LTSIP kendali lebih dua juta penumpang pada tahun 2015

Lapangan Terbang Sultan Ismail Petra (LTSIP), Kota Bharu, Kelantan. 

KUALA LUMPUR: Lapangan Terbang Sultan Ismail Petra (LTSIP), Kota Bharu, Kelantan mencatatkan rekod baharu pada tahun lepas dengan mengendalikan seramai 2,063,745 orang penumpang berbanding 1,800,836 penumpang yang dicatatkan pada tahun 2014, iaitu peningkatan sebanyak 14.60 peratus. 

Secara perbandingan, dua lagi lapangan terbang utama di Pantai Timur, iaitu Lapangan Terbang Sultan Mahmud (Kuala Terengganu) dan Lapangan Terbang Sultan Ahmad Shah (Kuantan) masing-masing mencatatkan pengendalian penumpang seramai 857,239 dan 292,109 orang pada tahun 2015, manakala Lapangan Terbang 'Antarabangsa' Melaka hanya mengendalikan seramai 69,710 orang penumpang dalam tempoh yang sama. 

Jumlah pengendalian penumpang di LTSIP dijangka akan terus meningkat pada tahun-tahun mendatang dan ia dijangka mengendalikan kira-kira tiga juta penumpang pada tahun 2020 atau empat juta penumpang pada tahun 2025. 

Terdapat empat syarikat penerbangan utama yang beroperasi di LTSIP, iaitu Malaysia Airlines (MAS), AirAsia, Firefly Airlines, dan Malindo Air. 

Sumber: Kota Bharu Airport | www.kotabharuairport.blogspot.my

MAS taking off on the right track, says aviation analyst

Touch of luxury: Malaysia Airlines has included fully lie-flat seats for its Business Class on its Airbus A330-300 fleet.

PETALING JAYA: After two challenging years and a difficult restructuring that saw the Government delisting Malaysia Airlines from the stock exchange, the airline is ready to chart higher altitudes with better services that include fully lie-flat seats for its Business Class on its Airbus A330-300 fleet.

Passengers on board MH141, departing from Kuala Lumpur to Sydney last night, were the first to experience the new luxury.

Maybank Investment Bank aviation analyst Mohsin Aziz said Malaysia Airlines Bhd (MAB) was taking the right step to improve its product offerings along with on-board offerings in an airline industry that was competitive.

“Customers buy based on value and quality,” he said, adding that the industry was always evolving and MAB would be at a disadvantage if it did not have what competi­tors were offering.

MAB chief commercial officer Paul Simmons said the Business Class cabin refurbishment being carried out in stages on all 15 of Malaysia Airlines’ A330 aircraft was expected to be completed by September.

“With the launch of our new seats, we are confident that Malaysia Airlines will be the first choice for travel from and around Malaysia.

“We are also confident that these seats will further improve and strengthen our premium product and service offerings,” he said.

According to MAB, the seat pitch for the Business Class, measuring 44 inches, a width of 20 inches and a fully flat length of 76 inches, was one of the best received in the industry. With increased working space and extra stowage space for personal items, 90% of all seats have direct aisle access.

Each seat has a 16-inch touch screen in-flight entertainment system.

MAB added that every aspect of the new product had been carefully designed with the passenger’s comfort and needs in mind.

The newly configurated A330 will have 27 all new Business Class seats and 263 Economy Class seats.

The new Business Class seats are available on Malaysia Airlines’ A330 flights between Kuala Lumpur and Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Korea, China and India from this month.

 

Source: The Star | Nation | 24 Mar 2016

Kementerian Pengangkutan akan panggil pengurusan Rayani Air

SEPANG: Kementerian Pengangkutan akan memanggil pihak pengurusan Rayani Air bagi mendapatkan penjelasan berhubung aduan pengguna mengenai perkhidmatan dan operasi syarikat penerbangan itu.

Ketua Setiausahanya Datuk Seri Saripuddin Kasim berkata kementerian belum berpuas hati dengan tindakan Rayani Air dalam memperbaiki kualiti perkhidmatan selepas diberi amaran pertama bulan lepas.

