Malaysia Airlines has been around for nearly 80 years. Since its inception, the airline has experienced its fair share of triumphs and challenges. Through it all, Malaysia Airlines has remained a vital part of Malaysia’s aviation history, connecting passengers to a plethora of destinations around the globe.
Ready for takeoff? Let’s depart into the world of this Asia-based airline. In no particular order, here are 30 ultimate Malaysia Airlines facts, covering topics such as its founding, historical milestones, and current operations.
Table of Contents
Malaysia Airlines overview
1. Malaysia Airlines’ history traces back to the 1940s
Malaysia Airlines started its journey in 1947 as Malayan Airways Limited. In 1966, it transitioned to Malaysia-Singapore Airlines, and later, in 1972, it rebranded to Malaysian Airline System (MAS). On September 1, 2015, the airline adopted its current name, Malaysia Airlines Berhad (MAB).
2. Malaysia Airlines is the national flag carrier of Malaysia
Malaysia Airlines has been the national flag carrier of Malaysia since 1972 when it was nationalized and renamed Malaysian Airline System (MAS).
3. The airline’s main airport hub is close to the Malaysian capital
Malaysia Airlines is based at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) in the Sepang District of Selangor, just south of downtown Kuala Lumpur. Additionally, the airline operates a secondary hub at Kota Kinabalu International Airport in Sabah, situated in the northern part of Borneo.
4. Malaysia Airlines is owned by Khazanah Holdings Berhad
Khazanah Holdings Berhad is a sovereign wealth fund of the Malaysian government. It was first founded in September 1993. Khazanah Holdings Berhad has owned Malaysia Airlines, which is a part of the Malaysia Aviation Group, since 2014 when it took over the airline as part of a restructuring plan.
5. The airline’s head office is based at KLIA
Malaysia Airline’s head office is located at Malaysia Airlines Berhad Administration Building, South Support Zone, KL International Airport, 64000 Sepang, Selangor.
6. Malaysia Airlines is a member of the oneworld alliance
Malaysia Airlines has been a member of the oneworld alliance since February 2013. Carriers such as British Airways, Qatar Airways, and American Airlines are also members of the alliance.
7. Wan Zulkiflee is the chairman of the airline
Tan Sri Wan Zulkiflee bin Wan Ariffin has held the position of Non-Executive Group Chairman of the Board of Directors at Malaysia Airlines Berhad and Malaysia Aviation Group Berhad since July 2020. Meanwhile, Datuk Captain Izham Ismail has been serving as the Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Malaysia Airlines Berhad and Malaysia Aviation Group Berhad since 2016.
Malaysia Airlines fleet and destinations
8. The airline has over 70 aircraft in its fleet
According to Air Fleets, Malaysia Airlines has 77 active aircraft in its fleet.
9. The aircraft in Malaysia Airlines’ fleet
The aircraft in Malaysia Airlines’ fleet are the Airbus A330-200, Airbus A330-300, Airbus A350-900, Boeing 737-800, and Boeing 737-MAX 8. The airline also recently introduced the Airbus A330neo to its fleet.
10. The carrier has an extensive route network
As of October 2024, Malaysia Airlines serves destinations across Asia, Europe, and Oceania. Some of the airline’s key destinations include Beijing, London, and Sydney.
11. Malaysia Airlines previously had the Boeing 747 in its fleet
Malaysia Airlines once proudly operated the iconic Boeing 747, often referred to as the “Queen of the Skies.” These aircraft were a vital part of the airline’s long-haul fleet, serving major international routes before being retired in 2012. Did you know? The airline took delivery of its first Boeing 747-200 aircraft in 1982.
12. The airline also had the Airbus A380 in its fleet
Malaysia Airlines received its first Airbus A380-800 aircraft in 2012. However, the carrier retired its entire fleet of six A380s by 2022. Notably, the final A380 delivered to Malaysia Airlines was the 100th A380 produced by Airbus.
Travel classes and services
13. The airline offers three classes of service
Malaysia Airlines offers Economy Class, Business Class, and Business Suite. The availability of these classes can depend on the destination and aircraft.
14. Malaysia Airlines’ Business Suite class offers the most perks
Flying Business Suite with Malaysia Airlines comes with several perks, such as a meet and greet service upon arrival at the airport, an onboard Chef-on-Call service, and a generous checked luggage allowance of 55kg. Notably, this class is only available on Malaysia’s Airbus A350 aircraft. However, in 2025, the airline plans to discontinue the Business Suite to enhance its Business Class product.
