Full History Of Malaysia Airlines In Timeline From 1937

October 1937: Incorporation of "Malayan Airways Limited"

On 12 October 1937, "Malayan Airways Limited" (MAL) was incorporated in Singapore.

1937: Malayan Airways Limited registered

In 1937, Malayan Airways Limited was registered as a company, marking the beginning of the airline's history.

April 1947: First flight

On 2 April 1947, Malayan Airways' first flight was a charter flight from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur, using an Airspeed Consul twin-engined aircraft.

May 1947: Weekly scheduled flights

From 1 May 1947, weekly scheduled flights quickly followed from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh, and Penang with the Airspeed Consul aircraft.

1947: Flying operations started

In 1947, Malayan Airways Limited commenced flying operations with aircraft bearing the symbol of a winged tiger.

1947: First commercial flight

In 1947, Malayan Airways Limited flew its first commercial flight.

1955: Fleet growth

By 1955, Malayan Airways' fleet had grown to include a large number of Douglas DC-3s.

1957: Went public

In 1957, Malayan Airways finally went public.

April 1960: Expanded operations

By April 1960, Malayan Airways was operating Douglas DC-3s, Super Constellations and Viscounts on new routes from Singapore to Hong Kong, and from Kuala Lumpur to Bangkok via Penang. The airline also increased its frequencies from Singapore to cities on the British Borneo, including Brunei, Jesselton (now Kota Kinabalu), Kuching, Labuan, Sandakan, and Sibu.

1960: First long-haul international flight

In 1960, With the delivery of an 84-seat Bristol Britannia, the airline launched its first long-haul international flight, to Hong Kong.

September 1963: Name changed to "Malaysian Airways"

In September 1963, when Malaya, Singapore, Sabah, and Sarawak formed Malaysia, the airline's name was officially changed from "Malayan Airways" to "Malaysian Airways".

November 1963: Arrival of Fokker F27

In November 1963, five Fokker F27 arrived at Malaysian Airways

1963: Renamed as Malaysian Airways

In 1963, after the formation of the independent country, Malaysia, Malayan Airways was renamed Malaysian Airways.

April 1965: Incorporation of Borneo Airways

On 1 April 1965, Malaysian Airways incorporated Borneo Airways, with the brand effectively merged under its parent company.

1966: Renamed Malaysia–Singapore Airlines (MSA)

In 1966, after the separation of Singapore, Malaysian Airways was renamed Malaysia–Singapore Airlines (MSA).

1966: Name changed to Malaysia-Singapore Airlines (MSA)

In 1966, following Singapore's separation from the federation, the airline's name was changed again, to Malaysia-Singapore Airlines (MSA).

1966: New logo introduced

In 1966, with the formation of Malaysia-Singapore Airlines (MSA), a new logo featuring the initials of the airline's name, MSA, was introduced.

1971: MSA split into two airlines

In 1971, Malaysia-Singapore Airlines (MSA) split into two airlines, leading to the birth of Malaysia's flag carrier, Malaysian Airline System (MAS).

1971: Original wau bulan logo

In 1971, the original Malaysia Airlines logo, which featured a wau bulan (moon kite) facing right, was created.

October 1972: MAS began flights

On 1 October 1972, MAS began flights with 19 aircraft and soon expanded, including introducing flights from Kuala Lumpur to London.

1972: MSA ceased operations

In 1972, MSA ceased operations, with its assets split between two new airlines; Malaysian Airline System (MAS), and Singapore Airlines. The Singapore government took the entire fleet of seven Boeing 707s and five Boeing 737s.

1972: Assets were divided

In 1972, the assets of Malaysia-Singapore Airlines were divided to permanently form two separate and distinct national airlines—Malaysian Airline System (MAS, since renamed as Malaysia Airlines) and Singapore Airlines (SIA).

1976: Flights to Europe

In 1976, after receiving its DC-10-30 aircraft, MAS scheduled flights to Europe, with initial flights from Kuala Lumpur to Amsterdam, Paris, and Frankfurt. The Boeing 707s were then removed from the fleet.

1980: Entry of the Airbus A300B4 fleet

The year 1980 saw the entry of the Airbus A300B4 fleet, which were occasionally deployed to Asian and domestic routes.

