MAB denies plans to sell minority stake to other airlines
SEPANG: Malaysia Airlines Bhd (MAB) has quashed rumours that it has options to offer minority shareholding to foreign airlines as part of its listing plan in 2019.
Group chief executive officer Captain Izham Ismail said MAB was currently reevaluating its listing plan, adding that the question was best answered at a later date.
“There are no plans to offer a minority stake to foreign airlines. It’s just a rumour,” he said after officiating at the arrival of Malaysia Airlines’ (MAS) first Airbus A350-900, here, yesterday.
“I am new to the job and restrategising and reevaluating. Maybe in another month, I will be more comfortable sharing our strategies,” he added.
Captain Izham said MAS was excited to receive its first Airbus 350-900 XWB (extra wide body) aircraft.
With the A350, Izham said MAS was expected to gain close to 38 per cent efficiency and operating costs reduction.
The aircraft had departed from Airbus’ plant in Toulouse, France, at 1.30pm (local time) on November 29.
The arrival was wit- nessed by Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) chairman Tan Sri Md Nor Yusof and Captain Izham.
France Ambassador to Malaysia Frederic Laplanche and Deputy British High Commissioner to Malaysia Paul Rennie were also present.
The national airline currently operates an average 295 to 300 flights daily.
Captain Izham said the A350 XWB was the symbol of a new journey for MAG as it races towards the completion of the Malaysia Airlines Recovery Plan (MRP).
“With its technological advancements, the A350 XWB will help boost the competitiveness of our long-haul flights. It also underlines our commitment to operate a young and modern fleet.”
He said MAS had six A350900s on order and would receive the remaining units in stages by the second quarter of next year.
“The A350-900s will operate the Kuala Lumpur-London route beginning January 15.
“Prior to that, the airline will be flying a series of endorsement flights to Bangkok, Penang and Singapore beginning December 8,” he said.
Configured in a three-class layout with 286 seats, MAS’ A350900 is the first in Asean to feature a First Class cabin.
The aircraft has four seats in the First Class, 35 seats in Business Class and 247 seats in Economy Class.
Airbus Asia executive vicepresident Jean-Francois Laval said the delivery of the A350 marked another milestone in the relationship between Airbus and MAS.
“This relationship dates back to 1978, when the airline ordered its first A300-T4 series, the original passenger aircraft. We remain extremely proud to see our products in MAS colours flying all over the world.
“Although the airline faces challenges in recent times, we are committed to supporting the carrier as it charts a new course. We are convinced the airline will succeed,” he said. Ayisy Yusof