Dhaka: Malaysia Airlines has introduced Airbus A330-900neo aircraft on its Adelaide route, marking a significant step in the carrier's fleet modernization efforts across its Australian network.

Flight MH139 became the first Adelaide service to operate with the airline's 297-seat A330-900neo, touching down at 07:00 am on the inaugural day. The flight carried an 89 percent passenger load, following Malaysia Airlines going daily to Adelaide in February.

Adelaide Airport's executive general manager of people, culture, and customer, Dermot O'Neill, welcomed the development, noting the new aircraft offers an upgraded business class cabin and an improved economy class experience.

He added the service remains popular among international students from Malaysia, India, China, Nepal, and Vietnam, while the wide-body aircraft also expands cargo export opportunities for local producers.

Malaysia Airlines CEO of airline business Bryan Foong described the A330neo deployment into Adelaide as a strategic milestone, citing fleet modernization, sustainable aviation, and the carrier's long-term growth strategy. He also linked the expansion to the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign, positioning Malaysia as a regional gateway.

The airline is also set to introduce A330neos on its Brisbane route, with frequencies increasing from five to six weekly flights starting August 16 and daily service from October 25. Brisbane Airport CEO Gert-Jan de Graaff said the capacity increase reflects strong confidence in Queensland's international travel market.

Malaysia Airlines currently operates more than 70 weekly flights across Australia, including three daily services each to Sydney and Melbourne, double daily to Perth, daily to Adelaide, and five weekly flights to Brisbane. The carrier reports load factors above 90 percent on Australian routes overall.

An open skies agreement between Australia and Malaysia came into effect this year, further supporting the airline's expansion in the market.