MALAYSIA AIRLINES TO ADD CAPACITY
But it will depend on Covid-19 situation in the country, says COO
bt@nst.com.my
MALAYSIA Airlines is expected to increase its network capacity by up to 50 per cent, with 150 flights per day by December.
Chief operating officer Ahmad Luqman Mohd Azmi said the gradual increase of the national carrier’s capacity would depend on the Covid-19 situation in the country.
He said the projection of Malaysia Airlines’ flight capacity would be based on the pre-Covid
19 crisis data that showed a total of 300 flights per day.
“However, we are very cautious about adding capacity and fre
quency as things are very fluid at the moment,” he told the New Straits Times recently.
Luqman said Malaysia Airlines could operate close to 70 per cent of its network capacity by the middle of next year if most countries lifted their travel restrictions and borders.
It has a total fleet of 80 aircraft, 40 per cent of which have been grounded or in long-term parking.
Luqman said this ensured the aircraft would be ready to fly when the market recovered.
On the outlook, he said Malaysia Airlines was quite bullish on the domestic demand.
This would help the airline weather the crisis amid the ongoing travel restrictions for certain international destinations.
“We have been gradually increasing our flight capacity, with the load factor surging almost 500 per cent post-Movement Control Order. Hence, we are confident. We focus on customers’ needs and experience as that is our centre of gravity.”
Meanwhile, the airline’s cargo arm has been performing strongly. There is a tremendous increase in cargo demand with the utilisation of its air freighter and passenger aircraft.
According to the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) latest report, it was projected that global passenger traffic would not return to pre-Covid-19 levels until 2024.
However, the recovery in shorthaul travel is expected to happen faster than long-haul travel.
The IATA has urged governments to work together to find ways to re-establish global connectivity by reopening borders and continuing with relief measures to sustain airlines during the pandemic.
The association’s call reflected the industry’s frustrations as government policies, such as closed borders, travel restrictions and quarantines, continue to impede travel demand.