Amal (airline)

Focused primarily on Southeast Asia, Amal serves key markets in Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand, offering flights to Saudi Arabia's major pilgrimage cities, Jeddah and Medina.

Amal services go beyond standard air travel, incorporating religious elements such as in-flight prayers, Azan announcements and content related to the pilgrimage rituals.

Prior to this, Malaysian Hajj travelers had relied on chartered aircraft from Pakistan International Airlines and Sudan Airways for their journey to Saudi Arabia.

[2] In its inaugural year, Malaysian Airline System transported 3,200 pilgrims, which accounted for half of the total number, with the remaining Hajj passengers traveling by sea.

As a result, other airlines, including domestic operators such as AirAsia, Transmile and Eaglexpress, along with international carriers like Saudia, began offering Hajj services for Malaysian pilgrims.

This service was designed as a comprehensive package for pilgrims, encompassing flights, accommodations and ground transportation to the holy cities of Mecca and Madinah.

These operations focused on charter flights during the Hajj season, connecting Kuala Lumpur to major cities in Saudi Arabia, such as Jeddah and Madinah.

[8] The service initially targeted Southeast Asia, focusing on Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand, regions with large Muslim populations and high demand for pilgrimage travel.

[9] As Saudi Arabia reopened its borders to international pilgrims on August 1, 2022, Amal also prepared for a rapid recovery, with a target to return to pre-pandemic levels by Q4 2022.

[10] In 2023, Amal benefitted from Malaysia Airlines' broader recovery, supported by rising demand for Hajj and Umrah travel, Saudi Arabia’s increased pilgrim capacity and the introduction of e-Tourist Visas.

The airline has also expanded its operations in Indonesia, flying pilgrims from six cities, including Jakarta and Surabaya, with transit through Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

Revenue contributions from Amal to Malaysia Aviation Group currently stand at 5%, with plans to increase this to 7.5–8% within three to five years, supported by Saudi Arabia’s expanded pilgrim capacity, the use of e-Tourist Visas, and an ever-growing network.

These included the boarding audio of Talbiyah and Nasyid, as well as onboard provisions such as Musaffir prayers, Azan announcements and reminders for Miqat, the designated points where pilgrims begin specific rituals.

Additionally, the crew is trained to assist elderly passengers, support individuals with disabilities, and provide basic medical aid, ensuring a smooth and comfortable journey for all travelers.

Malaysia Airlines Boeing 747-400 in special Hajj livery, photographed in 2011, used for pilgrimage flights prior to the establishment of the Amal brand in 2019
Malaysia Airlines Airbus A380 at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, previously used for Amal's Hajj and Umrah charter operations before transitioning to Airbus A330 aircraft
Malaysia Airlines Boeing 737-800, utilised by Amal for feeder flights connecting regional airports to Kuala Lumpur International Airport for Hajj and Umrah travelers