1982: Received first Boeing 747-200

In 1982, the airline received its first Boeing 747-200 which was used as the carriers long haul flagship.

March 1986: Sarong Kebaya design introduced

On March 1, 1986, Malaysia Airlines introduced the Sarong Kebaya design for its female flight attendants, created by the School of Fashion at Mara Institute of Technology, featuring batik material with the "kelarai" motif and Malaysian flora.

October 1987: New corporate logo introduced in October 1987

On 15 October 1987, Malaysia Airlines introduced a new corporate logo, designed by Dato' Johan Ariff of Johan Design Associates, retaining the essence of the moon kite. A new type style - MALAYSIA, was created.

1987: Launch of Esteemed Traveller Program

In 1987, Malaysia Airlines launched its frequent flyer program called Esteemed Traveller.

January 1993: Batik colors enhanced

In January 1993, the colors of the batik on the Sarong Kebaya were enhanced to complement the color of the new uniform. The male flight attendants wear grey colour jackets.

1993: Reached South America

In 1993, MAS reached South America when the airline received its first Boeing 747-400 aircraft. MAS became the first airline in Southeast Asia to fly to South America using its Boeing 747 via stopovers in South Africa.

1994: Flights to Mexico City

From 1994 to 1998, MAS also flew to Mexico City for a brief period from 1994 to 1998, with fifth freedom rights to transport passengers from Los Angeles en route from Kuala Lumpur (with a stopover in Tokyo-Narita.)

1995: Received Airbus A330-300

In 1995 the airline received its Airbus A330-300 which effectively replaced the Airbus A300B4 and DC-10-30.

1996: Record breaking profit

Prior to the Asian financial crisis in 1997, the airline suffered losses of as much as RM260 million after earning a record-breaking RM333 million profit in the financial year 1996/1997.

1997: Suffered losses

Prior to the Asian financial crisis in 1997, the airline suffered losses of as much as RM260 million after earning a record-breaking RM333 million profit in the financial year 1996/1997.

1998: Losses of RM700 million

For the financial year 1999/2000, the airline cut its losses from RM700 million in 1998/1999 to RM259 million.

1998: End of flights to Mexico City

From 1994 to 1998, MAS also flew to Mexico City for a brief period from 1994 to 1998, with fifth freedom rights to transport passengers from Los Angeles en route from Kuala Lumpur (with a stopover in Tokyo-Narita.)

1999: Cut losses

For the financial year 1999/2000, the airline cut its losses from RM700 million in 1998/1999 to RM259 million.

1999: Debut of Enrich Frequent-Flyer Program

In 1999, after the dissolution of the joint Asian frequent-flyer program Passages, Malaysia Airlines debuted the Enrich frequent-flyer program.

2000: Cut losses

For the financial year 1999/2000, the airline cut its losses from RM700 million in 1998/1999 to RM259 million.

2001: "World's Best Cabin Crew" award by Skytrax since 2001

Since 2001, Malaysia Airlines received the "World's Best Cabin Crew" award by Skytrax, bringing home the international accolade eight times.

2001: Further losses

The airline plunged into further losses in the following years, however, amounting to RM417 million for the financial year 2000/2001 and RM836 million for the financial year 2001/2002.

2002: Cut many unprofitable routes

In the financial year 2001/2002, the airline plunged into further losses amounting to RM836 million, and as a result the airline cut many unprofitable routes, such as Brussels, Darwin, Madrid, Munich, and Vancouver.

2004: Increased fuel costs

In 2005, The most substantial factor in the losses was fuel costs. For the period, the total fuel cost was RM3.5 billion, representing a 40.4% increase compared to the same period in 2004.

2004: Revenue growth

Revenue for the financial period in 2005 was up by 10.3% or RM826.9 million, compared to the same period for 2004, driven by a 10.2% growth in passenger traffic.

December 2005: New CEO appointed

On 1 December 2005, the Malaysian government appointed Idris Jala as the new CEO of MAS to execute changes in operations and corporate culture.

2005: Period of unprofitability

In 2005, MAS suffered yet another period of unprofitability, reporting a loss of RM1.3 billion.

2005: Malaysia Airlines Experienced a Loss

In 2005, Malaysia Airlines experienced a RM1.25 billion loss.

