KLM adds three more flights a week from KL to Amsterdam

SEPANG: KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has added three weekly flights from Kuala Lumpur (KL) to Amsterdam, bringing it to a total of 10 flights a week. 

The three extra flights will be operated with KLM's newly refurbished Boeing 777-200, which comprises of 34 World Business Class seats, 40 Economy Comfort seats and 242 Economy class seats. 

Air France-KLM general manager for Central Southeast Asia, Gijs van Popta said KLM offers a wider choice of services and connections opportunities to Europe and beyond for travelers via its hub, Amsterdam-Airport Schipol. 

"Malaysia is one of our key markets in Southeast Asia and we look forward to welcoming more travelers from Malaysia onboard to experience KLM's world-class services and friendly Dutch hospitality," he said at the launch of KLM's additional flights. 

Although the KL-Amsterdam flight is increased to 10 times weekly, KLM's current daily flight schedule between Amsterdam-KL-Jakarta remains unchanged. 

Meanwhile, the Netherlands Ambassador to Malaysia, Harry Molenaar said the additional KLM flights between KL and Amsterdam indicated that the mutual trade between the two countries is blooming and provides an opportunity to further intensify their business relationship.

Source: New Straits Times | Business | 24 June 2016

Malindo Air launches search for talented batik kebaya designers

KUALA LUMPUR: Malindo Air, a premium Malaysian-based carrier is organising a sarong kebaya uniform design competition, with the intention of attracting Malaysians’ diverse talent in fabric, graphic art and fashion design.

The competition is open to all talented Malaysian designers and its closing date is on 25 July 2016. Designs are for Malindo Air’s full set of female stewardess uniforms and male steward uniforms. Malindo Air is looking at a concept which reflects on Malaysian ethnic batik design.

CEO of Malindo Air Mr Chandran Rama Muthy said, “This competition is held to display new and original designs that reflect the Malaysian spirit and values and – at the same time – recognize the uniqueness of the batik motif that could best represent our airline and nation simultaneously.”

He added, “We are giving away attractive cash prizes to the winners. Winners will be chosen by an independent panel of judges appointed by Malindo Air. The winning designs will be chosen as the official uniform designs of Malindo Air’s new and enhanced image of our leading senior cabin crew.”

For details of the competition, please visit www.malindoair.com.

Source: Bernama | 23 June 2016

No name change for KLIA2: Liow

The KLIA Terminal 2 (KLIA2), Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) in Sepang, Selangor.

KUALA LUMPUR: There is no name change for Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (KLIA2) since it is registered in the International Air Transport Association as part of KLIA's official code, namely 'KUL'.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said thus, "names should not be changed for the sake of changing."

"Nonetheless, the Ministry of Transport acknowledges AirAsia's intention to brand KLIA2 as a low-cost terminal as part of their efforts to bring in more travelers to Malaysia.

"We are open to hear from them what proposals they may have in place in order to position KLIA2 internationally as a leading low-cost terminal to spur the nation's tourism and aviation industries," he said in a statement here today.

Liow said the government had always supported the nation's low-cost carriers, particularly AirAsia.

"We are glad to have played a role in AirAsia's growth to become one of the world's largest low-cost airlines. This includes the provision of incentives such as lower passenger service charges," he said.

He said the government was commited to continue supporting and providing such incentives to encourage the growth of Malaysia's low-cost airlines sector.

"However, this ongoing debate is unnecessary, and all parties in the aviation sector must collaborate and work together for the benefit of Malaysia and all Malaysians," said Liow.

It was reported yesterday that AirAsia is adamant on using the word "LCCT2" when refering to KLIA2, the new budget passenger terminal, and for Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) to acknowledge the low-cost carrier's role as the biggest tenant at the airport.

Its Chief Executive Officer Aireen Omar said as in the group's campaign launched a fortnight ago, AirAsia would be stating klia2 as LCCT2 on its websites, tickets and promotional materials soon.