Beliau berkata kementerian tidak akan teragak-agak memberi amaran kedua jika tiada tindakan lebih konkrit dan komprehensif diambil syarikat terbabit dalam mengatasi masalah operasi seperti diadukan.

"Mungkin apa yang berlaku di Rayani Air bukan disengajakan, kerana mereka juga beri keutamaan kepada keselamatan (penumpang).

"Tetapi sebagai kementerian bertanggungjawab mengawal selia syarikat penerbangan, kita mahu mereka memberikan perkhidmatan terbaik mengikut standard ditetapkan," katanya.

Beliau membuat kenyataan itu ketika ditemui selepas melancarkan Minggu Kempen Keselamatan Malindo Air sempena ulang tahun ketiga syarikat itu di sini hari ini.

Semalam, Menteri Pengangkutan Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai dilaporkan berkata Rayani Air berdepan tindakan digantung operasi jika syarikat penerbangan itu gagal mematuhi garis panduan ditetapkan kementeriannya.

Berdasarkan standard minimum, setiap syarikat penerbangan perlu mencapai sekurang-kurangnya 80 peratus ketepatan masa ketibaan sebagai indeks prestasi utama tahunan.

Jika gagal mereka akan diberikan amaran, katanya. Sharipuddin sekali lagi menegaskan pengguna yang tidak berpuashati dengan perkhidmatan mana-mana syarikat penerbangan boleh mengadu terus kepada Suruhanjaya Penerbangan Malaysia yang baru ditubuhkan.

Sumber: Bernama | 22 Mac 2016

Malindo Air in code-sharing talks with two airlines

SEPANG: Malindo Air is in the final stage of code-sharing discussions with two airlines including Turkish Airlines, says Chief Executive Officer Chandran Rama Muthy.

"I don't want to reveal the other airline's identity as yet, but if everything goes on track, we will be making some exciting announcements in May.

"As for Turkish Airlines, we are already in the final stage of signing the agreement," he said.

Talking to reporters on the sidelines of Malindo Air's Safety Campaign Week here today, Chandran said the company was actually in talks, for code-sharing partnership, with 11 airlines.

On March 15, Malindo Air relocated its operations to the Terminal KLIA 1, Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) from Terminal KLIA 2 to facilitate code-sharing partnership, among others.

He said the company aimed to expand its services to another five countries and 10 new destinations by year-end. It currently flies to 12 countries.

He added that Malindo Air recorded significant passenger volume growth to 3.8 million last year versus 900,000 in 2012,

"The passenger volume is expected to increase to six million this year," this added.

Source: Bernama | 22 Mar 2016

AirAsia offers RM119 promotional fare for new Penang - Yangon route

KUALA LUMPUR: AirAsia Bhd is offering a promotional one-way all-in-fare from as low as RM119 for its new Penang - Yangon route.

In a statement Tuesday, the low-cost carrier said bookings can be made on AirAsia's website from today until March 27, for travel between March 22 to November 24, 2016.

"The inaugural flight to Yangon which took off at noon today marks our seventh international destination via the northern hub in Penang," AirAsia said.

The Penang-Yangon route has thrice weekly flights on every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

AirAsia Bhd Chief Executive Officer Aireen Omar said the route marks another milestone towards growing the state as the airlines' international hub.

"Less than two months ago we celebrated our Penang - Ho Chi Minh direct flights," she added.

Apart from Penang, AirAsia also flies directly to Yangon twice daily from Kuala Lumpur and four times daily from Bangkok.

Source: Bernama | 22 Mar 2016

Malaysia Airlines revamps A330-300 aircraft business class cabins

SEPANG: Malaysia Airlines Bhd (MAB) has launched the revamp of the business class cabins of its A330-300 aircraft with seats designed to provide passengers with more space, privacy, versatility to work and sleep.

The seats are also equipped with a 16-inch touch screen in-flight entertainment system with extra stowage space for personal items.

The 20-inch wide seat can be turned into a fully flat 76-inch bed, complete with plush bed linen to allow the passengers to relax in extra comfort.

