Thursday, August 29, 2024 Malaysia’s civil aviation regulator has shortened Malaysia Airlines’ air operator certificate from three years to one, following a probe into technical issues, Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced on Wednesday (Aug 28). Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), the airline’s parent company, plans to temporarily reduce flights and routes across its carriers until December due to recent service disruptions. An investigation by the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia in June revealed significant safety and maintenance issues at Malaysia Airlines, including a shortage of skilled workers and mechanical components.
In response, the airline has outlined a mitigation plan that includes a focused recruitment drive and a reduction in reliance on third-party maintenance services. Malaysia Airlines has struggled over the past decade, particularly after two tragic aviation disasters in 2014, which led to its restructuring under MAG. Despite these challenges, MAG reported a net profit of RM766 million (US$176.
4 million) for 2023, its first since 2015 and the airline’s first since 2010. Aeroroutes, a site tracking airline schedules, reported that 31 weekly flights were cut across 13 of MAG’s international routes in the week of Aug 25. MAG, which also operates Firefly and pilgrimage service Amal, is taking immediate steps to address operational difficulties, including issues related to supply chain, technical, and manpower constraints.
.