Malaysia Airlines returns to Paris after almost a decade

At 05:51 local time on March 23rd, Malaysia Airlines’ inaugural flight from Kuala Lumpur landed at Charles de Gaulle International Airport in Paris. The carrier will operate four times weekly on Airbus A350-900 aircraft, configured for 286 passengers in three classes (4 seats in Business Suite, 35 seats in Business Class and 247 seats in Economy Class).

Paris becomes Malaysia Airlines’ second regular destination in Europe, returning to the schedule after almost a decade of absence. The last operations had been in January 2016, also from the Malaysian capital, as a result of a restructuring by the airline.

Malaysia will provide a daily frequency on this route from March 29th, which it plans to maintain year-round.

Daily

London Heathrow is Malaysia’s other destination on the European continent, having two flights a day from Kuala Lumpur by Airbus A350-900s. In addition, the airline offers freighter services with Airbus A330-200(F) between Kuala Lumpur and Amsterdam via Doha.

Malaysia Airlines routes outside Asia

Australia

France

New Zealand

United Kingdom

MAG’s Chief Commercial Officer, Dersenish Aresandiran, commented about this start, “The launch of our direct service to Paris marks a significant milestone for Malaysia Airlines as we expand our European footprint and reconnect Malaysia with one of the world’s most iconic destinations. This route not only strengthens our position as the gateway to Asia and beyond but also reflects the growing demand for seamless travel between Malaysia and France. In anticipation of this return, we introduced the ‘Time for Paris’ campaign last year, inviting travellers to rediscover the magic of the City of Light with Malaysia Airlines’ signature Malaysian Hospitality. We are thrilled to now bring this journey to life and look forward to welcoming passengers on board for a truly memorable travel experience.”

Asiana to resume flights to New York with A380s

Asiana Airlines has confirmed that it will restart operations between Seoul Incheon and New York JFK using Airbus A380 aircraft seating 495 passengers (12 First Class, 66 Premium Economy and 417 Economy).

According to its website, services will commence on May 30th, scheduled to continue until the end of September, for the Northern summer 2025. The airline will perform two daily frequencies on this route, one of them being conducted by A380s and the other by 328-seat Airbus A350-900s.

Asiana’s last A380 flights on the ICN-JFK route were in late 2019, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, it had operated with Airbus A350s.

ICN – JFK

JFK – ICN

Honolulu, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco and Seattle are its regular destinations in the US with passenger flights, while cities such as Anchorage, Atlanta, Chicago and Dallas are part of the schedule through cargo services.

• Honolulu (HNL): 5 weekly · Boeing 777-200(LR)
• Los Angeles (LAX): 14 weekly · Airbus A380-800
• New York (JFK): 7 weekly · Airbus A350-900 (currently)
• San Francisco (SFO): 10 weekly · Airbus A350-900
• Seattle (SEA): 7 weekly · A359/77L

The airline also performs freighter flights to Los Angeles, New York JFK and San Francisco.

IndiGo to have an important domestic and international expansion

The Indian low cost carrier will have a major expansion in its operating schedule, adding several connections within Asia, the Middle East, Africa and two regular destinations in Europe. As per its website, operations from different Indian cities to Asia, Middle East and Africa will be offered with IndiGo aircraft, excluding Bangkok, and flights to Europe will be conducted on Norse Atlantic Airways’ Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

Istanbul, its only destination in Europe, is served daily on a Turkish Airlines Boeing 777-300(ER), which recently received the IndiGo livery.

We will shortly publish an article with more details on this expansion.

Vietnam Airlines expands its Indian footprint

Through a press release, Vietnam Airlines announced it will expand its presence in India by launching two new routes from Hanoi, its main hub and the country’s capital. Both services will start in May and will operate on Airbus A321-200 jets.

Bengaluru and Hyderabad will join Vietnam Airlines’ regular schedule, which will be added to Delhi and Mumbai, currently offered from/to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City by Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and Airbus A321s, respectively.

