Mumbai, 15 January 2026 : Malaysia Airlines has entered a landmark partnership with Mumbai Indians,
India’s most successful and widely followed cricket team, serving as both
Associate Sponsor and Official Global Airline Partner. This collaboration is
part of the airline’s broader strategy to accelerate sports-led brand and
commercial growth in key global markets. The partnership underscores Malaysia
Airlines’ long-term commitment to strengthening its presence in India, one of
its most important growth markets.
To mark the occasion, one hundred Wau Bulan
kites were released at Jio World Gardens in Mumbai, in conjunction with Makar
Sankranti, India’s annual kite flying festival, symbolising the coming together
of cultures through sports and travel. Also making an appearance at the launch
ceremony was Mumbai Indians’ Head Coach – Mahela Jayawardene, alongside
representatives of the club.
As one of the world’s most followed cricket teams,
Mumbai Indians command a global fan base of over 55 million, providing Malaysia
Airlines a strong platform to engage with audiences across India and beyond,
extending its signature Malaysian Hospitality to a diverse global community.
Datuk Captain Izham Ismail, Group Managing
Director of MAG, said, “India remains a cornerstone of our
international network, and with 80 weekly flights connecting 10 key Indian
cities, Malaysia Airlines serves as a vital bridge between India and the world.
This partnership with the Mumbai Indians is a strategic commercial investment;
it allows us to tap into an immense, highly engaged audience to drive brand
preference and loyalty in a competitive market. By combining the excitement of
world-class cricket with the warmth of Malaysian Hospitality, we are not only
creating unique experiences but also stimulating tourism and trade flows
between our two nations.
This collaboration is about more than visibility –
it is about reinforcing Malaysia’s position as the preferred gateway to Asia
and ensuring that our economic and cultural ties continue to flourish, one
journey at a time.”
A Mumbai
Indians spokesperson said, “Mumbai Indians is proud to partner with
Malaysia Airlines, a brand that shares our commitment to excellence, global
reach and meaningful fan engagement. With millions of fans in India and around
the world, this collaboration allows us to connect our community to new travel
experiences while celebrating the shared passion for sport, culture and
hospitality. Together, we look forward to creating memorable moments for fans,
both on matchdays and beyond.”
Through this partnership, Malaysia Airlines will
reinforce its position as the preferred carrier for Indian travellers while
offering Mumbai Indians fans exclusive touchpoints that combine the thrill of
cricket with the warmth of Malaysian Hospitality. Planned activations include
on-ground fan engagements, co-branded experiences, exclusive merchandise and
selected player-led appearances, designed to connect cricket fans with Malaysia
Airlines beyond match days.
As part of its commitment to driving inbound travel,
Malaysia Airlines will continue to promote its Bonus Side Trip (BST) programme,
allowing eligible international travellers transiting through Kuala Lumpur
International Airport (KUL) Terminal 1 to explore an additional Malaysian
destination with no additional fare (excluding taxes). Travellers can choose
from eight domestic destinations, offering greater access to Malaysia’s
cultural, natural and heritage attractions within a single itinerary. As
Malaysia’s national carrier, the airline will also continue supporting Visit
Malaysia 2026, working with government and industry partners to enhance
connectivity and position Malaysia as a must-visit destination for travellers
across India, Southeast Asia and beyond.
For more information or to book your flights, visit
the official Malaysia Airlines website at www.malaysiaairlines.com.
Malaysia Airlines invites customers to enrol in its award-winning travel and
lifestyle loyalty programme, Enrich, at www.enrich.malaysiaairlines.com
to begin earning Enrich Points and take advantage of member-only privileges.
Download the Malaysia Airlines app to enjoy the latest promotions and updates
at your fingertips at any time and from any location.
About Malaysia Airlines
Malaysia Airlines is the national carrier of Malaysia,
offering premium and full-service travel options to, from, and within the
country. As the gateway to Asia and beyond, the airline carries up to 40,000
guests daily on memorable journeys inspired by Malaysia’s diverse heritage.
Malaysia Airlines embodies the nation’s rich traditions, cultures, and
cuisines, delivering an unparalleled experience through its signature Malaysian
Hospitality across every customer touchpoint.
Since September 2015, the airline has been owned
and operated by Malaysia Airlines Berhad. It is part of the Malaysia Aviation
Group (MAG) – a global aviation organisation comprising a range of aviation and
lifestyle travel solution portfolios aimed at serving global air travel
needs.
As a member of the oneworld® alliance, Malaysia
Airlines offers enhanced connectivity to more than 900 destinations in 170
territories worldwide. For more information, visit www.malaysiaairlines.com or
download the Malaysia Airlines app for the latest promotions at your
fingertips.
Issued by Group Communications, Malaysia Aviation
Group.
For media enquiries, please send email to: media@malaysiaairlines.com
