KUALA LUMPUR: Although other airlines have previously exited Japan's Fukuoka route, Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) is confident in its prospects to pursue the route, underpinned by robust travel demand to Japan and an added strategic partnership.

“The travel demand into Japan is at an all-time high, and we see that strength coming in for the long-term.

“The other reason stems from our partnership with Japan Airlines,” said MAG chief executive officer of Airline Business Bryan Foong, in a recent press conference announcing MAG’s new destination routes.

“The combined power of two leading airlines, driving demand both from Malaysia and Japan, therefore gives us tremendous confidence in operating and successfully launching the Fukuoka route this September,” he added.

MAG noted that the new destination routes will help to expand the airline’s network and strengthen its market presence.

Captain Nasaruddin A. Bakar, MAG president and group chief executive officer said: “This expansion reflects our strategic focus on scaling our presence in key growth markets across East Asia while cementing Kuala Lumpur’s position as a key strategic gateway.

“Both Shenzhen and Changsha align perfectly with our network strategy, driven by robust demand across both business and leisure segments.