OREANDA-NEWS. 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.