Malaysia Airlines sees 20% rise in load factor

Likely to start operations from small cities in India

KOLKATA: Malaysia Airlines, which is looking at enhancing its presence in India, may start operations from smaller cities in the country. Currently, it operates 30 flights from five cities   Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad and Bangalore.

Though no concrete plans have been frozen yet, the carrier has already conducted an internal survey on the feasibility of starting operations from secondary cities in the country.

Christopher Yek, regional manager, south Asia, Malaysia Airlines, said, “We may look at these sectors in the future. I can’t disclose anything more now.”

India is an important market for Malaysia Airlines part from China. The move is also seen as a part of a proposed turnaround plan of the company to boost its position as the leading carrier in Asia. Thus, the carrier will also be adding two more flights on the Delhi-Kuala Lumpur sector, taking the daily frequency to nine per week. It has already enhanced its flight frequency from the southern gateways.  The airlines saw a record 3,15,000 traffic in January-September 2007 as against 2,80,000 passengers during the calendar year 2006.  Yek said the carrier is expecting a 20% increase in its load factor in 2008.

About 75% of the traffic from India is from the leisure segment, mostly comprising of families and honeymooners.  The current load factor for Malaysia Airlines is 78%. However, Yek believes it is an encouraging figure and this can be improved by offering holiday packages to tourists from India. Malaysia Airlines recently launched its travel arm Golden Holidays, which is targeted at the Indian leisure segment. Golden Holidays is being marketed and promoted by Kuoni Holidays.

Kuala Lumpur is Malaysia Airlines’ hub for India though Langkawi and Penang are popular holiday and MICE destinations.