Lounges and in-flight experience
15. Malaysia Airlines has three Golden Lounges at KLIA
Passengers flying Business Class or Business Suite with Malaysia Airlines can access the lounge for up to 3 hours before their departure. These lounges offer amenities like Wi-Fi, washroom and shower facilities, and complimentary food and beverages.
16. The airline offers Wi-Fi on some of its aircraft
Malaysia Airlines’ Wi-Fi service, MHconnect, is accessible on all Airbus A350 aircraft and select Airbus A330 planes. In November 2023, the airline began offering free Wi-Fi to all passengers.
17. The carrier provides in-flight entertainment
Malaysia Airlines’ in-flight entertainment, named MHStudio, features a wide selection of films, TV shows, music, and games. This service is available on the airline’s A350-900, A330-300, A330-200, B737-8, and B737 Max aircraft.
18. Malaysia Airlines provides in-flight meals and beverages
No matter the route, Malaysia Airlines offers complimentary meals and beverages on all flights. Economy class passengers can also pre-order special meals to cater to dietary needs. Meanwhile, those flying in Business Suite, for example, have a Chef-on-Call service.
Malaysia Airlines frequent flyer program
19. The airline’s frequent flyer program is called Enrich
Enrich enables members to earn and redeem points both on the ground and during flights. Members can also elevate their status with the airline, unlocking a range of benefits and perks as they climb higher tiers.
20. Enrich has four tier levels
The Enrich tier levels are Blue, Silver, Gold, and Platinum, each offering enhanced benefits. Frequent flying with Malaysia Airlines allows members to earn and elevate their tier status, unlocking a range of perks.
Historical milestones
21. The airline flew its first flight before it was officially founded
Malaysia Airlines, then operating as Malayan Airways Limited, took to the skies for the first time in April 1947, a month before the airline was officially founded. The inaugural charter flight carried five passengers from Singapore’s Kallang Airport to Kuala Lumpur’s Sungai Besi Airport using an Airspeed Consul aircraft.
22. Malaysia Airlines began commercial services in May 1947
After the initial charter flight, weekly commercial services commenced, with a route from Singapore to Penang via Kuala Lumpur and Ipoh.
23. The airline launched its first international flight in the 1960s
After receiving a Bristol Britannia aircraft in 1960, the airline inaugurated its first long-haul international flight from Kuala Lumpur to Hong Kong.
Subsidiaries and partnerships
24. Malaysia Airlines has three subsidiaries
Firefly, MASwings, and MASkargo are the three subsidiaries of Malaysia Airlines. Firefly is a low-cost carrier, MASwings is a regional airline based in Borneo, and MASkargo is Malaysia’s cargo airline.
25. The carrier has several codeshare agreements
Malaysia Airlines has codeshare agreements with most of its oneworld partners as well as its subsidiary, Firefly. Additionally, it has agreements with airlines like China Airlines, KLM, LATAM, Saudia, Singapore Airlines, and Turkish Airlines.
Awards, certifications, and safety
26. The airline has an IATA code
Malaysia Airlines’ IATA code MH. IATA – the International Air Transport Association – is the trade association for airlines around the world.
27. Malaysia Airlines has a significant Skytrax rating
Malaysia Airlines is currently rated as a four-star airline by Skytrax, the leading international air transport rating organization. Notably, the carrier was previously rated a five-star airline by Skytrax.
28. The carrier is an award-winning airline
Malaysia has won a plethora of awards over the years, including Asia’s Leading Airline by the World Travel Awards in 2009 and Best Airline in Asia at ITB Berlin in 2019.
29. The airline received the Phoenix Award in the 2000s
Malaysia Airlines was honored with this award by Penton Media’s Air Transport World, recognizing the airline’s remarkable transformation in 2007 following its restructuring program.
30. Malaysia Airlines has a mixed safety record
In 2014, Malaysia Airlines faced two major tragedies: the disappearance of MH370 and the downing of MH17, both of which severely impacted its reputation. However, the airline has since implemented a comprehensive restructuring program and has worked diligently to enhance its safety standards. Significantly, its last fatal incident was the downing of MH17 in 2014.
In conclusion, these 30 ultimate Malaysia Airlines facts highlight the rich history and resilient spirit of one of Asia’s most renowned carriers. From its early days as Malayan Airways Limited to its current operations as Malaysia Airlines Berhad, the airline has navigated through numerous challenges and milestones. Whether you’re planning a trip with Malaysia Airlines or you’re simply an aviation enthusiast, these insights give you a deeper understanding of the carrier’s journey and its steadfast commitment to exceptional service and passenger safety.
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