MAS on road to recovery

> Airline now entering second phase of revival plan, says Najib

SEPANG: Malaysia Airlines Bhd (MAS) is well on its way to recovery as it is expected to be in the black by next year, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak.

“Speaking to (chief executive officer) Peter Bellew earlier, I am aware that our national airline has now entered the second phase of its five-year revival plan.

“God willing, Malaysia Airlines will ride high and soar to greater heights,” he said during the company’s Hari Raya open house at the Malaysia Airlines Engineering Complex yesterday.

Najib said MAS has set a target for its second phase to add 11 routes from China, in addition to focusing on airline services such as onboard cuisine and flight entertainment.

“While the first phase of the revival focused on stabilising financials, I believe MAS will be able obtain the five-star rating by Skytrax by 2018.”

Despite initially laying off 6,000 employees as part of its recovery exercise, Najib said 78% of them have since registered for new job opportunities.

“From these, 98% have successfully secured jobs and were offered other opportunities,” he said.

Najib advised the management to be committed in running the national carrier if they aim to be among the leading airlines in the world.

“We do not see MAS as an ordinary airline. It is about our nation, icon, pride and joy,” he said.

At the event, which was also attended by Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Ab Aziz Kaprawi, MAS chairman Tan Sri Md Nor Yusof and Bellew, Najib also launched the Negaraku livery on MAB’s B737-800 aircraft.

The livery is part of the Negaraku initiative, a nationwide movement to foster unity among Malaysians and inspire the spirit of patriotism.

The aircraft, the first of several to display the Jalur Gemilang, will be flown on international routes of seven-hour flight duration or less, such as Shanghai and Perth.

Additionally, MAS will also display the Negaraku livery on its ATR-72-500 and its new Airbus A350 plane by year-end, as well as in its subsidiaries MASwings and Firefly.