Flights tap into Queensland’s growing Malaysian market
Posted by editor (editor) on Nov 26 2009
2009 >>

Malaysia Airlines’ announcement that it would reinstate two additional flights between Kuala Lumpur and Brisbane will further Queensland’s increasing popularity with the Malaysian visitors, Tourism Minister Peter Lawlor said today.

Mr Lawlor said the airline had announced the two direct flights would be reinstated from 28 March 2010 following their withdrawal in 2007, and would add to the existing five flights per week between Kuala Lumpur and Brisbane via Sydney.

“In addition to adding capacity to the growing Malaysian market, Kuala Lumpur is a key hub for UK, European and Indian travellers so this is great news for Brisbane and other Queensland tourism destinations,” he said.

“Malaysia Airlines and Virgin Blue have an agreement in place which allows the seamless transfer of Malaysia Airlines passengers onto Virgin flights to other key tourism regions such as Tropical North Queensland and the Whitsundays.”

Mr Lawlor said the non-stop flights from Kuala Lumpur would operate on Fridays and Sundays using Boeing 777s, adding 564 weekly seats into Queensland on top of the 705 already provided via Sydney.

“The staging of non-stop long haul flights from Malaysia directly into Queensland reduces the length of travel time and adds an extra enticement for potential holiday-makers to stay in the state,” he said.

“The airline has also ensured that Malaysian visitors can maximise their holiday time in Queensland by travelling at the start of the weekend.”

Mr Lawlor said Malaysia was a growing international source market for Brisbane and Queensland.

“There were 19,000 Malaysian visitors to Brisbane in the year ended June 2009, an increase of 12 percent on the previous year,” he said.

“In the same period there were 41,000 Malaysian visitors to Queensland, up 11 percent from the previous year.

“Malaysian holidaymakers love Queensland’s world-class theme parks, our natural attractions, shopping and entertainment, plus our fresh seafood and produce.”

Last changed: Nov 26 2009 at 11:58 AM