KUALA LUMPUR, July 11 (Xinhua) -- Malaysia Airlines recently said it has expanded its presence in China with the launch of direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Shenzhen and Changsha, strengthening connectivity between the two countries amid growing demand for business and leisure travel.

Photo: Agencies

The national carrier said in a statement that the expansion reflects growing economic ties between Malaysia and China, as well as increasing appetite for cross-border tourism and business travel. It also enables the national carrier to tap a broader and more diversified segment of China, its second-largest international market by number of destinations.

Malaysia Airlines launched its inaugural service to Shenzhen on July 1, followed by the commencement of flights to Changsha on July 8. Both routes are operated with Boeing 737-8 aircraft and offer up to seven weekly flights.

Bryan Foong, chief executive officer of Airline Business at Malaysia Aviation Group, said the new routes mark a significant milestone in the airline's efforts to strengthen its footprint in China.

"By connecting Kuala Lumpur to these high-growth regional hubs, we are offering travelers greater convenience and flexibility while supporting stronger business, tourism and people-to-people ties between our two countries," he added.

The expansion is also expected to support Malaysia's tourism ambitions under the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign while reinforcing Kuala Lumpur's position as a key regional aviation hub.

With the addition of Shenzhen and Changsha, Malaysia Airlines now serves nine destinations across China.