Ann: GENERAL: AIA: AIAL Malaysia Airlines announc

• Release Date: 03/07/13 11:57
• Summary: GENERAL: AIA: AIAL Malaysia Airlines announces daily flights to Auckland
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AIA
03/07/2013 09:57
GENERAL

REL: 0957 HRS Auckland International Airport Limited

GENERAL: AIA: AIAL Malaysia Airlines announces daily flights to Auckland

Strong demand for Malaysia Airlines' services sees the airline confirm
seasonal service daily flights on the Kuala Lumpur - Auckland route in the
upcoming peak season.
Auckland Airport has welcomed the announcement from Malaysia Airlines that
due to strong demand for their services, they are increasing the number of
flights from six to seven per week during the peak period of 24 November 2013
to 27 January 2014.

The announcement will see the Kuala Lumpur to Auckland service provide an
extra ten flights in total to the schedule during the peak travel time.

Glenn Wedlock, Auckland Airport General Manager Aeronautical Commercial, says
this is a fantastic outcome that reflects the hard work and collaboration of
Malaysia Airlines, Auckland Airport and Tourism New Zealand to deliver
sustainable growth on the Auckland - Kuala Lumpur route.

"Our collaboration is aimed at targeting key market segments for New Zealand
as part of our Ambition 2020 Asia strategy," says Mr Wedlock.  "This
additional capacity will continue to support the growth from High Opportunity
Target (HOT) markets, such as Malaysia and India, where we have seen an
increase in arrivals at Auckland of 66% and 13% respectively in May 2013
compared to May 2012."

Tourism New Zealand's acting Chief Executive Justin Watson says the enhanced
connectivity and increased capacity will support the organisation's new
three-year strategy and its focus on growing arrivals from South and South
East Asian markets.
"This focus is shared by Malaysian Airlines and Auckland International
Airport," says Mr Watson. "By adopting a collaborative approach to marketing
and trade engagement, we are confident of an increase in travellers from the
target markets of Malaysia and India."

Malaysia Airlines Regional Senior Vice President Australia/New Zealand/South
West Pacific, Lee Poh Kait, says that it is due to high demand during this
peak period that Malaysia Airlines is putting on the additional 5600 seats.

"This will help more people from New Zealand to travel out during the holiday
period and more people from overseas to visit New Zealand," says Mr Lee.
"The additional services are part of Malaysia Airlines' ongoing strategy to
expand our capacity and improve our market presence in this region."

Mr Dzulkefli Zakaria, Malaysia Airlines Area Manager New Zealand, says the
extra flights will enhance connectivity to South East Asia, India and the
newly re-launched Dubai route, as well as traditional destinations such as
London and Paris on the A380 aircraft.

"We appraise the hard work and collaboration between the Malaysia Airlines'
team with trade partners, Tourism Malaysia, media and in particular Auckland
Airport," says Mr Zakaria.

Zalina Ahmad, Tourism Malaysia's New Zealand Director, also welcomes the
announcement of the extra flight each week and says it will mean more choice
for Kiwis wanting to visit Malaysia.
"It's a great time to visit, in particular the western regions of Malaysia,
as this is the driest and sunniest time.  Added to this, visitors at this
time can enjoy a number of colourful festivals and events in the start-up to
our special Visit Malaysia Year 2014."
Malaysia Airlines is a oneworld partner and is one of the few airlines
worldwide to be rated five-star by Skytrax.  With its main operating hub in
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Airlines offers over 60 destinations worldwide to kiwi
travellers.

For further information on the new service please contact Malaysia Airlines'
Reservations on 0800 777 747.

Ends
For further information, please contact:
Katie Moore
+64 9 255 9061
+64 27 473 1989
End CA:00238160 For:AIA    Type:GENERAL    Time:2013-07-03 09:57:35