Source: Bernama | 22 June 2016

Using another name for KLIA2 violates aviation laws: MAHB

PUTRAJAYA: Using another name for KLIA2, the official brand of the KL International Airport 2, violates the aviation laws, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) Managing Director Datuk Badlisham Ghazali said. 

He said the campaign carried out by low-cost carrier AirAsia to brand KLIA2 as LCCT2 is against the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) regulations. 

“We cannot name a terminal at our whim and fancy as it was a registered name and the government named it as KLIA2 not MAHB. 

“However, we cannot prevent them from calling it LCCT2 as it is freedom of speech, but they cannot put it on their tickets or counter notice board,” he told reporters after accompanying 108 children of deserving tithe recipients from Sepang for Aidilfitri shopping at the Alamanda Mall here, today. 

On complaints about cracks on the runway and pools at the tarmac, Badlisham admitted that the problems persisted until today. 

“But unlike before, the damage has been reduced and we are still doing the repair work,” he said. Commenting on the KLIA2 development plan, he said the terminal was built following discussions with stakeholders such as AirAsia, just like the Low-Cost Carrier Terminal (LCC2) before. 

“The Changi Airport, Singapore and Don Muaeng, Bangkok also have budget airline terminals, but they do not call them low-cost terminals... They named them terminals 1, 2 and 3,” he added.

Source: Bernama | 21 June 2016

Malaysia Airports and AirAsia spat over KLIA2 branding continues

Terminal KLIA2, Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) in Sepang. 

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad‘s view is that AirAsia's plan to rebrand the KLIA2 hub as LCCT2 would be a violation of international aviation laws.

AirAsia chief executive officer Aireen Omar had announced that the airline was going ahead in renaming KLIA2 as LCCT2 in all its operation materials, including flight tickets, the destination on its website and even on promotional materials, as a protest against Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB), which she claimed had been uncooperative in assisting AirAsia's growth in the new airport.

She claimed that the design and system in KLIA2 had led to AirAsia's inability to accommodate higher volumes of passengers, ultimately losing its long held title of the world's largest low-cost carrier hub to Bangkok’s Don Muaeng airport.

Responding to her press conference, MAHB managing director Datuk Badlisham Ghazali fired back saying it took "two to tango”.

"Obviously its not one entity that names the airport. Remember, the airport doesn't just serve the airlines but it is a reflection of the branding and commitment of the country itself.

"KLIA2 was the name chosen by the Government and supported by the country.

"Changi doesn't call itself Changi 4 and Changi LCCT, even though they have low cost carriers. Same with Don Muaeng, they don't call it Don Muaeng LCCT or LCCT Bangkok.

"So theres no need to call it LCCT, that makes it look so low. We are the only country calling it LCCT. There is no brand associated to it. They (AirAsia) want to be famous, then call it KLIA2. People know the KLIA brand and they know they are flying to Kuala Lumpur," he told reporters at the Everly Hotel, Tuesday evening.

Badlisham said Aireen can continue calling the airport LCCT2 in her conversations, as it was her "freedom of speech" but said once the name gets printed on flight tickets, they would have a problem.

"That would be an offence. So I don't think they will actually do that because the International Air Transport Association (IATA), they have to register which airport they are going to land and so far as Iata ks concerned, the acronym KUL or KLIA or KLIA2 has been designated. So you cannot change those terminologies," he said.

Asked if AirAsia, the main tenant of KLIA2, still goes ahead with its rebranding within the airport, Badlisham said MAHB would advise the airline to take down any material that claims the venue to be LCCT2.

"Lets focus on what needs to be done efficiently and continue using the name klia2," he said.

Source: The Star | Nation | 21 June 2016

Malindo, Turkish Airlines team up to tap new markets

Malindo Air currently serves over 800 weekly flights to 40 cities in 12 countries in the Indian subcontinent, South India, Asean, China and Australia.

KUALA LUMPUR: Malindo Air has teamed up with Turkish Airlines to tap new markets as well as enable passengers to find connections easier when travelling between Asean and Europe.

