A member of ground crew works on a Malaysia Airlines Boeing 737-800 airplane on the runway at Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang July 25, 2014.
IN PHOTO: A member of ground crew works on a Malaysia Airlines Boeing 737-800 airplane on the runway at Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang July 25, 2014. REUTERS/Olivia Harris

Malaysia Airlines appears to be getting back on its feet in New Zealand as the company reports increased sales at 31 percent in the first quarter of the year. The airline company has bounced back in the country after it offered deals for New Zealanders to fly to Kuala Lumpur and other destinations.

Despite setbacks and challenges in 2014, Malaysia Airlines continues to enjoy support from industry partners. Successful partnerships like with Poh Ling Yeow, chef and bestselling author, who created a special menu for Malaysia Airlines has boosted the company’s growth.

Malaysia Airlines’ Regional Vice-President PK Lee said in a statement that there is “more work” to do for the company to grow in New Zealand. The airline is urging New Zealanders to fly again with Malaysia Airlines and see it as a world-class operation again.

“The New Zealand and Australian market is our major market outside of Malaysia and connecting our continents is our ultimate goal. We have been flying in and out of Australia for 40 years, and New Zealand for more than 25 years now, and we are committed to helping this region build closer ties with Asia for mutual benefit,” said Lee.

The airline has used its partnership with Poh and tennis star Nick Kyrgios, both with strong Malaysian heritage, in boosting Malaysia Airlines’ image in Australasia. To celebrate the company’s collaboration with Kyrgios, the airline has announced a one-off competition until the end of May.

Malaysia Airlines is offering customers the chance to win a trip to the Wimbledon Men’s Grand Final and fly Business Class. The winner will get to stay in luxury at the Hilton London Green Park. The airline is also offering other prizes like a trip to the Kuala Lumpur and autographed tennis merchandise.

To qualify for the competition, customers must buy a ticket from Malaysia Airlines before May 31 and post a message of support for Kyrgios at http://www.malaysiaairlines.com/au/en/campaign/nick_kyrgios_wimbledon.html and go to Facebook to like the airline’s contest post.

Reuters reports that the new CEO of Malaysia Airlines, Christoph Mueller, has vowed to completely revamp the company. The airline is set to undergo a restructuring and rebranding to turn its operations around.

(To report problems or leave feedback on this article, contact: r.su@ibtimes.com.au)

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