From runways to runs Malaysia Airlines boards the Mumbai Indians

MUMBAI: When sport meets the sky, the result is a partnership designed to travel far. Malaysia Airlines has signed a landmark partnership with Mumbai Indians, coming on board as associate sponsor and official global airline partner. The collaboration is part of the airline’s push to accelerate sports-led brand and commercial growth, with India firmly positioned as a priority market.

The tie-up was unveiled in Mumbai with a cultural flourish. To mark Makar Sankranti, a hundred Wau Bulan kites were released at Jio World Gardens, symbolising the coming together of travel, sport and shared traditions. The launch was attended by Mumbai Indians’ head coach Mahela Jayawardene and senior representatives from the franchise.

For Malaysia Airlines, the attraction is scale and engagement. Mumbai Indians are among the most followed teams in global cricket, boasting a fanbase of over 55 million, offering the airline a powerful platform to reach audiences across India and international markets. The partnership aligns cricket’s emotional pull with the airline’s positioning around Malaysian Hospitality.

Explaining the strategic intent, Malaysia Aviation Group group managing director Izham Ismail said India remains central to the airline’s international network. He highlighted that Malaysia Airlines operates 80 weekly flights across 10 Indian cities, positioning the carrier as a key connector between India and the rest of the world. The partnership, he said, is a commercial investment aimed at driving brand preference, loyalty and tourism flows, while reinforcing Malaysia’s role as a gateway to Asia.

From the franchise’s perspective, the collaboration extends beyond logos and visibility. A Mumbai Indians spokesperson said the partnership reflects shared values of excellence and global reach, while opening up new travel-led experiences for fans. The association, the team added, will create engagement opportunities both on matchdays and beyond.

Planned activations include on-ground fan engagements, co-branded experiences, exclusive merchandise and selected player-led appearances, designed to link the thrill of cricket with travel experiences. Malaysia Airlines will also continue promoting its Bonus Side Trip programme, allowing eligible international passengers transiting through Kuala Lumpur to add a second Malaysian destination at no additional fare, excluding taxes.

As the airline gears up for Visit Malaysia 2026, the partnership with Mumbai Indians adds sporting firepower to its India strategy. By blending cricket’s mass appeal with aviation and tourism, Malaysia Airlines is betting that loyalty can be built not just in the air, but in the stands as well.