Speaking at the launch of the revamped A330 business class at MAB Engineering Complex here Tuesday, MAB Chief Commercial Officer, Paul Simmons, said the new seats marked the start of an exciting product roll-out for the passengers.

"All A330-300 aircraft will be fitted with the new business class cabins, an exercise which will be rolled out in stages beginning this month.

"The refurbishment of all 15 MAB's A330 aircraft would be completed by September," he said.

The new business class seats are available on Malaysia Airlines' A330 flights between Kuala Lumpur and Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, China and India from this month onwards.

The newly-configurated A330 will have 27 all new business class seats and 263 economy class seats.

Simmons said flight MH141 from Kuala Lumpur to Sydney tomorrow (March 23) would be the first to feature the revamped cabin.

"We are also confident these seats will further improve and strengthen our premium product and service offerings," he said.

Source: Bernama | 22 Mar 2016

Liow: Suspension of Rayani Air possible

KUALA LUMPUR: The Transport Ministry can suspend newly-established airline Rayani Air if further complaints are made against them.

Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said they took all complaints relating to the airline seriously. "We will monitor Rayani closely. If more issues happen, we will definitely take action.

"We can even suspend them for not following our orders. When we receive complaints, we will take action," he said.

He added that the ministry had already issued a warning to the Syariah-compliant airline following an incident where flights were cancelled without forewarning and no replacements were provided.

"They need to comply Department of the Civil Aviation (DCA) regulations.

"If there are more complaints, we can refer them to the Aviation Commission and will take note of all economic sector complaints," he said.

He added that consumers could complain to the Commission if Rayani Air services were not up to mark.

Liow also said the ministry would look into alleged handwritten boarding passes issued by the airline.

"We will investigate why they used handwritten passes as we can go paperless and people use their hand phones to check in.

"We have to investigate this case as it can be a security threat," he said. He added that the airline should have issued a proper boarding pass.

Liow, who is also Bentong MP, also said that all airlines had an annual KPI system and the ministry would take action against the Rayani Air if the next complaint was related to safety or security.

Source: The Star | Nation | 21 Mar 2016

AirAsia X eyes Russia flights

KUALA LUMPUR: AirAsia Bhd's long-haul low-cost unit, AirAsia X Bhd, has added Russia in its route prospects.

AirAsia Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, said he met Russian Federation Council Chairman, Valentina Matvienko, at an interactive meeting and business luncheon here.

In his Twitter account, the aviation tycoon said: "Now meeting Russia Number 2 strong lady. Airasia X will be flying to Russia soon."

On the timeline, Fernandes, in a short text message, replied: "Wait and see".

The meeting today was organised by Asian Strategy & Leadership Institute (ASLI), Russian Embassy in Malaysia and Business Council For Cooperation with Malaysia.

Also present were Second International Trade and Industry Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan, ASLI CEO Tan Sri Dr Michael Yeoh and Business Council for Cooperation with Malaysia Chairman Dr Vladimir Sautov.

AirAsia X seems to be going all out adding new destinations this year, in line with its turnaround plan.

Earlier this year, AirAsia X CEO, Benyamin Ismail, was reported as saying the airline was also looking at restoring flights to Tehran given that Iran would offer a huge potential, while adding that London and Paris remained under its radar.

As at 3 pm, AirAsia and AirAsia X were the top two most-actively trade stocks on Bursa Malaysia.

AirAsia rose seven sen to RM1.78 with 44.98 million shares traded and AirAsia X gained half-a-sen to 30 sen with 34.56 million shares transacted.

Source: Bernama | 15 Mar 2016

Malindo Air starts ops from KLIA 1

SEPANG: Malindo Air's first day of operations at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) got off to a fine start Tuesday.

The airline was operating from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (KLIA 2) previously before its relocation to the KLIA Main Terminal (KLIA 1) 

Buntings, informing passengers of the Malindo Air check-in counters and size of luggage permitted, were placed at strategic locations for the convenience of passengers.

At about 11am, three Malindo Air airplanes were seen from the observation deck of the main terminal and the departure of a Malindo Air flight to Jakarta could also be heard over the public announcement system.

Malindo Air relocated to the KLIA terminal mainly to facilitate code-sharing partnership.

