Malaysia Airlines eyeing China jets

While looking to ride on China's economic growth by further expanding its operations in the world's second-largest economy, Malaysia Aviation Group is also considering to purchase Chinese-made aircraft to support its ambition of becoming one of the world's top 10 airlines in the coming years, said an executive.

Repeatedly emphasizing the significance of China market, Izham Ismail, group managing director of Malaysia Aviation Group, told China Daily in an exclusive interview that as China's economy continues to grow, the group hopes to be part of the country's journey of success because "China promises a very aggressive, very promising economy."

"As we speak today, post-COVID, we (Malaysia Airlines) have rebuilt our capacity to China to about 70 percent of the pre-pandemic level. By 2026, as part of our network growth plan that focuses predominantly on China, we hope and are targeting to resume at least to the pre-pandemic level," Ismail said.

"We know we are a bit side end, but we have huge ambitions, and China is really a market Malaysia Airlines should focus on," Ismail added, noting that the carrier is a medium-sized airline.

Malaysia Aviation Group comprises three core business portfolios, namely the airlines business, loyalty and travel services, and aviation services. The group's airlines business has four airlines — Malaysia Airlines, Firefly, MASwings and Amal.

During the first half, Malaysia Aviation Group served 248,000 passenger trips both inbound and outbound in China.

At present, it operates 52 weekly flights in China. With the resumption of the Kuala Lumpur-Chengdu route on Jan 9, 2026, the number will increase to 60 flights per week.

"Chengdu starts on Jan 9. Before we even commence flying, we've already secured 45,000 bookings," said Ismail. "As we progress toward 2026, we are looking at other cities in China, predominantly the likes of Shenzhen (Guangdong) and other secondary airports in the country."

During an interview earlier this year, Ismail said Malaysia Airlines is in discussions with Commercial Aircraft Corp of China (COMAC) regarding the potential purchase of C909 and C919 aircraft.

"Since our conversation with COMAC earlier this year, Malaysia Airlines continues to monitor and evaluate the potential to see whether COMAC is the right aircraft for us. I have to say, the competitiveness of the COMAC aircraft is very strong. The main hurdle COMAC faces is international regulatory approval. Once that is secured, I believe COMAC will be a force to be reckoned with.

"For the C909, probably not, because it's too small," said Ismail, adding that the group used to generate 55 percent of its revenue from the domestic Malaysian market before 2017. After a restructuring of the group's business since 2021, currently 90 percent of its revenue comes from international markets.

"The C919 continues to be interesting. As for the C929, we know its development will be a bit further down the road. By 2031, Malaysia Aviation Group's bigger airplanes will be aging. It's the right time. Maybe when the time is right, COMAC would have the certification internationally. C929 may be a good option," he said.

Since its maiden commercial flight on June 28, 2016, the C909 series has delivered 160 aircraft as of the end of January. A total of 644 flight routes, both domestic and international, have been operated, with 580,000 hours of safe flight, transporting more than 19 million passengers, according to its manufacturer COMAC.

As of Sept 19, more than 2.1 million passenger trips have been completed by China's self-developed jet, the C919, operated by China Eastern Airlines.

As the first global customer of the C919, China Eastern's fleet has conducted more than 15,200 commercial flights, logged over 37,200 hours of safe and efficient operation, and transported more than 2.1 million passengers, with an average seat occupancy rate exceeding 85 percent. The aircraft has been in commercial service since May 28,2023.

"I am very impressed with the progress and economic improvement in China over the last decade. It has made multiple leaps and bounds. I foresee that China's economic growth will continue in a strong, progressive manner. That itself is part of the success of the Chinese economy," Ismail said.

"As I see it, China's success story will continue to unfold over the next five to 10 years. Malaysia Airlines wants to be part of that success, and we hope the Chinese market will welcome us. Malaysia Airlines wants to contribute to this successful story," he added.

Ismail said Malaysia Aviation Group aims to rank among the top 10 airlines globally by 2030, and even within the top five in the Asia-Pacific region.

"It's not the size of the airline, but the quality of service we deliver to our customers that matters," he emphasized.