2005: Net loss of RM1.3 billion

In 2005, Malaysia Airlines experienced a net loss of RM1.3 billion due to poor revenue management and other factors.

2005: Building Value

In 2005, The Star said that the Bangunan MAS building was reported to be worth between RM300mil and RM350mil.

2005: Losses

In 2007, MAS posted a record profit of RM853 million (US$265 million), ending a series of losses since 2005.

July 2006: Introduction of Enhanced Frequent-Flyer Program

On 12 July 2006, Malaysia Airlines introduced its enhanced frequent-flyer program, which is now known as Enrich by Malaysia Airlines (Enrich).

2006: Routes operated before BTP in 2006

Before the introduction of the BTP in 2006, Malaysia Airlines operated 118 domestic routes within Malaysia and 114 international routes across six continents.

2006: Launched BTP

In 2006, MAS launched its BTP (Business Turnaround Plan), developed using the Government-linked Company Transformation Manual as a guide.

2006: Move of Head Office

In 2006, Malaysia Airlines moved its head office from the Kuala Lumpur building to the former headquarters in Subang.

2006: Introduction of Business Turnaround Plan

In 2006, the Business Turnaround Plan was introduced to revive Malaysia Airlines.

2007: Gain of RM851 Million Net Profit

At the end of the Malaysia Airlines' turnaround program, in financial year 2007, Malaysia Airlines gained RM851 million net profit.

2007: Took back east Malaysia's rural air service (RAS) operation

In 2007 Malaysia Airlines took back east Malaysia's rural air service (RAS) operation and former turboprop aircraft which were then crippled by Airasia's subsidiary Fly Asian Express due to its inexperience. Malaysia airlines instead launched its own subsidiary MASwings to handle the rural air service and Firefly to start commercial operations in Subang airport.

2007: Posted a record profit

In 2007, MAS posted a record profit of RM853 million (US$265 million), ending a series of losses since 2005.

2007: Slogan "Going Beyond Expectations" used until 2007

Until 2007, Malaysia Airlines used the slogan "Going Beyond Expectations" for its international branding.

April 2008: New Regional Golden Lounge launched

In April 2008, Malaysia Airlines launched its new Regional Golden Lounge at Kuala Lumpur International Airport for regional-bound front-end passengers.

2008: New branding strategy slogan

In 2008, Malaysia Airlines adopted the new branding strategy slogan, "More than just an airline code. MH is Malaysian Hospitality", to highlight the hospitality of the cabin crew.

2008: Replaced Fokker 50's

Malaysia Airlines' former Fokker 50's were gradually replaced by the airlines order of ATR-72-500 from the year 2008 onwards.

August 2009: New CEO

In August 2009, Tengku Azmil Zahruddin took over as the airline's new CEO.

2010: No profit since 2010

As of 2014, Malaysia Airlines had not made a profit since 2010.

2010: New standard airline livery introduced

Beginning in 2010, all of Malaysia Airlines' new Airbus A330 and Boeing 737 aircraft feature the new standard airline livery, with red and blue strips and a refreshed wau bulan on the tail.

2010: Purchase of Bangunan MAS

In 2010, Permodalan Nasional Berhad purchased Bangunan MAS from Malaysia Airlines.

August 2011: Malaysia Airlines agreed to collaborate with AirAsia through a share swap

In August 2011, Malaysia Airlines agreed to collaborate with AirAsia through a share swap.

September 2011: New CEO appointed

In September 2011, a major restructuring led to the appointment of a new CEO, Ahmad Jauhari Yahya.

2011: Losses of RM2.5 billion in 2011

In 2011, Malaysia Airlines booked losses of RM2.5 billion.

2011: Large losses

In 2011, Malaysia Airlines faced large losses.

2011: Purchase of new Airbus A330 aircraft

In December 2009, MAS announced the purchase of 15 new Airbus A330 aircraft, with options for another 10. These were Expected to be delivered between 2011 and 2016.

May 2012: Share swap undone in May 2012

In May 2012, the share swap between Malaysia Airlines' major shareholder and that of AirAsia was undone due to resistance from certain quarters of its staff.

2012: Retirement of Boeing 747-400s

In 2012, Malaysia Airlines began retiring its remaining Boeing 747-400 aircraft following the delivery of the Airbus A380-800.

