Malaysia Airlines Partners with National Sports Council to Fly Malaysian Paralympian to 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games

KLIA, 19 August 2021: Malaysia Airlines is proud to be appointed by the National Sports Council (NSC) as its Official Airline Partner for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, which will take place from 24 August until 5 September 2021 in Tokyo, Japan.

With the partnership, the national carrier will be flying the Malaysian Paralympic contingent comprises athletes, coaches, and officials via several flights. Among the athletes travelling are 2016 Rio Paralympic gold medalists Muhammad Ziyad Zolkefli, Mohamad Ridzuan Mohamad Puzi and Abdul Latif Romly.

The first batch of the contingent comprising seven (7) athletes and officials departed Kuala Lumpur today at 9.50am for Narita via MH0070, utilising the A330-300 aircraft with fully vaccinated pilots and cabin crew to ensure maximum safety of the national Paralympian and other passengers. The airline’s joint business partner, Japan Airlines, will be ferrying the second batch of the contingent comprising 15 athletes and officials via MH9118 at 10.50pm, the same day.

This latest partnership signifies the airline’s commitment to being part of the nation’s journey in sporting excellence by delivering the best of its signature Malaysian Hospitality throughout the entire journey. At the same time, the airline continues to prioritise safety and well-being through enhanced health protocols to help the athletes stay focused and motivated to perform their best when competing.

Group Chief Executive Officer of Malaysia Airlines Berhad, Captain Izham Ismail, said, “Malaysia Airlines is honoured to once again be chosen as the Official Airline partner to transport our Paralympians, as we both share the responsibility as the nation’sflag bearer, representing the country in the global arena.

As the athletes train hard to break world or personal records and win medals for the country, the national airline also works hard in delivering the best of Malaysian Hospitality with safety as utmost importance, more than ever now as we facilitate leisure or business travel across the globe during this challenging time. We are truly inspired by the strong determination of our Paralympians in defying circumstances and obstacles, and we wish them all the best in each of their competition. No matter the outcome, we are here as their number one supporter.”

In the spirit of partnership, we would also like to thank our joint business partner, Japan Airlines and Malaysia Airports Berhad, who are with us in ensuring safe and seamless journeys for all 60 national Paralympians and officials, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic season. Good luck and all the best team Malaysia!”

Director General of National Sports Council of Malaysia, Dato’ Ahmad Shapawi Ismail said, “The National Sports Council of Malaysia is delighted at the opportunity to partner with Malaysia Airlines for the upcoming Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. The Paralympics is more than a competition. It’s where all the athletes hard work over the last five years will pay off. As the official airline, Malaysia Airlines will help them complete their Paralympic journey to and from Tokyo.

Our athletes inspire the nation with their drive and determination to be the best at what they do. Their resilience to continue working towards their dreams despite the challenges during the pandemic is motivating. After a difficult year, the athletes are ready to compete thanks to the world-class comfort and professionalism that Malaysia Airlines brings to every flight.

We are blessed that the aircrafts are operated by fully vaccinated pilots and cabin crew to ensure our Paralympic Contingent’s safety are of utmost priority; and alongside with its signature Malaysian Hospitality, this will further boost the spirit of Demi Malaysia in every athlete to compete and bring the highest honors to the country. We are certainly proud of this partnership that will bring together the nation’s world class - athletes and a world class - national carrier.”

Malaysia Airlines recently ferried 64 national athletes and officials to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and the national football squad, Harimau Malaya to the World Cup 2022 and Asia Cup 2023 qualifiers in UAE and Bahrain.

The 2020 Summer Paralympics will see athletes from around the globe competing in 22 multi-sports across Tokyo.