Meanwhile, in a statement today, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) said the transfer of jet operations for Malindo Air and Lion Air flights from KLIA 2 to KLIA Main Terminal proceeded smoothly.

This move was following the first arrival of both airlines from Don Muang at 9.06pm and from Jakarta at 11.51pm, respectively at KLIA main terminal last night.

The first departure for Malindo Air from KLIA Main Terminal was at 7.21am to Kota Kinabalu and Lion Air at 8.09am to Jakarta.

MAHB said it has been working closely with both airlines to ensure smooth transition from KLIA 2 to KLIA Main Terminal.

"Apart from extending operations and communications support, MAHB had also placed additional mobile customer service officers, the CARE ambassadors, at KLIA Main Terminal to assist passengers during this transition period.

"CARE ambassadors are permanently stationed at klia2 to ensure a joyful experience for passengers travelling through the terminal," it said.

Source: Bernama | 15 Mar 2016

Kelantan airport to be upgraded

RM450mil to make Sultan Ismail Petra Airport a regional hub, says Liow

KOTA BHARU: The Government has approved a sum of RM450mil to upgrade and expand the Sultan Ismail Petra Airport as a regional hub for tourists.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the upgrades would include extending the 2,400m runway to 2,500m to enable bigger aircraft to land.

“Apart from that, the Government will expand the size of the passenger terminal that caters to 1.5 million passengers now to serve four million passengers and construction is expected to be completed within three years.

“This is proof that the Government is fair to the people of Kelantan although PAS has ruled the state for the last 25 years,” Liow told reporters after meeting state MCA leaders here yesterday.

Also present were Kelantan MCA chairman Datuk Dr Hou Kok Chung, Kota Baru MCA chief Tan Ken Ten and MCA central committee member Datuk Seri Ti Lian Ker.

Liow, who is also MCA president, said the Government was in the midst of appointing a consultant for the project.

In an unrelated matter, Liow said Malaysian experts would be going to Australia to inspect a piece of debris, believed to be from MH370, that was discovered by a South African teenager in Mozambique.

He said the debris would be sent to Australia to enable the seven accredited countries to carry out thorough inspections.

Liam Lotter, 18, told ABC News that he found the debris with his cousin Calvin while strolling on a beach between Gunjata Bay and Paindane Reed in Mozambique last December.

Liow said the find, if proven to be true, would provide more clues on the whereabouts of Flight MH370.

On another matter, Liow said it was outdated for the Kelantan government to try to implement punitive punishment by flogging adulterers and boozers found guilty under the Syariah Criminal Code or Hudud, in public.

He said having another set of laws would create confusion among the public.

“MCA is not trying to interfere with Syariah laws but there are concerns about the overlapping of laws with the present Criminal Procedure Code and the injustices which may arise. This is not what MCA wants but we will defend the rights of the non-Muslims to the end should they innocently get entangled in the mess of having two separate laws in the state,” he added.

Source: The Star | Nation | 13 Mar 2016

Malindo Air operates from KLIA Main Terminal effective Tuesday

KUALA LUMPUR: Malindo Air will begin its jet operations from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Main Terminal effective tomorrow.

The airline said the relocation from terminal KLIA 2 was aimed at enhancing customer service and position Malindo Air for sustainable, long-term growth.

"All Malindo Air flights to and from Kuala Lumpur from March 15 onwards will be departing from and arriving at the KLIA Main Terminal Building.

"Guests of Malindo Air are urged to make the necessary transportation and meeting point arrangements accordingly," it said in a statement.

However, Malindo Air's ATR72-600 turbo-prop operations from the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah airport in Subang would remain unaffected.

Chief Executive Officer Chandran Rama Muthy said the main reason for the move was to start interlining and code-sharing partnership with its airline partners.

"We hope in the long-term we will be able to contribute positively to the growth of the nation's aviation and tourism industries, and therefore boost the economic growth of the country further," he added.

In the transition period, airport staff and volunteers from other departments would be stationed at strategic places around the terminal to assist passengers with departure and arrival movements.