Hanoi – Bengaluru · May 1st

Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday

Hanoi – Hyderabad · May 7th

Wednesday, Friday and Sunday

Vietnam Airlines routes between Vietnam and India

Hanoi

• Delhi (DEL): 4 weekly · Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner
• Mumbai (BOM): 4 weekly · Airbus A321-200

Ho Chi Minh City

• Delhi (DEL): 3 weekly · Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner
• Mumbai (BOM): 3 weekly · Airbus A321-200

We review other highlights of the Asia and Oceania market

Timor-Leste’s leading airline, Aero Dili, added its first Airbus A319-100, which has 122 seats and is 19 years old. Aero Dili reaches two aircraft in its fleet, joining the 16-year-old Airbus A320-232 with registry 4W-AAL.

The Airbus A319-115 was produced in Hamburg and made its first test flight in July 2006. It was incorporated by China Southern Airlines in August 2006, operating its last flight in November 2024, as can be seen through our database. From January 18th to March 4th, the A319 remained in Bandung (Indonesia), where it received the livery of Aero Dili and the registration 4W-AAO,

After two weeks in Jakarta, it departed on March 21st for Dili on a ferry flight, and entered service on March 24th with flight 8G 71 between Dili and Oecusse, a domestic service within Timor-Leste.

Air Chathams’ inaugural flight between Blenheim and Auckland departed BHE at 13:53 local time on March 3rd. In accordance with our database, the New Zealand carrier will provide a weekly frequency on this route using 33-seat Saab 340s.

Monday/Friday

Air Chathams has 17 aircraft in its fleet.

The express subsidiary of Air India will strengthen its connectivity in Goa with new routes to/from Goa Dabolim and Goa Manohar, to be conducted as follows:

On March 30th at 19:20 local time, Azimuth’s first flight to Batumi will take off from Mineralnye Vody. The Russian airline will offer two frequencies per week by Sukhoi Superjet SSJ100s with a capacity of 100 passengers in single class.

MRV – BUS

BUS – MRV

Batumi will become Azimuth’s second destination in Georgia from Mineralnye Vody, following Tbilisi, the country’s capital. On March 29th, Azimuth will cease services between Moscow Vnukovo and Batumi, performed on Sukhoi Superjet SSJ100s.

Dili, new destination for Batik Air Malaysia.

The carrier has announced through a press release the start of flights between Kuala Lumpur and Dili, capital of Timor-Leste, effective June 6th. These services will be operated twice-weekly on 189-passenger Boeing 737-800s.

Monday and Friday

Batik Air Malaysia will be the sole operator on the Kuala Lumpur – Dili route.

Timor-Leste’s main city currently has connections to Darwin, Denpasar, Melbourne, Oecusse, Singapore and Xiamen.

Beginning July 19th, China Southern Airlines will commence operations between Guangzhou and Nairobi, which it will serve on Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft with a capacity of 297 passengers. The airline will fly the following schedule, as reported by AeroRoutes:

Monday and Saturday

It will be a seasonal route, offered until the end of August.

On February 28th at 15:12 local time, Colorful Guizhou Airlines’ newest addition arrived at Longdongbao International Airport in Guiyang. For the first time, the Chinese airline reaches 20 aircraft in its fleet, averaging five years of age.

According to our database, this new aircraft, an Airbus A320-251N with registration B-32JF, departed Toulouse on February 27th at 18:23 local time for Guiyang, the home base of Colorful Guizhou Airlines, with a stopover in Astana. It was a nearly 14-hour flight including the stop in the Kazakh city.

The aircraft entered service on March 6th with flight GY 7103 between Guiyang and Xichang, a domestic route in China.

Colorful Guizhou Airlines fleet

• Airbus A320neo: 11
• Embraer 190: 9

This is the first aircraft to be incorporated by Colorful Guizhou Airlines in 2025.

The company will expand its Asian operations with the launch of three new routes from Dubai, to be flown on retrofitted Boeing 777-300(ER) jets.

• Da Nang (DAD) via BKK: 4 weekly · June 2nd
• Siem Reap (SAI) via BKK: 3 weekly · June 3rd
• Shenzhen (SZX): 7 weekly · July 1st

We will soon publish an article on this three new flights. 

Hanoi, Ethiopian Airlines’ new destination.