Malindo Air Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Chandran Rama Muthy, said this on Friday interline partnership would make travel seamless from this region, reward frequent travellers on Malindo Air and offer passengers even more options when travelling to Turkey and beyond.

"With the announcement of our partnership with Turkish Airlines, Malindo Air continues to expand our network, including more flights, more gateways and more destinations. 

"Malindo Air will provide another option for travel trade in Asean and to Australia. The success of this interline partnership will open doors for us to code-share with other suitable partners," he said.

Meanwhile, Turkish Airlines' Deputy Chairman and CEO, Temel Kotil, said this partnership would bring mutual benefit, in connection with the rapidly-growing relations between the two countries.

He said the Malindo Air-Turkish Airlines collaboration would provide multiple travel alternatives to passengers and eventually increase the traffic between European and Asian destinations.

Malindo Air currently serves over 800 weekly flights to 40 cities in 12 countries in the Indian subcontinent, South India, Asean, China and Australia with several new cities set to launch by the middle of the year.

Turkish Airlines connects 240 international destinations and Istanbul, as the only city in the world having settled on two continents, serves as a main hub of Turkish Airlines.

Source: Bernama | 17 June 2016

Malindo Air adds extra flights and new services for Eid

KUALA LUMPUR: Malindo Air announces new flight frequencies across its domestic network comprising of scheduled flights from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). The new frequencies will take effect in conjunction with the Hari Raya balik kampung holidays from 1 July 2016 onwards.

The new domestic routes are from KLIA to Kota Bharu (21X weekly) and KLIA to Miri (7X weekly). Malindo Air has also added flights between KLIA and Kota Kinabalu (35X weekly); KLIA and Kuching (28X weekly); KLIA and Penang (28X weekly).

For those seeking a Hari Raya holiday getaway, Malindo Air has also added extra frequencies to international travel routes from KLIA to Don Mueang (Bangkok), Jakarta and Dhaka.

Additionally, our mid-year promo sales which begins on 15 June, is offering fares starting from as low as RM19 one-way inclusive of 40kg for business and 30kg for economy class traveller’s baggage allowance, light refreshments/meals and in-flight entertainment. Sales period will commence from 15 – 30 June 2016 for travels from 15 June – 31 October 2016.

CEO of Malindo Air, Mr. Chandran Rama Muthy said, “We are exhilarated to add these new services right before the Raya festivities begin as it will give a splendid opportunity for families to make their way home. As we recently took delivery of two more aircraft, we are able to introduce new services and more frequencies, as part of our strategy to aggressively place Malindo Air in the growing market.”

Chandran added, “During the Hari Raya, which falls on a long weekend this year, we are expecting a wave of travellers not just from the celebrating Muslims returning to their hometowns for a reunion with families and friends, but also those taking advantage of the long week-end break. Our new frequencies are planned to make travel easy for our guests, and be rest assured that we will continue with our attractive fares even after the festivities. We look forward to flying everyone safely and promptly to their destinations.”

For bookings and further enquiries, visit www.malindoair.com, write in to Customer Care at customer_care@malindoair.com or contact the Call Centre at (60)3-7841 5388 from 7am to 11pm daily.

For purchases through mobile phones, use mobile.malindoair.com or download the Malindo Air App on Google Play and App Store.

 

Source: Bernama | 14 June 2016

MAHB quashes AirAsia's LCCT2 campaign plan

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd says KLIA 2 is neither an independent airport nor a hub but the KL International Airport's (KLIA) second terminal and is a crucial component of the KLIA hub.

"Although KLIA 2 is currently mainly used by low-cost carriers, it is designed to cater to all types of airlines as it supports the overall KLIA capacity," the airport operator said in clarifying its position in regard to AirAsia's plan to promote KLIA 2 as LCCT2 and promoting it as a low-cost hub.