Source: Bernama | 14 Mar 2016

Projek pembesaran LTSIP siap 2019

Liow Tiong Lai ketika menghadiri majlis bersama komuniti MCA Kelantan di Kota Bharu, semalam.

KOTA BHARU: Kerja-kerja menaik taraf dan membesarkan Lapangan Terbang Sultan Ismail Petra (LTSIP), Pengkalan Chepa di sini yang menelan belanja kira-kira RM450 juta dijangka siap menjelang tahun 2019.

Menteri Pengangkutan, Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai berkata, pembesaran terminal LTSIP itu sekali gus mampu menampung sebanyak empat juta penumpang berbanding sebelum ini hanya sekitar 1.5 juta.

Beliau berkata, selain itu, proses menaik taraf itu juga akan melibatkan kerja-kerja memanjangkan landasan kapal terbang daripada 2.4 kepada 2.5 kilometer.

“Kerajaan melalui Kementerian Pengangkutan meluluskan peruntukan untuk pembesaran LTSIP. Kita sedia maklum, sebelum ini penumpang terpaksa bersesak di lapangan terbang tersebut.

“Perkembangan itu membuktikan Kerajaan Pusat yang ditunjangi Barisan Nasional (BN) sentiasa membawa pembangunan ke Kelantan meskipun negeri ini dikuasai pembangkang,” katanya kepada pembe­rita selepas majlis bersama komuniti MCA Kelantan, di sini hari ini.

Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak dalam pembentangan Rancangan Malaysia Ke-11 (RMK-11) tahun lalu telah mengumumkan beberapa projek mega di Kelantan termasuk pembesaran LTSIP.

Mengulas lanjut, Tiong Lai berkata, pada masa ini, pihaknya sedang dalam proses melantik konsultan sebelum menyerahkan kepada kontraktor yang layak untuk kerja-kerja menaik taraf lapangan terbang tersebut.

“Selepas semua proses ini selesai, kerja-kerja pelaksanaannya akan mula dijalankan dan kita jangka lapangan terbang yang bakal berwajah baharu ini akan siap sepenuhnya dalam tempoh tiga tahun,” katanya.

Sementara itu, dalam perkembangan berkaitan beliau berkata, Kerajaan Pusat juga telah meluluskan peruntukan RM600 juta untuk kerja-kerja menaik taraf landasan kereta api di negeri ini.

“Kerja-kerja naik taraf ini akan melibatkan landasan kereta api bermula dari Gua Musang ke Tumpat. Sebelum ini, kita baiki landasan yang rosak akibat bencana bah kuning pada penghujung 2014,” katanya.

Sumber: Utusan Malaysia | Nasional | 13 Mac 2016

RM450j besarkan Lapangan Terbang Kota Bharu

Tiong Lai (duduk, tengah) pada majlis bersama komunuti MCA Kelantan, semalam.

KOTA BHARU: Sebanyak RM450 juta diperuntukkan Kerajaan Persekutuan bagi menaik taraf dan pembesaran Lapangan Terbang Sultan Ismail Petra, kata Menteri Pengangkutan, Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.

Beliau berkata, pembesaran terminal lapangan terbang itu sangat penting kerana ia bakal menampung empat juta penumpang berbanding kini hanya 1.5 juta.

“Kerja naik taraf itu juga akan melibatkan pemanjangan landasan dan keseluruhannya dijangka siap tiga tahun lagi. Kini kita dalam proses melantik konsultan dan akan menyerahkannya kepada kontraktor yang layak untuk menguruskannya,” katanya.

Beliau hadir majlis bersama komuniti MCA negeri, di sini semalam.

Pada perkembangan sama, Tiong Lai juga memaklumkan sebanyak RM600 juta juga telah diperuntukkan kerajaan pusat untuk naik taraf landasan kereta api Gua Musang-Tumpat.

Menurutnya, ini membuktikan Kerajaan Persekutuan tidak pernah menganaktirikan Kelantan dan sentiasa mengambil berat perkembangan pembangunan negeri ini walaupun ia ditadbir pembangkang.

