KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 3): Malaysia Airlines has launched its new twice-weekly direct flights between Kuala Lumpur (KUL) and Yogyakarta (YIA) starting from Wednesday (Nov 2).

In a statement on Thursday, the carrier said the new service marks another milestone in the airline's network expansion strategy, bringing the airline's existing network within Indonesia to six cities including Jakarta, Denpasar, Surabaya, Medan and Pekanbaru.

Malaysia Airlines said it will operate twice weekly direct service on Wednesday and Sunday, departing KUL via MH857 at 5.40pm and return from YIA to KUL via MH856 at 8.30pm.

The flights will be operated by the B737-800 aircraft, equipped with 160 seats, comprising 16 seats in business class and 144 seats in economy class.

Malaysia Aviation Group chief executive officer Captain Izham Ismail said the company was delighted to expand its connectivity to one of Malaysia Airlines' key destinations, Indonesia, to cater to the needs of business and leisure travellers, as well as to pursue aspirations of strengthening the region's share of umrah and hajj pilgrimage.

He said this new direct flight from Kuala Lumpur to Yogyakarta complements current services to and from Indonesia, providing passengers with additional choice, smoother connection, and the airline's premium products and offerings, anchored by the signature Malaysian hospitality experience.

“The move would encourage economic growth, increasing business and trade between the two nations, while also positioning the airline on a solid footing to achieve more than 82% of pre-pandemic capacity.

“Our operations into Indonesia have been positive, with current capacity at 70% of pre-pandemic levels,” he said.

Malaysia Airlines’ return airfares from Kuala Lumpur to Yogyakarta starts from RM1,255.

Customers booking on the Economy Lite fare will enjoy free cabin baggage of 7kg, complimentary snacks/meals and beverages, inflight entertainment in addition to earning Enrich Points for each travel for every booking made.

Customers may opt for the Economy Flex fare to enjoy significant travel benefits, including unlimited date changes, refunds, Go Show flexibility, priority check-in, boarding, and check-in baggage allowance of 35kg, all without additional fees incurred.