The Vietnamese capital will enter the airline’s regular schedule as of July 10th, serving four flights a week from Addis Ababa via Dhaka on Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft.

ADD – DAC – HAN

HAN – DAC – ADD

Regarding the planned flight, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO, Mr. Mesfin Tasew stated, “We are pleased to expand our presence in Southeast Asia and enhance air connectivity for our customers in the region. This new route will create opportunities for stronger ties and collaborations between Vietnam and our extensive global network. We look forward to bringing our renowned service to Vietnam and further growing our presence in this dynamic market.”

Currently, based on our database, Ethiopian has five weekly flights between Addis Ababa and the Bangladeshi capital by Boeing 737 MAX 8s.

Effective April 22nd, the Russian airline intends to begin flights on the Izhevsk – Mineralnye route, which it plans to offer once per week with Boeing 737-800 aircraft.

Tuesday

The airline has two Boeing 737-800s in its fleet.

Jeju Air has confirmed that it will commence operations between Seoul Incheon and Singapore from July 25th. As stated by the company, it will provide a daily service on Boeing 737-800 airplanes seating 189 passengers.

Daily

Seoul Incheon International Airport will be Jeju Air’s second destination from Singapore, following Busan.

The Sydney – Avarua route, with more flights.

Jetstar Airways will boost from three to five weekly frequencies on this route starting March 30th, operated with Airbus A321neo aircraft configured for 232 passengers in single class.

Services between Kingsford Smith Airport and the Cook Islands take approximately six hours.

Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday

Wednesday, Friday and Sunday

New flights on Wednesdays and Fridays (SYD-RAR) and on Thursdays and Saturdays (RAR-SYD).

Jetstar is the only Australian airline operating in the Cook Islands.

In addition to the return to Paris, the carrier has announced a major agreement with Boeing, planning the incorporation of 18 Boeing 737 MAX 8s and 12 Boeing 737 MAX 10s, plus the option to increase its order by another 30 737s.

Malaysia Airlines is modernizing its fleet, which it intends to have fully renewed by 2030 following the retirement of its Boeing 737-800s. According to our database, the company currently has 42 737-800s, averaging 12 years old.

Datuk Captain Izham Ismail, Group Managing Director of MAG, said, “The Boeing 737 has been a cornerstone of our fleet since 1969, with the introduction of the first 737-100 during the Malaysia-Singapore Airlines era. It has since played a vital role in supporting the growth of our national airline. The selection of the 737-8 and 737-10 reflects a careful evaluation of our long-term growth strategy, ensuring we have the right aircraft to meet evolving market demands. These next-generation aircraft offer greater fuel efficiency, extended range, and enhanced passenger comfort. By balancing operational needs with an elevated travel experience, we are strengthening our commitment to delivering a seamless and enjoyable journey for our passengers.

Fleet

• Airbus A330-200: 7
• Airbus A330-300: 15
• Airbus A330-900neo: 2
• Airbus A350-900: 7
• Boeing 737-800: 42
• Boeing 737 MAX 8: 11

As of October 1st, MIAT Mongolian Airlines will fly between Ulaanbaatar and Shanghai with 186-seat Boeing 737 MAX 8s, twice a week. Pudong Airport will be the airline’s second destination in China after Beijing, also performed from/to the Mongolian capital.

Wednesday and Saturday

MIAT operates to China, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Mongolia (with domestic flights), South Korea, Thailand, Türkiye and Vietnam.

The Australian airline added two new aircraft in March, bringing its total to 23.

An Embraer E190LR joined the National Jet Express fleet on March 6th, and entered service 12 days later with flight NC 802 between Perth and Kalgoorlie. As per our database, the aircraft, registration VH-8EB, is 14 years old and arrives from Amaszonas, a South American company which ceased operations in 2024.

Furthermore, on March 12th at 08:43 local time, the De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400, with registry VH-8QC, landed in Perth from Chino on a ferry flight. This plane departed the U.S. city on March 9th and made stops in Honolulu, Majuro and Townsville. Its last operator had been Alaska Airlines (Horizon Air), in mid-2024 (N439QX).