"Untuk landasan kereta api pula, ia sudah siap dibaiki dan akan lancarkan dalam masa terdekat untuk beri faedah kepada semua penduduk dan semua pelajar yang menjadikan kereta api sebagai pengangkutan mereka," katanya.

Dalam perkembangan lain, Tiong Lai yang juga Presiden MCA memberitahu, MCA Kelantan akan menumpukan perhatian kepada kerusi Kota Lama pada PRU akan datang.

Katanya, pelbagai persiapan tertelah dilakukan untuk mendekatkan parti dengan masyarakat.

“Ini sangat penting kerana kita mahu beri perkhidmatan terbaik kepada penduduk Kota Lama walaupun kita kalah pada PRU lalu,” katanya.

Sumber: Sinar Harian | Dari Terengganu & Kelantan | 13 Mac 2016

Kabus tebal menyebabkan lebih 1,000 penumpang terkandas

KOTA BHARU: Lebih 1,000 penumpang terkandas melibatkan lima penerbangan masuk dan lima penerbangan keluar dari Lapangan Tebang Sultan Ismail Petra (LTSIP), Pengkalan Chepa di sini selepas kabus tebal melanda awal pagi tadi.

Pengurus Lapangan Terbang Sultan Ismail Petra, Malaysia Airport Berhad, Ramzi Ahmad berkata, antara pesawat yang terlibat adalah empat daripada Firefly, dua Malindo Air, dua dari AirAsia dan dua dari Malaysia Airlines.

“Keadaan kabus tebal tersebut menyebabkan dua penerbangan dari Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Kuala Lumpur (KLIA), satu dari Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Pulau Pinang dan dua dari Lapangan Terbang Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Subang berpatah balik. Namun, Alhamdulilah selepas 10 pagi, jadual penerbangan kembali seperti biasa," katanya.

Kabus tebal dan suasana sejuk menyelubungi beberapa daerah utama di negeri ini dan suhu yang dicatatkan adalah lingkungan 20 hingga 21 darjah celsius seawal jam 7.30 pagi tadi.

Keadaan tersebut juga memaksa penggunaan jalan raya memasang lampu kenderaan masing-masing bagi memudahkan penglihatan.

Sumber: Sinar Harian | Edisi Kelantan | 11 Mac 2016

MAB's revenue per ASK up 10% on route optimisation

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Airlines Bhd's (MAB) revenue per available seat kilometre (ASK) for the quarter ended Feb 29, 2016 improved 10 per cent year-on-year on the back of the route optimisation exercise.

In its quarterly progress update, the national carrier said the seat load factor was also showing improvements with over 350,000 passengers travelling with the airline during the Chinese New Year holiday.

It said on time performance (OTP) dipped in December 2015 due to adverse weather conditions and constraints in availability of aircraft, but it recovered to 85 per cent in February.

"On Feb 17, the airline hit a record 95 per cent punctuality across all flights with 100 per cent on domestic operations," MAB said.

Group Chief Executive Officer Christoph Mueller said the quarter was challenging but the airline was pleased to see continued progress in all key areas such as OTP and costs.

"MAB has been operating for six months now and although we have a long way to go and areas for improvement, we are making steady progress in the restructuring," he said.

During the quarter under review, MAB began its global aviation partnership agreement with Emirates Airlines, which saw both carriers placing its codes on the Kuala Lumpur-Dubai route, as well as other routes under the agreement.

The first phase of the agreement would see 11 destinations introduced, including Rome, Paris, Madrid and Frankfurt, with the rest being added progressively over the next few months.

Once completed, Malaysians would have access to over 30 destinations in Europe, Middle East, Canada, and Africa.

Furthermore, it said the partnership with Emirates would contribute to its fleet consolidation and enable it to retire the B777-200s completely, allowing MAB to drive down complexity in maintenance, engineering and flight operations.

MAB had ordered four brand new Airbus A350-900s aircraft, which would be able to operate non-stop from Kuala Lumpur to London and throughout Asia, with deliveries to start in October 2017.

"The airlines' A380s are due for scheduled maintenance at the beginning of the second quarter of this year, which means that an average of one A380 aircraft being out of commission for the remainder of 2016.

