In April 2017, Malindo Air received its International Air Transport Association (IATA) certificate as IATA member. Malindo Air was the world's first Boeing 737 Max 8 operator to fly a commercial flight on 22 May 2017, operating the Kuala Lumpur to Singapore route as flight OD803. The new aircraft, configured with 180 seats in an all-economy configuration. It also feature the airline's new livery and branding. However after just 4 months the new aircraft were transferred to Lion Air (the parent company in Indonesia) and Malindo Air continued operating their own fleet of Boeing 737-800/900 aircraft and ATR 72-600 as of late 2018. 

In 2018, the airline continued expanding its network from its primary hubs at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and Subang Airport, as well as secondary bases such as Penang and Kota Kinabalu. During this time, Malindo Air increased frequencies on key regional routes to Indonesia, Thailand, India, and Australia.

The airline’s growth trajectory was abruptly affected in 2019 following the global grounding of the Boeing 737-8 MAX in March, after two fatal accidents involving Lion Air and Ethiopian Airlines. As a member of the Lion Air Group, Malindo Air was directly impacted, with several of its newly delivered MAX aircraft grounded shortly after entry into service. This forced the airline to adjust capacity plans and rely more heavily on its existing 737-800 fleet. Despite this setback, Malindo Air continued network development, launching or maintaining routes to destinations such as Brisbane, Melbourne, and various cities in India.

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented disruption to Malindo Air’s operations. International travel restrictions and collapsing passenger demand forced the airline to suspend a large portion of its network, grounding much of its fleet. Throughout 2020 and into 2021, Malindo Air drastically reduced operations, focusing on limited domestic services and essential international routes where possible. The airline undertook cost-cutting measures, including workforce reductions and renegotiations with suppliers and lessors. The recertification of the Boeing 737-8 MAX by global regulators in late 2020 and 2021 provided an opportunity for future recovery, but the immediate impact of the pandemic overshadowed any short-term fleet expansion plans.

A major strategic shift occurred in April 2022, when the airline officially rebranded as Batik Air Malaysia, aligning more closely with its Indonesian sister airline, Batik Air. This rebranding was part of a broader Lion Air Group strategy to streamline branding and improve market recognition across Southeast Asia. Under the Batik Air Malaysia name, the airline resumed routes across Southeast Asia, South Asia, and Australia, restoring connectivity to key destinations such as Jakarta, Bali, Bangkok, and major Indian cities, while also reintroducing services to Australia, including Melbourne and Sydney.

Batik Air Malaysia resumed the induction and utilization of Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft in June 2020, following their recertification, alongside continued operation of the 737-800 fleet. The ATR 72-600 fleet remained important for domestic connectivity within Malaysia and short-haul regional routes.

The airline’s hybrid model—offering full-service elements such as in-flight entertainment and baggage allowances while maintaining competitive fares—helped it compete against both low-cost carriers like AirAsia and traditional airlines such as Malaysia Airlines.

From 2022 through 2024, Batik Air Malaysia focused on network restoration and gradual expansion. The airline reinstated suspended routes and introduced new connections aimed at capitalizing on pent-up travel demand. India emerged as a particularly important market, with expanded services to cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Tiruchirappalli, Kochi, and Chennai. In April 2023, a major fleet upgrade took place to Batik Air, as a significant step into long-haul operations with the introduction of the Airbus A330-300 into its fleet. The aircraft, transferred from within the Lion Air Group and previously operated by Batik Air Indonesia, marked a new phase in the airline’s post-pandemic expansion strategy.

The introduction of the A330-300 also reflected the Lion Air Group’s broader ambition to develop Batik Air as its premium long-haul brand.

By 2025 and into 2026, Batik Air Malaysia continued to consolidate its position within the Lion Air Group’s network, benefiting from coordinated scheduling and shared fleet resources.

Looking ahead, Batik Air Malaysia’s future plans are closely tied to the Lion Air Group’s broader fleet strategy and regional growth ambitions. The airline is expected to continue expanding its Boeing 737-8 MAX fleet, potentially supplemented by additional next-generation narrowbody aircraft as the group evaluates future orders. In terms of network development, Batik Air Malaysia is likely to further strengthen its presence in India, China, and secondary Southeast Asian cities.

Today, Batik Air Malaysia and Batik Air Indonesia, are well positioned to leverage its hybrid service model, modernizing fleet, and strategic geographic location to expand its role as a key regional connector.