2012: Losses of RM433 million in 2012

In 2012, Malaysia Airlines booked losses of RM433 million.

2012: Revenue Reduction

In 2012, Malaysia Airlines experienced a marginal 1% reduction in revenue, amounting to RM13.76 billion.

2012: Airline received the "World's Best Cabin Crew" award by Skytrax in 2012

In 2012, Malaysia Airlines received the "World's Best Cabin Crew" award by Skytrax, bringing home the international accolade eight times since 2001.

2012: Corporate logo refreshed in 2012

In 2012, Malaysia Airlines refreshed its corporate logo, featuring a red and blue wau bulan facing right with extended tails, and a modernised wordmark. Also in the same year, the airline also unveiled a new and exclusive livery for its Airbus A380 fleet.

2012: Introduction of Airbus A380 planes

In 2012, the Airbus A380 planes, were then introduced into service.

2012: Only airline in Southeast Asia to serve South America via South Africa until 2012

Malaysia Airlines became the first airline in Southeast Asia to fly to post-apartheid South Africa, and was the only airline in Southeast Asia to serve South America via South Africa until 2012.

February 2013: MAS reports net profit in Q4

In February 2013, Malaysia Airlines (MAS) reported a net profit of RM51.4 million for the fourth quarter.

February 2013: Malaysia Airlines became a member of the Oneworld alliance

On February 1, 2013, Malaysia Airlines became a member of the Oneworld alliance, adding 16 new destinations to the alliance's map.

2013: Losses of RM1.17 billion in 2013

In 2013, Malaysia Airlines booked losses of RM1.17 billion ($356 million).

2013: Turnaround plan initiated

In 2013, Malaysia Airlines initiated a turnaround plan after large losses beginning in 2011 and cut routes to unprofitable long-haul destinations, such as Los Angeles, Buenos Aires and South Africa. That same year, Malaysia Airlines also began an internal restructuring and intended to sell units such as engineering and pilot training.

2013: New Slogan since 2013

Since 2013, Malaysia Airlines has been using the slogan "Journeys are made by people you travel with".

2014: Retirement of older generation aircraft

By the end of 2014, Malaysia Airlines had retired its older generation Airbus A330 aircraft and Boeing 737-400 aircraft.

2014: Bankruptcy declared

From 2014 to 2015, Malaysia Airlines declared bankruptcy and was renationalised by the government under a new entity, which involved transferring all operations, including assets and liabilities as well as downsizing the airline.

2014: Restructuring Plan

In 2014, Khazanah released "Rebuilding a National Icon: The MAS Recovery Plan," outlining the restructuring of MAS, including the elimination of approximately 6,000 jobs and a focus on regional routes.

2014: Losses in Q1 and Q2 2014

In 2014, Malaysia Airlines experienced a loss of RM443.4 million (US$137.4 million) in the first quarter and RM307.04 million (US$97.6 million) in the second quarter, the latter representing a 75% increase in losses compared to the second quarter of 2013.

2014: Retirement of Boeing 777-200ER due to MH370 and MH17 incidents

In 2014, the Boeing 777-200ER was retired by Malaysia Airlines due to its tainted reputation with MH370 and MH17 incidents.

2014: Peter Bellew previously worked at Ryanair

Peter Bellew had worked as a flight operations director at Ryanair until 2014.

2014: Suspension of services to multiple destinations prior to 2014

Prior to the 2014 aircraft losses, Malaysia Airlines had suspended services to Cape Town, Rome, Dammam, Karachi, Surabaya, Johannesburg and Los Angeles.

January 2015: Airline Declared Technically Bankrupt

In January 2015, Malaysia Airlines was declared "technically bankrupt".

May 2015: Transfer to Malaysia Airlines Berhad

In May 2015, it was announced that the airline would be transferred to a newly founded Malaysia Airlines Berhad (MAB) by 1 September 2015.

July 2015: Transfer of operations into a new company

Khazanah intended to transfer the relevant operations, assets, and liabilities of Malaysian Airline System Berhad into a new company by July 2015.

September 2015: Rebranding Commences

On 1 September 2015, Malaysia Airlines began its rebranding as it was transferred to Malaysia Airlines Berhad (MAB).

