Malaysia's focus remains ASEAN countries

As part of its involvement at World Routes 2018, Routesonline spoke to Malaysia Airports to find out more about its ambitions.

What have been your most notable route successes?

1) British Airways back to Malaysian shores after ten years of pursuit. BA started its flight back to KUL on 28 May 2015. BA direct flights between KL and London will significantly stimulate the growth of investment, business, and tourism in both countries. It will make Malaysia into a hub that connects UK to the rest of the Asia Pacific region.

2) Qatar Airways - first foreign carrier from Middle East to operate at Penang International Airport; offering non-stop flight service from Doha to Penang, known for being a UNESCO World Heritage City. The inaugural flight was on 6 February 2018. The long haul flight to Penang brings great expansion in tourism opportunities in Malaysia. Penang is one of the busiest airports in Malaysia and dubbed as the northern hub to the country.

What are you next targets for route development?

The focus remains ASEAN countries, India and China.

What is your main message at World Routes?

  • KUL as the preferred global hub
  • Malaysia as a destination which offers diversity and vitality
  • The world's largest terminal serving low cost carriers is located in Malaysia
David Casey

David Casey is Editor in Chief of Routes, the global route development community's trusted source for news and information.