MALAYSIA AIRLINES has announced a partnership with Mumbai Indians, coming on board as both associate sponsor and official global airline partner. The collaboration forms part of the airline’s wider strategy to drive sports-led brand visibility and commercial growth across key international markets.
The partnership was unveiled at Jio World Gardens in Mumbai, where 100 Wau Bulan kites were flown to mark the occasion in celebration of Makar Sankranti, India’s traditional kite-flying festival. Mumbai Indians head coach Mahela Jayawardene was present at the launch alongside representatives of the franchise.
As one of the most widely followed teams in world cricket, Mumbai Indians boast a massive global fan base, offering Malaysia Airlines a powerful platform to engage audiences across India and overseas, while extending its hallmark Malaysian Hospitality to a broad international community.
A series of fan-focused activations has been planned, including stadium engagements, co-branded experiences, exclusive merchandise and player-led appearances, designed to keep fans connected with the airline beyond match days.
Reinforcing its focus on inbound tourism, Malaysia Airlines will continue to promote its Bonus Side Trip (BST) program, which allows eligible international travellers transiting through Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) Terminal 1 to add a Malaysian domestic destination to their journey at no extra airfare (excluding taxes). Travellers can choose from eight destinations, enabling them to experience Malaysia’s cultural, natural and heritage attractions in a single itinerary.
MAG group managing director Datuk Captain Izham Ismail said, “India remains a cornerstone of our international network, and with 80 weekly flights connecting 10 key Indian cities, Malaysia Airlines serves as a vital bridge between India and the world. This partnership with the Mumbai Indians is a strategic commercial investment; it allows us to tap into an immense, highly engaged audience to drive brand preference and loyalty in a competitive market. By combining the excitement of world-class cricket with the warmth of Malaysian Hospitality, we are not only creating unique experiences but also stimulating tourism and trade flows between our two nations. This collaboration is about more than visibility – it is about reinforcing Malaysia’s position as the preferred gateway to Asia and ensuring that our economic and cultural ties continue to flourish, one journey at a time.”
A Mumbai Indians spokesperson said, “Mumbai Indians is proud to partner with Malaysia Airlines, a brand that shares our commitment to excellence, global reach and meaningful fan engagement. With millions of fans in India and around the world, this collaboration allows us to connect our community to new travel experiences while celebrating the shared passion for sport, culture and hospitality. Together, we look forward to creating memorable moments for fans, both on matchdays and beyond.”