Earlier today, AirAsia's Group Chief Executive Officer Tan Sri Tony Fernandes announced that the airline would launch a campaign to promote KLIA 2 as LCCT2 (Low-Cost Carrier Terminal 2), reinforcing Kuala Lumpur's position as the leading low-cost gateway to Asia and beyond.

Source: Bernama | 13 June 2016

DCA revokes Rayani Air AOC

Datuk Seri Azharuddin Abdul Rahman

PUTRAJAYA: The Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) Malaysia has revoked Rayani Air's Air Operator Certificate (AOC) following a full investigation into the airline's administration and safety audit.

DCA director-general Datuk Seri Azharuddin Abdul Rahman in a statement here today, said Rayani Air's AOC number 54 was hereby, revoked after a thorough deliberation on Rayani Air's response towards an inquiry.

He said the Shariah-compliant airline was given an opportunity to make a representation during an inquiry on May 12, pursuant to Regulation 193 of the Civil Aviation Regulation 2016.

"To this end, Rayani Air is required to return the Air Operator Certificate (AOC) to the director-general of DCA within 14 days from the date of notice of revocation," he said.

DCA is the issuer of AOC, an internationally recognised certificate, in Malaysia. The AOC certifies the technical and safety aspects of an airline's operation.

Azharuddin said the DCA and transport ministry were working closely with the Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) in this matter as safety and security of the aviation industry was of paramount importance.

In a separate statement, Mavcom said it had revoked Rayani Air's Air Service Licence (ASL).

"Rayani Air can no longer operate as a commercial airline with effect from today," it said.

Mavcom found that Rayani Air had breached the conditions of its ASL and lacked the financial and management capacity to continue operating as a commercial airline.

According to Mavcom website, the ASL is required to carry passengers, mail or cargo for hire or reward upon any scheduled journey between two or more places of which at least one place in Malaysia.

It also stated that the ASL would only be issued to the applicant who held a valid AOC issued by the DCA.

Source: Bernama | 13 June 2016

Mavcom revokes Rayani Air's licence

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) on Monday revoked Rayani Air’s Air Service Licence (ASL).

The commission said it found Rayani Air had breached the conditions of its licence and it also lacks the financial and management capacity to continue operating as a commercial airline. 

“As a consequence, Rayani Air can no longer operate as a commercial airline with effect from today,” it said.

On May 25, Mavcom had issued a show-cause letter to Rayani Air after it had completed its evaluation of Rayani Air’s commercial standing and capabilities to determine whether it could continue as an ASL holder.

Mavcom required the airline to submit its representation in writing within 14 days before the commission decides on whether Rayani Air should be allowed to continue to hold the ASL or whether it should be revoked, or suspended.

Rayani Air submitted its representation in writing to Mavcom on the last day of the stipulated time.

“After reviewing Rayani Air’s written representation, MAVCOM has decided to revoke the ASL as the representations made by Rayani Air are not satisfactory responses to the show cause letter dated May 25, 2016,” it said.

The commission also said Rayani Air was still liable to refund its customers. Customers who have purchased tickets with Rayani Air but were not able go on their journey may lodge a complaint with the company and seek a refund. In the event consumers are not able to obtain their refunds, consumers can file a civil suit for those refunds.

Alternatively, affected consumers may lodge a formal complaint with the Commission, who can hear and determine the complaint, with a view of protecting legitimate consumer interests. The Commission may apply for its decision to be registered as a judgement of the Malaysian High Court.

The Star reported that on April 11, Rayani Air's air operations certificate (AOC) was suspended for three months after the airline temporarily halted operations following a strike by pilots.

It was reported that Rayani Air's operations were suspended for allegedly breaching the Civil Aviation Regulations 1966.

As for Mavcom, it was set up an independent economic regulatory body set up under the Malaysian Aviation Commission Act 2015 (Act 771).

Its mission is to promote a commercially viable, consumer-oriented and resilient civil aviation industry that support’s Malaysia’s growth.