2015: Renationalisation

From 2014 to 2015, Malaysia Airlines declared bankruptcy and was renationalised by the government under a new entity, which involved transferring all operations, including assets and liabilities as well as downsizing the airline.

January 2016: Policy of not serving alcohol

In January 2016, Malaysia Airlines introduced a policy of not serving alcohol on flights of less than three hours.

April 2016: CEO Christoph Mueller Resigned

In April 2016, CEO of Malaysia Airlines Christoph Mueller resigned from his position after less than a year, due to "changing personal circumstances."

July 2016: Peter Bellew new chief

It was announced that Peter Bellew would become the new chief with effect from 1 July 2016.

September 2016: CEO Christoph Mueller planned departure

Christoph Mueller initially planned to continue as CEO until September 2016 and stay on the airline's board as a nonexecutive director.

October 2016: Sponsorship Deal with Liverpool FC

In October 2016, Malaysia Airlines signed a 3-year sponsorship deal with Premier League club Liverpool FC, becoming its Official Global Airline Partner.

2016: Retirement of Boeing 777-200 fleet

In 2016, Malaysia Airlines completed the retirement of its Boeing 777-200 fleet, with the last aircraft leaving that year.

2016: Retro scheme painted on Boeing 747-400 in 2016

In 2016, a Boeing 747-400 was painted in the same retro scheme as one B737-800 9M-MXA, commemorating the airlines 40 year anniversary.

2016: Delivery of Airbus A330 aircraft

In December 2009, MAS announced the purchase of 15 new Airbus A330 aircraft, with options for another 10. These were Expected to be delivered between 2011 and 2016.

2016: Last flight to Paris in 2016

Malaysia Airlines' last flight to Paris was in 2016, after the removal of destinations such as Istanbul, Amsterdam, Paris and Frankfurt.

April 2017: Satellite flight-tracking system

In April 2017, Malaysia Airlines announced that the airline's entire fleet would be tracked with the satellite flight-tracking system.

May 2017: Extensive renovation of lounges began

Between May 2017 and February 2018, Malaysia Airlines conducted an extensive renovation that saw all three lounges at Kuala Lumpur International Airport progressively refurnished and remodelled.

October 2017: Peter Bellew's return to Ryanair

In October 2017, Malaysia Airlines CEO Peter Bellew unexpectedly announced his return to Ryanair as chief operations officer.

November 2017: Arrival of Airbus A350 and Airbus A330-200

November 2017 saw the arrival of the Airbus A350 and Airbus A330-200 which were leased onto the Malaysia Airlines fleet.

November 2017: First Airbus A350-900 received

On 30 November 2017, Malaysia Airlines received their first out of six leased Airbus A350-900 aircraft.

2017: Addition of Airbus A350-900 aircraft

From the end of 2017 to the middle of 2018, Malaysia Airlines Berhad (MAB) announced that they would add four new Airbus A350-900 aircraft to their fleet.

2017: Special paint scheme 'Negaraku' introduced

In 2017, Malaysia Airlines introduced a special 'Negaraku' paint scheme on one Boeing 737, featuring the Malaysian flag and a modified corporate wau bulan logo.

2017: Return to Profitability

Khazanah aimed to return Malaysia Airlines to profitability by late 2017.

February 2018: Extensive renovation of lounges completed

Between May 2017 and February 2018, Malaysia Airlines conducted an extensive renovation that saw all three lounges at Kuala Lumpur International Airport progressively refurnished and remodelled.

March 2018: Satellite International Lounge re-opening

The renovation of Malaysia Airlines lounges at Kuala Lumpur International Airport saw completion with the re-opening of the Satellite International Lounge in March 2018.

2018: Addition of Airbus A350-900 aircraft

From the end of 2017 to the middle of 2018, Malaysia Airlines Berhad (MAB) announced that they would add four new Airbus A350-900 aircraft to their fleet.

2018: Malaysia Airlines received their sixth Airbus A350-900

In 2018, Malaysia Airlines received their sixth leased Airbus A350-900.

2018: New slogan unveiled in 2018

In 2018, Malaysia Airlines unveiled a new slogan, "Malaysian Hospitality Begins With Us".

2018: Relisting Airline

Khazanah had plans to relist Malaysia Airlines by 2018 or 2019.

