(L-R) Michael Yeo (airport ambassador), Nita Palencia (Ambassador Co-ordinator) and Mei Marshall (airport ambassador). Photo: ANNETTE DEW
Direct flights between Brisbane and Kuala Lumpur will return with Malaysia Airlines confirming a service will start on November 29, flying five times a week using Airbus A330-300 aircraft.
The Malaysian air carrier’s decision is expected to result in 75,000 inbound seats to Queensland annually and generate $54 million for the state economy in the first year.
“We are delighted to welcome back Malaysia Airlines and the additional connectivity it brings to Brisbane,” airport CEO Gert-Jan de Graff says.
He adds that the airline has a strong south-east Asian network and connections to Europe, and serves 10 Indian destinations.
“Malaysia is Queensland’s seventh largest export destination. The restoration of non-stop air connections is vital for exporting perishables, including beef, our top export to Malaysia,” de Graff says.
“Kuala Lumpur is the 33rd destination on Brisbane’s international network map, matching our pre-pandemic number for the first time, so it’s a milestone moment.”
Queensland’s Trade Minister Ros Bates says the news is great for exporters.
“We’ll be sending those plane cargo holds back to Asia and onto Europe, filled with the very best of Queensland exports, so it’s a great economic win for our state,” he says.
Datuk Captain Izham Ismail, Group Managing Director of Malaysia Aviation Group, said they are “thrilled to reinstate our services to Brisbane” and expanding their presence in Australia.
“This route reaffirms our commitment to connecting travellers across our extensive network through Kuala Lumpur – positioning Malaysia Airlines as the Gateway to Asia and Beyond.
“Whether flying for leisure, business, or trade, we look forward to welcoming passengers onboard with our signature Malaysian Hospitality, while offering convenient access to key destinations across Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia, the Indian Subcontinent and Europe.”
The route is supported by the Attracting Aviation Investment Fund, a jointly-funded initiative between Queensland and the state’s international airports.
