[8] In 2013, the airline initiated a turnaround plan after large losses beginning in 2011 and cut routes to unprofitable long-haul destinations, such as Los Angeles, Buenos Aires and South Africa.

Other aircraft operated in the first two decades included the Douglas DC-4 Skymaster, Vickers Viscount, Lockheed L-1049 Super Constellation, Bristol Britannia, de Havilland Comet 4, and Fokker F27.

By April 1960, the airline was operating Douglas DC-3s, Super Constellations and Viscounts on new routes from Singapore to Hong Kong, and from Kuala Lumpur to Bangkok via Penang.

The airline also increased its frequencies from Singapore to cities on the British Borneo, including Brunei, Jesselton (now Kota Kinabalu), Kuching, Labuan, Sandakan, and Sibu.

MAS also flew to Mexico City for a brief period from 1994 to 1998, with fifth freedom rights to transport passengers from Los Angeles en route from Kuala Lumpur (with a stopover in Tokyo-Narita.)

Under the leadership of Idris Jala, MAS launched its BTP (Business Turnaround Plan) in 2006, developed using the Government-linked Company Transformation Manual as a guide.

[33] In 2007 the airline took back east Malaysia's rural air service (RAS) operation and former turboprop aircraft which were then crippled by Airasia's subsidiary Fly Asian Express due to its inexperience.

Malaysia airlines instead launched its own subsidiary MASwings to handle the rural air service and Firefly to start commercial operations in Subang airport.

[44] Industry analysts expect MAS to lose further market share and face a challenging environment to stand out from competitors while addressing their financial plight.

[45][46] Even before the shootdown of Flight 17, many analysts and the media suggested that Malaysia Airlines would need to rebrand and repair its image and/or require government assistance to return to profitability.

[58] On the business/legal side, Khazanah intended to transfer the relevant operations, assets, and liabilities of Malaysian Airline System Berhad into a new company (no name given in documents) by July 2015.

The new company commanded a heavily reduced workforce and adjusted route network with a focus on Asia, according to its newly appointed CEO, Christoph Mueller.

[62] MAB then announced that it was set to undergo a brand overhaul involving a new name, logo and livery for its aircraft, with the changes to be unveiled on an unspecified date.

[67] In April 2016, CEO Christoph Mueller resigned from his post after less than a year of leading the carrier's reorganisation efforts, citing "changing personal circumstances."

[70][71] In October 2017, an unexpected announcement was made involving Malaysia Airlines CEO Peter Bellew's return to Ryanair as chief operations officer to help fix pilot problems.

[77][78][79] On 6 April 2020, the Malaysian private equity firm Golden Skies Ventures reportedly made an offer of US$2.5 billion to take over Malaysia Airlines during the COVID-19 pandemic.

[81] In October 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Malaysia Airlines needed about RM1 billion of capital annually if the government intended to sustain its operations under the current structure.

It switched a majority of its passenger aircraft in year of Q2 2020 to Q1 2022 into cargo flights, leveraging on its ability to support the disrupted supply chain system in Asia.

[84][85] The Airline also undertook multiple foreign repatriation missions, transporting stranded citizens[86] back to their home countries along with flying medical equipment and vaccines.

[90] In 2023, as a result of positive cash flow, Malaysia's sovereign wealth fund Khazanah Nasional Berhad decided it would hold on to its sole ownership of the airline until further notice.

The airline cited improved yields, balanced sheets and a constant positive cash flow as a result of its restructuring efforts along with the return of global travel demand post pandemic.

[96] Since August 2024, Malaysia Airlines faces criticism and trust lost over its management, which caused multiple technical issues, safety concerns and alleged staff poaching.

[103] Malaysia Airlines has its headquarters and registered office on the first floor of Administration Building, South Support Zone at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Sepang, in the Klang Valley region.

[133] The updated paint has the songket motif embedded on the wau bulan logo showcasing vibrant colors from Malaysia's traditional textiles.

Prior to the 2014 aircraft losses, it had further suspended services to Cape Town, Rome, Dammam, Karachi, Surabaya, Johannesburg and Los Angeles.

The aircraft made a 13-hour flight from Airbus Delivery Centre in Toulouse, France and touched down at Kuala Lumpur International Airport with a traditional water cannon salute.

Former domestic lounges in Kota Kinabalu, Kuching have been sold to third party operators with access still given to higher Enrich OneWorld frequent flyers and Business Class passengers.

In 2023, following the acquisition of additional A350 from SAS into the fleet, the airline has retained the business class seating based on the Thompson Aero Vantage XL platform.

[189][190] In 2022, the airline has begun introducing a lighter more slimline seat for the narrowbody Boeing 737 fleet based on the Safran z110i lineup which features USB A and C charging.

The app also features travel passes, Flight+Hotel packages and Temptation inflight product with all sales and purchases allowing Enrich points accruement[208][209] 181.