2018: Advertisement Broadcast at Anfield

Until the 2018-2019 season, Malaysia Airlines will broadcast a six-minute advertisement video during home games at Anfield, as part of their sponsorship deal.

2019: Launch of Project Amal

In 2019, Malaysia Airlines launched Project Amal (Hope), a special hajj umrah charter for Muslim pilgrims, utilizing the airline's fleet of Airbus A380 aircraft.

2019: Relisting Airline

Khazanah had plans to relist Malaysia Airlines by 2018 or 2019.

2019: End of Advertisement Broadcast at Anfield

The 2018-2019 season marked the end of Malaysia Airlines' six-minute advertisement video broadcast during home games at Anfield, as per their sponsorship deal.

April 2020: Golden Skies Ventures offer

On 6 April 2020, the Malaysian private equity firm Golden Skies Ventures reportedly made an offer of US$2.5 billion to take over Malaysia Airlines during the COVID-19 pandemic.

October 2020: Need for Capital and Retirement of Airbus A380

In October 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Malaysia Airlines needed about RM1 billion of capital annually. The airline also decided to retire and return all 6 of its grounded Airbus A380 aircraft to Airbus in 2023.

December 2020: Malaysia Airlines destinations as of December 2020

As of December 2020, Malaysia Airlines flies to a total of 59 destinations including those within Domestic Malaysia, South East Asia, China, North Asia, South Asia, Australia, New Zealand and United Kingdom.

2020: Passenger aircraft converted to cargo flights

In 2022, the airline improved its financial margin through restructuring. It switched a majority of its passenger aircraft in year of Q2 2020 to Q1 2022 into cargo flights, leveraging on its ability to support the disrupted supply chain system in Asia.

2021: Enrich Rebranding

In 2021, Enrich underwent rebranding, focusing on travel and lifestyle programmes with increased digitization. This allowed members to purchase products from various retailers.

2021: Underutilised credit lines

In 2023, as a result of positive cash flow, Malaysia's sovereign wealth fund Khazanah Nasional Berhad decided it would hold on to its sole ownership of the airline until further notice. Credit lines predicted to alleviate the airline's burden were also underutilised in year 2021–2022.

August 2022: Malaysia Airlines confirmed order of Airbus A330neo aircraft

In August 2022, Malaysia Airlines confirmed it would take delivery of an initial order of 20 Airbus A330neo aircraft, with options for 20 more.

2022: New slimline seat for Boeing 737 fleet introduced in 2022

In 2022, Malaysia Airlines began introducing a lighter, more slimline seat for the narrowbody Boeing 737 fleet based on the Safran z110i lineup, featuring USB A and C charging, also personal in-flight entertainment is replaced in favour of wireless entertainment content streaming provided by Viasat to be used on passengers personal devices.

2022: Financial Improvement and Net Profit

In 2022, Malaysia Airlines improved its financial margin through restructuring and reported a net profit of RM1.15 billion in the fourth quarter, reducing its total net loss to RM344 million.

2022: Underutilised credit lines

In 2023, as a result of positive cash flow, Malaysia's sovereign wealth fund Khazanah Nasional Berhad decided it would hold on to its sole ownership of the airline until further notice. Credit lines predicted to alleviate the airline's burden were also underutilised in year 2021–2022.

2022: Net loss in 2022

In March 2024, Malaysia Aviation Group announced over year 2022 net loss of RM344 million.

August 2023: Inflight caterer issues at Kuala Lumpur International Airport

In August 2023, Malaysia Airlines experienced issues with its primary inflight caterer BRAHIM in Kuala Lumpur International Airport due to contract disputes since the pandemic.

November 2023: Expected full net profit

In November 2023, Malaysia Airlines stated that it expects to reach full net profit for the whole year of 2023 and full break even in its entirety.

December 2023: Addition of another Airbus A350-900 in December 2023

In December 2023, Malaysia Airlines added one more Airbus A350-900, previously operated by SAS.

2023: Transfer of domestic flights to Firefly begins in 2023

In 2023, Malaysia Airlines began transferring some of its domestic flights to its subsidiary Firefly as part of its restructuring.

2023: Khazanah Nasional to hold ownership

In 2023, Malaysia's sovereign wealth fund Khazanah Nasional Berhad decided it would hold on to its sole ownership of Malaysia Airlines until further notice due to positive cash flow.

