Malaysia Airlines has taken a significant leap in expanding its global presence by securing a strategic partnership with Manchester United football club as its Official Commercial Airline.

With this collaboration, Malaysia Airlines aims to extend its exceptional services to Manchester United’s extensive community of over 1.1 billion fans worldwide, leveraging co-branded marketing initiatives to enhance brand recognition across diverse global audiences.

In tandem with MATTA Fair 2024, a major trade fair in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Airlines unveiled its plans to launch flights to three new destinations: Malé, Maldives (MLE), Da Nang, Vietnam (DAD), and Chiang Mai, Thailand (CNX). These new routes aim to enhance connectivity from its main hub in Kuala Lumpur and cater to the growing demand for travel to these destinations. Tickets for these flights are now available for purchase, with services commencing from August 2024 onwards.

The airline’s commitment to expanding its network reflects its ambition to strengthen its position as the gateway to Asia and beyond. As a member of the oneworld® alliance, Malaysia Airlines already offers extensive connectivity to over 900 destinations in 170 territories worldwide.

Malaysia Airlines also unveiled its new A330neo Business Class and Economy Class seats as part of its fleet modernisation plan.

The new A330neo cabin will feature the innovative Collins Aerospace Elevation Business Class seats, offering passengers an unparalleled level of comfort and privacy with individual suite cabins and wireless charging pods. This initiative reinforces Malaysia Airlines’ commitment to passenger experience and innovation, making it a leader in the industry.

In addition to the Business Class upgrades, the Economy Class will feature the award-winning Recaro CL3810 seats, designed for enhanced comfort and practicality. The cabin’s aesthetics will showcase Malaysia’s cultural heritage through the incorporation of the signature songket motif in the seat covers.

Commenting on these developments, Datuk Captain Izham Ismail, Group Managing Director of Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), expressed his optimism for the future of Malaysia Airlines. He highlighted the airline’s resilience amidst challenges and its commitment to delivering excellence in every aspect of its service. He said,

Our partnership with Manchester United, the expansion of our flight network, and the introduction of our new cabin seats mark the beginning of an exciting journey for Malaysia Airlines. As we focus on elevating the customer experience, we remain dedicated to delivering excellence and fostering growth.

Malaysia Airlines’ Group Managing Director of Malaysia Aviation Group, Izham Ismail announced the partnerhsip with Manchester United at MATTA Fair 2024. To celebrate the announcement, former Manchester United defenders Patrice Evra and Wes Brown flew to Kuala Lumpur to attend the event, to share their experiences of travelling the world as both players and ambassadors for the club.

During the event the two United legends were asked about the significance of the new partnership. Evra said,

Manchester United has fans from all over the world, and the passionate support we have here in Asia never fails to impress me. I am pleased to be able to share our partnership with Malaysia Airlines with those fans and introduce them to the best-in-class service they offer.

Wes and I travelled here on Malaysia Airlines, and I would like to thank them for such a comfortable journey. From the food to the comfortable seats and friendly service, everything was perfect.

Wes Brown said,

I am fortunate enough to represent Manchester United at events all over the world. I have visited Malaysia many times, and I am always blown away by the warm welcome I receive. Malaysia Airlines is a true representation of Malaysia’s friendly culture, and I cannot wait to work with them to engage with our fantastic supporters.

Also speaking at the event was Manchester United’s CEO of Alliances and Partnerships, Victoria Timpson, who said,

Manchester United has a long-standing and proud connection with Malaysia, with a history of passionate support from across the country. We have three official Malaysian supporter’s clubs, with the Kuala Lumpur branch boasting one of the club’s largest supporter communities, reflecting the country’s love of all things United. We are very pleased to welcome Malaysia Airlines to our family of partners and look forward to sharing with our global fans its trusted, welcoming and hospitable service.

Group Managing Director of Malaysia Aviation Group, Izham Ismail, said,

We are delighted to announce this exciting partnership with Manchester United, a club synonymous with excellence and sporting passion around the world. This collaboration brings together two global icons, Malaysia Airlines and Manchester United, and will create unforgettable experiences for our fans and customers. Aligning with a globally recognised club like United places Malaysia Airlines in front of a massive worldwide audience, significantly boosting brand recognition, especially in Europe and Southeast Asia where United has a large fanbase. We look forward to the exciting opportunities this collaboration brings and the joy it will bring to football enthusiasts worldwide.

Business travellers and frequent flyers can experience the new offerings firsthand at the ongoing MATTA Fair, where the new cabin seats are on display until 24 March 2024.

For further information on these developments or to book your next business trip with Malaysia Airlines, contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

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