Malaysia Airlines returns to Queensland skies

Brisbane

Malaysia Airlines will fly between Kuala Lumpur and Brisbane four times a week in a move that will inject more than $98 million into the Queensland economy over the next three years.

Innovation and Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said a consortium led by Tourism and Events Queensland and including Tourism Australia and Brisbane Airport Corporation secured the flights, which are forecast to bring more than 60,000 additional tourists to Queensland each year.

“Not only will these flights bring tens of thousands of tourists to Queensland and inject millions into the economy, they’ll also support up to 240 jobs which means this deal will be much more than just a boost to the tourism industry,” Ms Jones said.

“Through the Queensland Government’s Attracting Aviation Investment Fund, Tourism and Events Queensland and its partners have again been able to secure an important airline on an important route, giving travellers another way to come here and enhancing the reputation of Brisbane Airport.

“Malaysia Airlines are a renowned global airline and Kuala Lumpur is a thriving international hub – these flights will open a gateway for thousands of travellers to come to Queensland and experience the Great Barrier Reef, our world-heritage listed rainforests, our iconic beaches and the Outback.

“Strengthening our direct links with Asia is crucial growing tourism in Queensland. That’s why the Palaszczuk Government is investing.

“The Palaszczuk Government has already secured new international flights bringing an additional 740,000 seats and injecting $570 million into our economy every year.

“We’ll continue to invest in Queensland’s $25 billion tourism industry with $48 million to set up the Attracting Tourism Fund to bring more direct flights and cruise ships to Queensland.”

Federal Trade, Tourism and Investment Minister Steven Ciobo welcomed the additional route.

“It’s great to see this service has been reinstated, as a key aviation priority for us for some time,” said Minister Ciobo.

“Tourism Australia has provisionally committed funding as matched-marketing support for this route, under the Queensland Government’s Aviation Attraction Investment Fund,” he said.

“Malaysia is one of our key international tourism markets, and Malaysian travellers spent $137 million more in Australia in the year to September, totalling $1.4 billion, an increase of 11 per cent.

“The flight service will allow us to attract more visitors from Malaysia, to grow the crucial tourism sector, boosting the economy and driving local jobs.”

Brisbane Airport Corporation Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Julieanne Alroe said Malaysia Airlines’ return is great news for the whole of Queensland and every sector of the economy, from business and commerce to tourism, trade, education and beyond.

“We are delighted to welcome Malaysia Airlines back into the Brisbane Airport family as these flights will further enhance Brisbane’s global reach, providing a convenient, direct connection to Kuala Lumpur, a thriving international hub,” Ms Alroe said.

“Via Kuala Lumpur passengers will have access to Malaysia Airlines’ extensive network including India, South East Asia and the UK.

“Additionally, these flights are expected to bring more than 60,000 international visitors to Queensland each year, many of which will travel onwards to some of Australia’s most desirable tourist destinations via Brisbane Airport’s comprehensive regional network of any airport in Australia.

“All in all, it is another significant step for the city and state in positioning Brisbane as a major Asia Pacific centre and the future gateway to Australia.”

Tickets for the new route have gone on sale, with Malaysia Airlines to begin flying between Kuala Lumpur and Brisbane in June.