Sad to see end of aircraft maintenance

THE closure of Malaysia Airlines Bhd’s four maintenance, repair and overhaul hangars (MRO) at Subang Airport is mind-boggling.

Once the pride of the then Malaysian Airlines System, the MRO facility was built from scratch when the airline started operations in October 1972.

The airline was a global MRO service provider which had an estimated 100 customers and still growing.

The facility was built to such a magnitude that not many airlines can boast of having such a division even today.

It had gained world recognition and seen continuous growth over the years. With the world’s aircraft fleet expanding rapidly, the division even projected to see further expansion.

It is not easy to train engineers and technicians with the respective aircraft type ratings. It takes time and high costs are involved.

MRO is a critical component for any airline and has always been a critical component in the flag carrier.

It was a cash cow contributing significant revenue to the airline’s bottom line.

With a team of highly-trained engineering professionals, MRO as a service provider has been with MAS for more than four decades and should have continued to be part of the national carrier.

The airline’s hope to bring back the facility in Subang in 2023 is seen as a good move but it will be tough trying to penetrate and convince the global market again.

It would also involve heavy investment in setting up the operations to acquire the tooling and equipment again.