Malaysia Airlines and China Southern Airlines have announced an expansion of their codeshare partnership, adding five new routes between Malaysia and China. Effective from 25 October 2026, the collaboration will now include flights connecting Kuala Lumpur with Shenzhen, Changsha, Xiamen, Chengdu, and Zhengzhou. This move aims to provide travellers with increased flexibility and smoother connections across both airlines’ networks.
The expanded partnership underscores the significance of the Malaysia-China market, which both airlines highly value. Malaysia Airlines has recently launched new services to Chengdu, Shenzhen, and Changsha, whilst China Southern Airlines has increased capacity on its Kuala Lumpur-Guangzhou and Shenzhen routes. This expansion means that all Kuala Lumpur-related routes operated by the two airlines in the Malaysia-China market are now under the codeshare arrangement.
Captain Nasaruddin A. Bakar, President and Group CEO of Malaysia Aviation Group, stated, “Malaysia Airlines is pleased to further strengthen its partnership with China Southern Airlines and offer customers more ways to travel between Malaysia and China.” He emphasised the strategic importance of China for Malaysia Airlines and the benefits of enhanced connectivity.
Han Wensheng, President of China Southern Air Holding Company Limited, highlighted the growth potential of the Malaysian market, noting that the partnership will offer passengers more diversified travel options and support the Belt and Road Initiative.
This expanded cooperation is expected to bolster tourism, trade, and business ties between the two countries, providing greater value to customers and enhancing air connectivity in the region.