National Jet Express (NJE) fleet

• British Aerospace 146-300: 4
• Dash 8: 11
• Embraer 190: 8

The Kazakh carrier will expand its network in China by starting the Shymkent – Xi’An route, effective May 28th. SCAT Airlines will operate two times weekly using 188-seat Boeing 737-800 airplanes.

CIT – XIY

XIY – CIT

Sanya is SCAT’s only destination in the country, flying to/from Almatý and Astana.

In late February, Solomon Airlines inaugurated a new route connecting New Zealand with Australia, to be conducted with its Airbus A320-200s configured for 174 passengers. The Honiara-based airline will serve once per week between Auckland and Brisbane, in accordance with our database and Solomon’s website.

Friday

John Wopereis, Solomon Airlines Commercial Manager, commented: “The Auckland–Brisbane flights in both directions are timed to provide great connectivity, making travel easier and affordable for business and leisure travellers and Recognised Seasonal Employer workers, as well as those visiting friends and family in Australia, New Zealand and Solomon Islands”.

On March 10th, Somon Air, as published by AeroRoutes, doubled its frequencies between Dushanbe and Tehran, a route performed by Boeing 737-800 and Boeing 737-900 aircraft with 189 and 184 seats, respectively.

Somon Air routes from/to Dushanbe (DYU/UTDD)

China

• Urumqi (URC): 2 weekly · Boeing 737-800

Georgia

• Tbilisi (TBS): 1 weekly · Boeing 737-800

Germany

• Munich (MUC): 1 weekly · Boeing 737-800

India

• Delhi (DEL): 1 weekly · Boeing 737-800

Iran

• Tehran (IKA): 2 weekly · Boeing 737-800

Kazakhstan

• Almaty (ALA): 3 weekly · Boeing 737-800
• Astana (NQZ): 2 weekly · Boeing 737-800

Kyrgyzstan

• Bishkek (FRU): 1 weekly · Boeing 737-800

Pakistan

Qatar

• Doha (DOH): 1 weekly · Boeing 737-800

Russia

Saudi Arabia

• Jeddah (JED): 3 weekly · Boeing 737-800

Tajikistan

• Khujand (LBD): 9 weekly · Boeing 737-800

Türkiye

• Istanbul (IST): 2 weekly · Boeing 737-800

United Arab Emirates

• Dubai (DXB): 3 weekly · 738/739

Uzbekistan

• Tashkent (TAS): 5 weekly · Boeing 737-800

Somon Air is the only operator in the Tajikistan-Iran market. 

Yonago, tigerair’s new destination in Japan.

The carrier will operate twice-weekly flights to/from Taiwan beginning May 29th, with 186-seat, single-class Airbus A320-200 planes.

TPE – YGJ

YGJ – TPE

Guam will enter T’Way Air’s schedule from Daegu as of July.

The South Korean low-cost carrier will start services between Daegu and Guam by Boeing 737-800s, with a stopover in Osaka Kansai in both directions, on a daily basis.

Daily

T’Way Air has seven flights per week to Guam from Seoul Incheon with the same planes.

The Vietnamese carrier will inaugurate operations between Ho Chi Minh City and Nagoya from April 24th, flying 220-seat Airbus A321-200 airplanes. These services will be provided four times a week.

Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday

Beginning May 8th, Vietnam Airlines will resume services to Russia after more than a three-year absence. The company will operate from Hanoi with Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner jets configured for 274 passengers.

Tuesday and Thursday

Through a press release, Vietnam Airlines stated it plans to expand to three weekly services by mid-2026.

Vietnam Airlines will be the only operator between both capitals, but IrAero currently serves the Russia-Vietnam market. The Russian airline has two flights per week to Hanoi from Irkutsk on Sukhoi Superjet SSJ100s.

Aircraft incorporated by airlines from Asia and Oceania

• China Eastern Airlines (x6)

• China Southern Airlines (x5)

• Colorful Guizhou Airlines

*It’s not new from the factory.

Other reports we have published

Cover photo: kchavgeek96 – JetPhotos (Kuala Lumpur Sepang Int’l Airport – WMKK – Malaysia)