Malaysia Aviation Group looks to expand China operations

Recognizing China as its second-largest market outside Malaysia, as well as one of its fastest-growing markets, Malaysia Aviation Group has expanded its capacity in China by more than 40 percent so far this year, with further plans under consideration, including the introduction of new airlines, according to the group's top executive.

"We believe China is the right market for Malaysia Airlines to focus on. The economic fundamentals are strong, and we can conduct a lot of business between the two countries through Malaysia Airlines," said Nasaruddin A Bakar, president and group CEO of Malaysia Aviation Group, during an exclusive interview with China Daily.

According to Bakar, Malaysia Airlines has increased its weekly flights from 52 in 2025 to 74 in 2026, representing an increase of about 42 percent. China is now Malaysia Airlines' second-largest international market by number of destinations served.

"Malaysia Airlines wants to be at the center of this relationship and serve as a connector between the two countries," he said.

Bakar expects China to play a very important role in the carrier's business strategy, "at least for the next 10 years or even longer".

In his opinion, China's strong and resilient economic growth is one of the most important reasons that investors remain bullish on the country.

"China is one of the strongest economies in the world. Based on the current trends, I believe China will continue to outperform in economic terms. GDP growth has been strong and inflation has been very healthy," said Bakar.

Data from China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs show that China has been Malaysia's biggest trading partner for 17 years in a row. Bilateral trade between China and Malaysia reached $191.7 billion in 2025, with China exporting $103.68 billion to Malaysia and importing $87.99 billion.

"China is one of Malaysia's top trading partners. There is a lot of trade between the two countries, including in the cargo segment, the passenger segment and people-to-people exchanges," said Bakar.

More than 800,000 passengers traveled between Malaysia and China on Malaysia Airlines flights in the first eight months of this year, up 24 percent year-on-year.

wang_ying@chinadaily.com.cn