Mavcom executive chairman Gen. Tan Sri Abdullah Ahmad said this episode serves as a reminder that operating a scheduled commercial airline is an exceedingly challenging undertaking and requires a high degree of planning, financial depth, operational know-how and execution capability to stand any chance of succeeding.

“This is especially so considering the highly competitive environment in which today’s airlines operate under. Strong commercial foundations and depth are therefore necessary prerequisites to be a player in this industry. Mavcom shall strive to ensure only enterprises that are equipped and ready will be allowed to participate,” he said.

Mavcom started operations on March 1, 2016 and it is also responsible for airline licensing, airport charges, route allocation, dispute resolution and consumer protection, among others.

“Mavcom intends to safeguard the integrity and reputation of the Malaysian civil aviation industry, and will work closely with our partners to create impactful and sustainable work that will benefit air passengers and industry players,” concluded Abdullah. 

Source: The Star | Business | 13 June 2016

Reduce movement, fasten seat belt at all times to avoid injuries during air turbulence - Aviation expert

KUALA LUMPUR: Passengers on flights must reduce their movement when not seated and always fasten the seat belt even if the sign is switched off, in order to prevent injuries during severe air turbulence.

Former Royal Malaysian Air Force officer, Capt (Rtd) Abdul Rahmat Omar Tun Mohd Haniff said these are the two best security measures to deal with any air turbulence that often occurred during flights.

"Air turbulence is not dangerous as the airframe of an aircraft is designed to withstand high impact. The dangerous part is when there are flying objects or when passengers do not strap in while seated.

"Before this, three passengers were killed when their heads knocked against the aircraft ceiling due to turbulence. A number of worst case scenario will likely happen if we take air turbulence lightly.

"For parents travelling with infants, do not make it a habit of putting your baby to sleep on your lap. In one turbulence case, a baby slipped from the mother's fold and was flung off to other seat at a different row," he told Bernama here today.

He was commenting on an incident where several passengers and cabin crew on Malaysia Airlines flight MH01 en-route from London to Kuala Lumpur on Sunday, were injured during severe turbulence over the Bay of Bengal.

The Airbus 380 jet with 378 passengers and crew onboard, however, landed safely at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

On the following day, a similar incident occurred on Avianca flight AV965 when the Airbus 330-300 jet was caught in a severe turbulence over the Andes mountains, injuring at least 20 passengers and eight crew members during a meal service routine.

Last month, more than 30 people were injured when an Etihad Airways flight was hit by unanticipated severe turbulence when the jet was approaching into the airspace of Jakarta, Indonesia.

Commenting further on air turbulence, Abdul Rahmat said there were two types of such turbulence, namely anticipated and unanticipated air turbulence.

"Anticipated turbulence was formed as a result of convective weather patterns, seasons and terrain. It is due to rain clouds formation and strong winds blowing over mountain ranges.

"Rain clouds and Cirrus clouds which are thin due to the winds passage on mountain's surface. It can be detected by radar through the tracking of cloud formation and seen by the naked eye.

"The second (type) is air turbulence that gives adverse effects to several aircrafts. It is also known as Clear Air Turbulence (CAT). For this type, it is invisible, comes without warning and occurs any time during a flight," he said.

Asked whether there was a need for any airline company to change its flight route, Abdul Rahmat said it can be done to avoid severe vibration to an aircraft but unfortunately, CAT is hard to detect from the radar nor the naked eye.

Source: Bernama | 8 June 2016

Outgoing Malaysia Airlines CEO defends cuts, mulls final jet order

Malaysia Airlines Bhd Chief Executive Officer Christoph Mueller: “If I had one wish it would be for the implementation of the plan as outlined.”

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Airlines Bhd Chief Executive Officer Christoph Mueller, midway through a six-month notice period following his surprise resignation in April, said the company should resist unwinding a turnaround strategy that's cut 6,000 jobs and reduced capacity by almost a third.