2023: Updated Negaraku livery unveiled in 2023

In 2023, an updated rendition of the standard Negaraku livery was unveiled on the upcoming Airbus A330-900, with the songket motif embedded on the wau bulan logo.

2023: Retained business class seating in 2023

In 2023, following the acquisition of additional A350 from SAS into the fleet, Malaysia Airlines has retained the business class seating based on the Thompson Aero Vantage XL platform.

2023: Malaysia Aviation Group Reaches Net Profit for 2023

In March 2024, Malaysia Aviation Group confirmed that Malaysia Airlines and its subsidiaries had reached full net profit for the year 2023. A profit after tax and interest (NIAT) of RM766 million was announced.

2023: Retirement of Airbus A380

In October 2020, Malaysia Airlines decided to retire and return all 6 of its grounded Airbus A380 aircraft to Airbus in 2023.

2023: First Boeing 737 MAX 8 entered service in Q4 2023

Malaysia Airlines ordered 25 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, with the first aircraft entering service in Q4 2023.

2023: Airbus A330-200 and A330-300 aircraft replacement begin in 2023

Malaysia Airlines planned to gradually replace its Airbus A330-200 and A330-300 aircraft between Q3 2023 and 2028.

March 2024: Malaysia Aviation Group Confirms Net Profit for 2023

In March 2024, Malaysia Aviation Group confirmed that Malaysia Airlines and its subsidiaries had reached full net profit for the year 2023.

August 2024: Criticism and Trust lost over its management

Since August 2024, Malaysia Airlines faces criticism and trust lost over its management, which caused multiple technical issues, safety concerns and alleged staff poaching.

November 2024: Malaysia Airlines receives first Airbus A330-900 aircraft

On 30 November 2024, Malaysia Airline received its inaugural Airbus A330-900 (A330neo) aircraft, signifying a move towards fleet modernization.

December 2024: Inaugural Airbus A330-900 (A330neo) flight to Melbourne

In December 2024, Malaysia Airlines announced the first flight for its A330neo fleet will service Melbourne beginning 19 December 2024.

December 2024: Cutting back scheduled flights

In February 2025, Malaysia Airlines announced that it is operating back in the red for year 2024. This is due to ongoing staff attrition and OEM supply chain issues which has resulted in the airline having to cut back 18% of its scheduled flights from August to December 2024.

2024: Three variants of business class seating

As of 2024, Malaysia Airlines have three different variants of business class seating based on the aircraft type and the route serviced.

2024: New slogan incorporation in 2024

In 2024, Malaysia Airlines started using the new slogan "Your Gateway to Asia and Beyond" on its official website.

2024: Decision on options for additional Airbus A330neo aircraft expected in Q1 2024

The airline is expected to make a decision on Q1 2024 regarding its subsequent optional for another additional 20 frames orders on the A330neo from Airbus.

February 2025: Malaysia Airlines fleet composition as of February 2025

As of February 2025, Malaysia Airlines has a total of 80 aircraft in its fleet, consisting of Boeing 737-800, Boeing 737 MAX 8, Airbus A330-200, Airbus A330-300, Airbus A330-900, and the Airbus A350-900. The airline also operates three A330-200 Freighter via its subsidiary MASkargo.

February 2025: Operating back in the red for year 2024

In February 2025, Malaysia Airlines announced that it is operating back in the red for year 2024 due to ongoing staff attrition and OEM supply chain issues.

March 2025: Flights to Paris (Charles de Gaulle) to recommence in March 2025

Malaysia Airlines is expected to recommence flights to Paris (Charles de Gaulle) from Kuala Lumpur on 22 March 2025.

2025: Business Suite Class to be discontinued in 2025

Business Suite Class (previously known as First Class) will be discontinued gradually in 2025 as the airline favors focusing on improving Business Class offering on the upcoming A330-900 and A350-900.

2025: Seek strategic partnership

In 2023, the sovereign fund planned to reduce its stakes on Malaysia Airlines and to allow the airline to seek strategic partnership with an international operator post 2025.

2025: A350 Fleet Refurbishment

In late 2025, Malaysia Airlines plans to extend the new economy class cabin, initially featured on the A330-900, to its A350 fleet through a refurbishment program.