Malaysia Airlines has signed a new partnership with Mumbai Indians one of India’s most successful and widely followed cricket team as the carrier looks to accelerate brand and commercial growth in one of its key markets, while reinforcing Kuala Lumpur as a gateway for Indian travellers connecting onwards
The agreement names Malaysia Airlines as both Associate Sponsor and Official Global Airline Partner of the franchise. The airline says the move underlines its long-term commitment to India and is designed to help drive preference and loyalty through sport-led engagement.
To mark the launch, one hundred Wau Bulan kites were released at Jio World Gardens in Mumbai with Mumbai Indians head coach Mahela Jayawardene appearing alongside club representatives. Malaysia Airlines notes the team’s global fan base of over 55 million as a platform to engage audiences “across India and beyond”.
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.”
For New Zealand travel sellers particularly those supporting Kiwi-Indian travellers visiting India, where Malaysia Airlines is often considered a preferred full-service option, the announcement is another signal of the airline’s intent to strengthen its India proposition via Kuala Lumpur, supported by high-profile consumer-facing activity. Planned activations include on-ground fan engagements, co-branded experiences, exclusive merchandise and selected player-led appearances.
The carrier will also continue promoting its Bonus Side Trip (BST) programme, allowing eligible international travellers transiting through Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) Terminal 1 to add an additional Malaysian domestic destination “with no additional fare (excluding taxes)”, with eight domestic options referenced in the release. Malaysia Airlines says it will continue supporting Visit Malaysia 2026 in partnership with government and industry stakeholders.