Malaysia Airlines, Firefly and Amal to reduce flights until December after string of aircraft issues
Lee Chong Ming
24 Aug 2024 10:35PM (Updated: 24 Aug 2024 10:37PM)
Malaysia Airlines, Firefly and Amal will cut flights until December to address issues that have resulted in a recent spate of disruptions.
There have been at least four incidents in August, including a Malaysia Airlines flight to Shanghai that was forced to turn back to Kuala Lumpur on Aug 20 due to a suspected cabin pressure issue.
A day before that, a Malaysia Airlines flight from Melbourne to Kuala Lumpur was diverted to Alice Springs Airport in Australia due to a technical issue.
The Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), which owns the three airlines, announced on Saturday (Aug 24) that it will "temporarily reduce its network" until December while it looks into implementing any potential corrective measures.
"This is to ensure the long-term reliability of our fleet and robustness of our operations and enhance our ability to ensure our customers on Malaysia Airlines, Firefly and Amal services face minimal disruptions and have the best experience possible flying with us," said Captain Izham Ismail, MAG's group managing director.
Amal is the Haj and Umrah pilgrimage arm of Malaysia Airlines.
Captain Izham said the group has been taking steps to address supply chain constraints, manpower challenges and "other external factors as part of the continuing normalisation of global aviation operations post-pandemic".
MAG has also been affected by the delayed deliveries of new aircraft this year, leading to fewer aircraft being made available for flights, he added.
"We are working closely with our aircraft and engine manufacturers, and a wide range of suppliers to comprehensively address supply chain and technical issues,” he said.
Higher travel demand putting pressure on aviation sector, even as more mid-career workers stay
Earlier this month, a Malaysia Airlines flight from London to Kuala Lumpur was diverted to Doha, Qatar, due to a technical issue encountered during cruising, according to The Edge Malaysia. One passenger reportedly waited in Doha for over 60 hours.Another Malaysia Airlines flight was en route to Jeddah on Aug 4 when it turned back to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysian media reported.
The string of disruptions has prompted former Malaysian transport minister Wee Ka Siong to call on the government to investigate and assist the country's flag carrier.
"Due to the frequent incidents of emergency landings and technical issues involving Malaysia Airlines, the public is questioning, ‘What has happened to Malaysia Airlines? Is it safe to fly with Malaysia Airlines?’" he said in a Facebook post.
"This seems to be a crisis of confidence among passengers in Malaysia Airlines, which is likely to damage the country's reputation and potentially lead to losses for MAG if these incidents continue, which will ultimately affect the country's economy."
In its statement on Saturday, MAG group managing director apologised to customers for the disruptions.
"Ensuring our aircraft are in optimal condition for safe and efficient operations whilst minimising potential disruptions is our utmost and urgent priority," said Captain Izham.
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"We are committed to strengthening our operations and positioning the company for long-term success and growth."
Source: CNA/cm(gs)
