Malaysia Airlines and Melbourne Airport Sign MoU to Enhance Connectivity and Launch Third Daily Service to Victoria

Malaysia Airlines Berhad (MAB) and Melbourne Airport (MelAir) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in conjunction with MAB’s expansion into Victoria, marking a significant step forward in strengthening air connectivity between Malaysia and Australia.

New Connection

The signing ceremony at the Malaysia Airlines Pavilion during MATTA Fair 2025 marks the beginning of an enhanced strategic partnership focused on expanding Malaysia Airlines’ network and reinforcing its role as a key connector in Kuala Lumpur for Victorians travelling to Malaysia and beyond. As part of its expansion strategy, Malaysia Airlines will introduce a third daily service to Melbourne starting October 2025, increasing its total frequency from 14 to 21 weekly flights. This enhanced connectivity underscores the airline’s commitment to the Australian market and solidifies its position as the preferred carrier between Malaysia and Victoria.

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.”

Melbourne Airport Chief Executive Officer, Lorie Argus, said the increase in Malaysia Airlines services would be welcomed by travellers and exporters. “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.”

To support this growth, Malaysia Airlines will progressively deploy its brand-new A330neo aircraft on the Kuala Lumpur – Melbourne route, aiming to operate all 21 weekly flights using the new fleet by the end of the year. Travellers can look forward to greater flexibility and improved connections via Kuala Lumpur to key destinations across Southeast Asia, India, and Europe.

The MoU also sets the stage for joint promotional campaigns aimed at increasing travel demand and boosting passenger numbers between Malaysia and Victoria. Through targeted marketing efforts, both parties aim to raise awareness, drive revenue, and further strengthen the partnership.

This collaboration is aligned with Malaysia Airlines’ strategy to expand its international presence and deliver a seamless, premium travel experience, promoting tourism, business, and cultural exchange between Malaysia and Australia.