KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Aviation Group's (MAG) recent decision to cut 20 per cent of its flight capacity was a difficult but necessary to ensure the safety of its flights and stabilise its operations.

MAG group managing director Datuk Captain Izham Ismail the organisation is aware that the decision will lead to frustration amongst its passengers but it is an important step to navigate the current operational issue that it is facing.

"Malaysia Airlines is a safe airline, that's why we make this decision (to cut capacity). We don't hide behind the curtain.

"Our aspiration to do this network cut for the next three months is to ensure that we come out very strong in 2025. Nothing else is stopping us. That is the focus," Izham said.

He was speaking at a press conference after unveiling the resumption of direct flights to Paris from Kuala Lumpur in March next year.   

Izham said MAG is working closely with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to ensure timely and reliable delivery of spare parts for its fleet.

This is a broader strategy to address the challenges caused by global delays in aircraft parts and new aircraft deliveries due to supply chain issues.

He added that in recent days MAG's airline unit, Malaysia Airlines Bhd's on-time performance (OTP) rose between 85 per cent and 90 per cent which is a sign of operational improvement.

"We remain committed to reaching full stabilisation and restoring our network by the end of the year... We remain fully committed to regaining our customers' confidence and delivering the exceptional experiences they deserve.

"We're very confident. We're steadfast. We do what we need today so that Jan, 2025 we put everything behind us. 2030 is our future. In the organisation, we have that picture already," Izham said.

The operational challenges such as flight delays, retime and reschedules are not exclusive to MAG's airline subsidiaries including Malaysia Airlines, FlyFirefly (Firefly) and Amal as these issues are also faced by other carriers globally.

Izham said MAG is facing issues that the airline industry is facing such as engine reliability, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) spare part capacity and supply chain that involves late deliveries of spare parts as well as new airplanes.

Typically, an engine that was sent to the workshop for overhaul takes about 65 to 70 days but today the time period goes up to 100 days. 

 MAG is waiting for the arrival of its first Airbus A330neo (new engine option) that is scheduled to join its fleet in October.

Izham said in total the group is expecting five new A330neos be delivered by first quarter of 2025 to serve international markets such as Japan, Australia and India.

https://www.nst.com.my/business/corporate/2024/09/1102151/tough-necessary-mag-chief-decision-cut-flights