"In anticipation of this, the airline is exploring reinstating a former flagship aircraft to ensure minimal interruptions on the London route," the airline said.

To ensure convenience and improved connectivity for passengers, MAB planned to concentrate most of its operations at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport's (KLIA) main terminal.

This would translate into quicker connections for ASEAN passengers between international and domestic flights, thus improving flight connection times, providing faster and more reliable baggage transfer and ultimately ensuring better customer satisfaction.

Moving forward, MAB said to address skills gaps, the airline would explore joint ventures with established international organisations to provide training and specific skillsets.

"The airline has been working hard in closing the skills gap via the Malaysia Airlines Academy, whereby the newly revamped academy will ensure that future generations of leaders for the airline will be groomed entirely from within.

"To this end, MAB has recruited 20 management trainees towards building a talent pipeline as well as growing the aviation skillsets in Malaysia," it added.

Source: Bernama | 4 March 2016

MAS improves operation in the latest quarter

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Airlines has recorded a 10% improvement in revenue per available seat kilometre for the quarter ended Feb 29, 2016. 

In a statement, the national airline said the improvement was due to route optimisation exercise conducted earlier. Seat load factor was also better with more than 350,000 passengers traveling with MAS over the Chinese New Year holidays.

The company’s operations team strives to improve punctuality and on time performance (OTP).

“Malaysia Airlines needs to win on customer service and this is being benchmarked against our competitors , who are operating at 85% OTP at the highest end and 57% OTP at the lowest,” it said in a statement on Friday. 

In February 2016, punctuality reached 85% while on Feb 17, 2016 the airline hit a record 95% punctuality across all flights with 100% on domestic operations.

The airline will introduce new initiatives in the next quarter to improve service quality and to shorten waiting times for passengers. Other improvements include refreshed aesthetics in the lounges showcasing Malaysian creative talent, new Business Class seats on its A330s, and new on-board cuisine.

“We have seen a challenging quarter but I am pleased to see continued progress made in all key areas such as on-time performance and costs. MAS has been operating for six months now and although we have a long way to go and areas for improvement, we are making steady progress in the restructuring,” said group CEO Christoph Mueller.

He added the company is focused on building momentum with its restructuring in 2016. 

During the quarter, the airline successfully renegotiated contracts with a majority of operating lessors with revised lease rates that are significantly lower and on economically feasible terms. 

The revised lease rate, which is now at market rate and at levels consistent with its Business Plan, has enabled the airline to enter into Letters of Intent with lessors to take on the underlying aircraft.

Malaysia Airlines will also be investing in new ground service equipment that will improve on-time performances and turnaround times.

Source: The Star Online | Business | 4 March 2016

Malaysian Aviation Commission established to boost nation's aviation industry - Liow

KUALA LUMPUR: The government has established the Malaysian Aviation Commission in order to boost up the nation's aviation industry to a greater height.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the commission, established under the Malaysian Aviation Commission Act 2015 would be overseen by the Ministry of Transport.

"It will regulate economic matters relating to the civil aviation industry and the operation starts today (March 1).

"It will play a vital role in maintaining Malaysia's competitive edge within the region's aviation sector," he said in a statement, here, today.

As an independent regulatory body, Liow said, the commission's responsibilities, among others, would include airline licensing, airport charges, route allocation, dispute resolution, and consumer protection.

The Commission will be led by Gen (Rtd) Tan Seri Abdullah Ahmad as the executive chairman.

Other Commission members are Datuk Mah Weng Kai, Datuk Dr Shaik Hussein Mydin, Datuk Seri Long See Wool, Datuk Fauziah Yaacob and Dr Nungsari Ahmad Radhni.

"In addition, the secretary general of the Ministry of Transport (Datuk Seri Saripuddin Kasim) and the director general of the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) (Datuk Seri Dr Rahamat Bivi Yusoff) will also hold posts as permanent members of the Commission.

"I am confident that the Malaysian Aviation Commission will make great strides in strengthening our nation's aviation standards as well as addressing existing challenges, to advance Malaysia in the aviation sector in line with our aspiration to be the leading hub for the industry in the region," he added.

Source: Bernama | 1 Mar 2016