New Malaysia Airlines gets green light to launch
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The new Malaysia Airlines has been given permission to launch flights.
The new company, Malaysia Airlines Berhad (MAB), was created following a major restructuring programme overseen by Malaysia’s state-run investment board, Khazanah Nasional. And Malaysia’s Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) has now issued MAB with an Air Operator Certificate (AOC), allowing it to commence services on 1 September 2015.
MAB’s CEO, Christoph Mueller, called the ruling a “very important milestone”.
“The AOC is a testament to all our staff at Malaysia Airlines who have been working hard to fulfil all the necessary requirements and specifications by DCA. We are very excited and focused on MAB’s take-off in September,” said Mueller.
Liow Tiong Lai, Malaysia’s Minister of Transport, added; “The government of Malaysia is committed to ensure that the rejuvenated Malaysia Airlines will take off on a strong note. We hope to see more progress driven by the new entity especially in terms of service levels.”
To qualify for the AOC, MAB was required to undergo months of audit activities, which included inspections of the airline’s operations and maintenance procedures.
“This is a start of a new beginning,” said Malaysia Airlines’ chairman, Md Nor Yusof. “MAB will endeavour to ensure our passengers are given the best of our services and we will persevere to build a sustainable national icon.”
Last year, Khazanah unveiled a 12-point plan to turnaround the fortunes of Malaysia’s beleaguered national carrier. Entitled ‘Rebuilding a National Icon’, the plan was intended to return the airline to profitability within three years.
The move has involved significant cuts, including the reduction of 6,000 jobs, or approximately 30% of the airline’s previous headcount, plus the suspension of several routes.
Malaysia Airlines has suffered a series of heavy financial losses in recent years, and these results were compounded by the losses of flights MH370 and MH17 in 2014.
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