, affirming the airline’s commitment to being part of India’s success story.
Currently connecting nine Indian destinations to Malaysia, including major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, Malaysia Airlines is on a revival path after implementing financial restructuring. This month, the carrier increased its weekly flights on the Amritsar-Kuala Lumpur route from two to four, surpassing its pre-pandemic operational levels in the Indian market.
What does codesharing do?
Captain Izham Ismail revealed that the airline is in the final stages of negotiations with an Indian carrier for a deep codeshare partnership, building on its existing interline partnership with Vistara. While specific details were not disclosed, codesharing enhances travel options for passengers, allowing seamless connectivity to various destinations through partner airlines.
Looking ahead, Ismail outlined the airline’s expansion plans for the Indian market, targeting the north-east with flights to Guwahati and Kolkata in the next two to three years. Additionally, Malaysia Airlines is eyeing south Indian destinations like Trichy and Vizag, along with the western destination of Goa. These plans align with the carrier’s vision of upgrading services to India using wide-body aircraft, emphasizing comfort and customer value.
Expansion of fleet and more partnerships
The airline’s fleet, currently standing at 100 planes, is expected to increase to 170 by 2030 with the addition of new Boeing 737-8s and Airbus 330 neos. Ismail emphasized the importance of empathy, humility, and respect in treating customers, emphasizing cabin services and market share as crucial aspects.
Recognizing the competitive landscape in India, Ismail highlighted Malaysia Airlines’ strategy of forming partnerships rather than direct competition with domestic giants like IndiGo and Air India. The airline has existing partnerships with global carriers like Japan Airlines, Cathay Pacific, and Qatar Airways, contributing to its market share growth from 12% in 2015 to 25% today in Malaysia and Southeast Asia.
