Malaysia Airlines reduces flight ops until December amid disruptionsRunway Girl

Malaysia Airlines is temporarily reducing its operations until December 2024 to address supply chain and technical issues, following a string of flight delays and cancellations as well as recent aircraft diversions and emergency landings.

“Affected passengers will receive an email notification regarding their flight cancellations, followed by an updated itinerary,” the airline says in a new travel advisory.

“Passengers may also make immediate changes to their bookings based on their preferred alternatives using the ‘My Booking’ function on our website or by reaching out to Live Chat support.”

Part of the Malaysia Aviation Group, Malaysia Airlines and its low-cost subsidiary Firefly have faced “weather, technical and manpower challenges, supply chain constraints, and the ongoing normalisation of global aviation operations post-pandemic,” MAG managing director Izham Ismail explained on 16 August amid flight disruptions.

He said MAG has also been affected by the delayed delivery of its Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft this year.

But those disruptions have been exacerbated by a variety of incidents. According to Malaysia’s Daily Express, a Malaysia Airlines flight bound for Medina was forced to return to Kuala Lumpur on 22 August, the third such incident for the carrier in a week. The news agency also reported on other emergency landings in early August and last month.

In a statement published on 24 August, Ismail acknowledged that MAG encountered additional disruptions during the week of 19 August involving Malaysia Airlines; Amal, its pilgrimage arm; and Firefly.

“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 assured.

“As this takes place, MAG will need to temporarily reduce its network between now to December 2024, to execute corrective measures where needed. This is to ensure the longterm 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.”

Malaysia Airlines’ widebody fleet comprises Airbus A350s, as well as aging A330-200s and A330-300s. It will soon take delivery of its first A330neo. The carrier’s narrowbody fleet comprises 737NGs and new MAX twinjets. Firefly operates ATR 72 turboprops and 737s.

“MAG deeply regrets the significant inconvenience the flight cancellations will be to our passengers,” Ismail said.

“Ensuring our aircraft are in optimal condition for safe and efficient operations whilst minimising potential disruptions are our utmost and urgent priority. We are committed to strengthening our operations and positioning the company for long-term success and growth.”

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Featured image credited to istock.com/Boarding1Now