The Asian carrier is ahead of schedule with its restructuring, having reached break even recently, putting it on course for a full-year profit in 2018 as targeted, if not earlier, Mueller, who leaves in September, said in an interview.

“If I had one wish it would be for the implementation of the plan as outlined,” the 54-year-old executive said in Dublin. “No change in strategy, no hesitation over whether it should really be that system.”

Mueller was hired in March 2015 after Malaysia Air's reputation and sales were hit by two fatal crashes the previous year, one involving a plane that disappeared over the Indian Ocean, the other a missile strike on a jet flying above a Ukrainian war zone. In the period since, he has directed it away from global markets and toward the Asia-Pacific, seeking to establish Kuala Lumpur as a hub for the region rather than a staging post for travel from Europe.

Last Orders

The “tough decisions” of job and route cuts, the retirement of the Boeing Co. 777-200 fleet and the renegotiation of aircraft lease rates have all been taken, leaving the overhaul of internal processes such as revenue accounting as the most pressing issue, Mueller said last week at the International Air Transport Associations annual gathering.

The executive, who previously helped revive Ireland's Aer Lingus Group Plc, said such changes can often be among the toughest to implement, as the level of disruption caused can lead companies to dilute their original plans.

One of the German's last acts as CEO is likely to be the announcement of an order for a new fleet of long-range narrow-body jets in the next couple of months to serve a new category of routes that Malaysia Air plans to target.

Mueller said the carrier is evaluating the Airbus Group SE A321 for the role serving secondary cities in China and other countries in the area, as well as Boeing's 737 Max 9. The former Boeing 757, discontinued in 2005, would have been the natural plane for the routes, he said, citing a Kuala Lumpur-Darwin, Australia, flight as the only one currently on offer that fits the profile.

Mueller, who previously told employees he was leaving the national carrier for reasons that were personal and beyond his control, said he had intended to serve the full three years of the contract when he signed.

“I wouldn’t have taken the job if it had been meant for only 1 1/2 years,” he said. “But that's a little bit out of my control. We have to deal with that fact, we cannot go back.” 

Source: Bloomberg | 7 June 2016

Malaysia Airlines mulls adding long-range narrowbody aircraft

File photo of men watching Malaysia Airlines aircraft at the KL International Airport in Sepang. - Reuters pic

DUBLIN: Malaysia Airlines is considering whether to add new long-range narrowbody aircraft to its fleet, outgoing CEO Christoph Mueller said on Wednesday, with details of the expansion plan due to be revealed later this summer.

“We are currently looking into whether we source some long-range narrowbody aircraft,” Mueller told Reuters in an interview on the sidelines of the annual International Air Transport Association meeting in Dublin.

Mueller was hired last year to lead a restructuring process at Malaysia Airlines as the carrier tries to recover from the loss of two jets in separate incidents in 2014, but he quit unexpectedly in April and will leave the job in September.

“The progress on the restructuring plan enables us to now think about growth scenarios as of 2018, and how that will be reflected in the strategic fleet plan will be disclosed over the summer,” he said.

The CEO declined to provide further details on which specific aircraft were being considered by the carrier. “We cannot say, that would affect my negotiations,” he said.

Long-range narrowbody aircraft currently on the market include the Airbus A321neo or the Boeing 737 MAX. Malaysia Airlines narrowbody fleet is currently made up of 56 Boeing 737s, according to fleet-tracking website airfleets.net. 

Source: Reuters | 1 June 2016

Malaysia Airlines keen to develop chartered business segment

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Airlines Bhd is keen to develop its chartered business segment and grow revenue contribution to the group by utilising its Airbus A380 aircraft.

Chief Commercial Officer Paul Andrew Simmons said the segment's current contribution to the group was significant albeit still in the single-digit percentage.

"The great thing about using an A380 for chartered business is that our cost per seat is very effective as it provides 500 seats that will be fully taken up," he told a press conference after signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Andalusia Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd and Rayhar Travels Sdn Bhd here Thursday.

Source: Bernama | Business | 2 June 2016