Batik Air Malaysia (OD, Kuala Lumpur International) aims to grow its fleet to around 80 aircraft over the next five years, as it expands its widebody operations and international network, chief executive Chandran Rama Muthy told BusinessToday in an interview published on October 12, 2026.

Chandran said the airline operates six A330-300s and expects to add another three to four A330s before the end of the year, taking its widebody fleet to around 10 aircraft. He did not specify which A330 variant would be added or how the aircraft would be sourced.

In an exclusive interview with ch-aviation in June 2025, Chandran said he considered 70 aircraft the optimum fleet size for Batik Air Malaysia, with growth focused mainly on B737 narrowbodies. At the time, he ruled out expanding the airline's five-unit A330-300 fleet.

The new five-year fleet target remains subject to market conditions. The expansion is intended to strengthen Kuala Lumpur International as a connecting hub linking Southeast Asia with India, China, Japan, and Australia.

Batik Air Malaysia also sees potential to expand operations from Kuala Lumpur Subang and to develop Penang as a smaller connecting hub. The airline is seeking further traffic rights in India as it strengthens its presence in other international markets, including Australia.

The CEO said the carrier had reduced frequencies and capacity during the first half of 2026 in response to rising fuel costs and geopolitical disruptions. He emphasised financial discipline and a hybrid business model positioned between traditional low-cost and full-service airlines.

In January 2026, Chandran outlined plans to add 10 aircraft, comprising B737s and A330s, to increase Batik Air Malaysia's fleet to 63 aircraft by year-end.

According to ch-aviation data, Batik Air Malaysia operates a fleet of 49 aircraft, comprising six A330-300s, seventeen B737-8s, and twenty-six B737-800s.