Malaysia’s flight operators announce flight reductions until December following technical troubles

An aircraft from Malaysia Airlines. Photo from Malaysia Airlines’ Twitter

“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,” Izham Ismail, Managing Director of MAG, explained in a statement released on Aug. 24, as per The Straits Times.

“I personally apologize for the disruption to passenger travel plans and the inconvenience this has caused,” he added.

Channel News Asia reported that Ismail stated the group has been working to tackle supply chain issues, manpower challenges, and “other external factors as part of the continuing normalization of global aviation operations post-pandemic.” He also noted that delays in the delivery of new aircraft this year have resulted in a reduced number of planes available for flights.

“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.

The urgency of the decision was underscored by several recent incidents involving Malaysia Airlines flights. On Aug. 20, a Melbourne-Kuala Lumpur flight from the same operator made an emergency stop in Alice Springs, Australia, due to a technical problem.

Later that same day, a Malaysia Airlines flight from Kuala Lumpur to Shanghai encountered a cabin pressure issue and had to return to the departure airport.

Two days later, another Malaysia Airlines flight bound for Medina from Kuala Lumpur was forced to return to its origin, marking the third such incident for the Malaysian national carrier that week.

The series of disruptions has led former Malaysian transport minister Wee Ka Siong to urge 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.”

Public reaction has been similarly critical. Khatijah Khaur, a member of the True Malaysia Airlines Fans Group on Facebook, criticized what she described as a “tidak apa” (it is okay) attitude among the staff.

“Our tidak apa attitude has come back to bite us,” she noted. “There is no motivation to be better, to do better. At the end of the day, we have nothing to be proud of.”

In response, Malaysia’s Minister of Transport Anthony Loke has announced that a special audit conducted by the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) into Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) and the recent technical issues affecting Malaysia Airlines will be presented to the Cabinet on Wednesday, according to The Star.

“Follow-up action will be taken by CAAM and we view what is happening seriously,” he told in a press conference on Monday.