Malaysia Airlines has launched rapid expansion into China.

Malaysian prime minister, YAB Dato’ Seri Mohd Najib Tun Razak, announced in Beijing earlier that the airline will serve eight new destinations and 11 new routes with 35 additional frequencies between Malaysia and China beginning in early 2017. 

Malaysia Airlines’ chief executive Peter Bellew explained: “Malaysia Airlines plans to triple our Chinese business over the next five years. 

“I see potential for direct flights to 20 Chinese cities from Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Kota Kinabalu and Kuching by 2019.

“We have huge confidence in China.

“The improved connectivity will foster deeper business links between the two nations. 

“Malaysians relish the business opportunities and tourism experience in China. 

“The Chinese tourist market to Malaysia is growing rapidly due to the shared food, language and cultural connections.

“In addition to this initial growth, we will promote tourism in Malaysia and China through seasonal or ad-hoc services to key leisure markets such as Langkawi, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu. 

Six of our new Chinese cities have never been served directly by a Malaysian Airline,” he added.

The airline will also add a second daily flight between Kuala Lumpur and Shanghai subject to slots in April 2017. 

This follows the airline’s recent announcement on the service upgrade to its morning Kuala Lumpur-Hong Kong sector from the Boeing 737 to the Airbus 330.