Malaysia Airlines has launched a new co-branded aircraft livery in partnership with football club Manchester United. The unique design, now displayed on the airline’s flagship A330-300, seamlessly combines Malaysia’s national pride with the global sporting prestige of Manchester United.
The livery features dynamic red lines that transition from the Malaysian flag into the iconic red of Manchester United. This visual symbol represents the harmony, strength, and unity shared by aviation and sports—two global forces that inspire and connect people worldwide.
The unveiling took place on Friday, April 18, at the MATTA Fair, with Manchester United legends Dimitar Berbatov, Nemanja Vidić, and Luís Nani in attendance. Fans had the chance to meet these football greats during public sessions at the MAG Arena in MITEC, Kuala Lumpur over the weekend.
This event marks a significant milestone in the airline’s global multi-year partnership with the football club, announced in March 2024. The collaboration aims to extend Malaysia Airlines’ renowned hospitality to Manchester United’s massive fanbase of over 1.1 billion people worldwide. The airline will leverage co-branded marketing campaigns to enhance brand recognition and provide unique experiences that merge both brands’ global identities.
In addition, Malaysia Airlines confirmed its role as the official partner for Manchester United’s upcoming Post-Season Tour in Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong. Fans can also take advantage of an exclusive 15% discount on Manchester United Maybank debit and credit cards for bookings made by August 31, 2025, using a special promo code.
The airline further confirmed that it will be flying Manchester United’s team from Manchester to the two friendlies in Kuala Lumpur on May 28 and Hong Kong on May 30. The promotional offer will extend to Asia-Pacific fans, allowing them to travel to Malaysia for the matches and potentially boosting local tourism.
Captain Izham Ismail, the Group Managing Director of Malaysia Airlines, expressed his excitement about the partnership, highlighting its potential to strengthen the airline’s presence in markets served by the airline. He acknowledged the challenges the company has faced over the past five years but expressed optimism about the future, thanks to this strategic collaboration.
“Both Malaysia Airlines and Manchester United share a deep passion for excellence,” said Captain Izham. “This partnership helps elevate the Malaysia Airlines brand and supports our efforts to regain the recognition we once had.”
When questioned about potential future sports partnerships, Izham revealed that Malaysia Airlines had been approached by several major brands, including Red Bull and Arsenal. However, he emphasized the importance of carefully selecting investments that would yield meaningful returns.
Izham also shared that the inspiration for the livery design came from a simple sketch on a hotel napkin. “The design merges the Malaysian flag and Manchester United’s logo through a flowing red line, symbolizing the strength of our partnership and our shared commitment to excellence,” he explained.
Manchester United forward Dimitar Berbatov also commented on the partnership, expressing his delight at being back in Malaysia. “It’s great to feel the love and passion from the fans here,” he said.
Malaysia Airlines Expands Services and Enhances Passenger Experience
At the MATTA Fair, Malaysia Airlines also revealed several new developments. The airline announced the return of direct flights to Brisbane, with the route set to resume on November 29, 2025. This move underscores Malaysia Airlines’ commitment to strengthening its position in the Australian market, alongside increased flight frequencies to Sydney and Melbourne.
The airline will also introduce the all-new A330neo fleet on select Australian and New Zealand routes, offering enhanced passenger comfort, improved fuel efficiency, and advanced cabin features. Additionally, the airline has increased flight frequencies to key cities across Asia Pacific, including Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland, Surabaya, Phuket, and Trivandrum.
Malaysia Airlines also previewed its new lie-flat Business Class seats on the Boeing 737-10, marking a first for the airline’s narrowbody fleet. This innovation is part of the airline’s broader plan to operate 55 Boeing 737-8 and 737-10 aircraft by 2030.
In a move to enhance its Economy Class offering, Malaysia Airlines announced the rebranding of its lowest fare category from “Economy Lite” to “Economy Value.” The new tier includes additional benefits such as 7kg cabin baggage and 20kg checked baggage.
With these developments, Malaysia Airlines is poised to offer an enhanced travel experience to both new and loyal passengers while strengthening its position in the global aviation market.
