PUTRAJAYA - Malaysia Airlines Bhd has expanded its network in China with the launch of direct services from Kuala Lumpur to Shenzhen and Changsha, bringing the total number of destinations served by the airline in the country to nine.
In a statement today, the airline said the inaugural KL-Shenzhen service, MH522, departed from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1 on July 1 at 9.05 pm, while the return flight MH523 departed Shenzhen at 2.45 am on July 2.
"The Kuala Lumpur-Changsha route was launched on July 8 with flight MH520 departing Kuala Lumpur at 8 pm, while the return service MH521 departed Changsha at 2.05 am today.
"Both routes operate up to seven times weekly using Boeing 737-8 aircraft, offering greater connectivity between Malaysia and China," said the statement.
In the same statement, Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) Airline Business chief executive officer Bryan Foong said the launch of the Shenzhen and Changsha services marked a proud milestone in the airline’s efforts to expand its network across China.
He said the new routes would enhance travel convenience while fostering stronger business, tourism and people-to-people ties between Malaysia and China, in line with the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign.
"As we welcome more visitors under the Visit Malaysia 2026 banner, this expansion also brings us closer to our vision of positioning Kuala Lumpur as a premier gateway to Asia and beyond," he said.
Foong said the expansion also supports the airline’s vision of strengthening Kuala Lumpur’s position as a regional aviation hub.
Malaysia Airlines said the new services also leverage the mutual visa-free arrangements between Malaysia and China while supporting the country’s tourism aspirations.
With the addition of Shenzhen and Changsha, the airline now serves nine destinations in China, namely Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xiamen, Hong Kong, Taipei, Chengdu, Shenzhen, and Changsha. - BERNAMA