The troubles at Malaysia Airlines have drawn heavy media attention in recent weeks, with concerns voiced about the national carrier's capacity to weather another turbulent period in its history.
Malaysia Airlines' intention to reduce flights and itineraries owing to technical challenges has heightened concerns. However, aviation experts said this was not a cause for concern because it would benefit the airline in the long term.
Despite the current challenges, industry insiders remain cautiously optimistic about Malaysia Airlines' future. The airline has a long-standing reputation for excellence in service and has demonstrated resilience in the face of adversity before. Many believe that this current setback is merely a temporary hurdle in the company's journey towards long-term stability and growth. The airline's management team has been praised for their proactive approach in addressing these issues head-on, rather than attempting to downplay or ignore them.
According to aviation analyst and consultant Brendan Sobie, Malaysia carriers is one of many carriers dealing with labor and supply chain issues, aircraft park shortages, and delivery delays.
They've been dealing with these challenges for a while, but the situation has gotten worse in recent months, he said in an interview with Astro Awani, adding that the airline has had to extend the operational lifespan of many of its older aircraft due to delivery delays and other issues.
He explained that this meant the airline was operating older airplanes during a period of high utilisation.
He stated that in order to compensate and maintain its timetable, Malaysia Airlines has had to drive its remaining planes even harder.
He noted that pushing older aircraft caused them to break more frequently, resulting in more aircraft on the ground or requiring unexpected maintenance.
The global aviation industry has been grappling with similar issues, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many airlines worldwide have had to adjust their operations and fleet management strategies to cope with the sudden surge in travel demand following the lifting of restrictions. This has put unprecedented pressure on maintenance schedules and supply chains, leading to situations similar to what Malaysia Airlines is currently experiencing. Industry experts emphasize that these challenges are not unique to the Malaysian carrier and reflect broader trends in the aviation sector.
According to aviation expert Germal Singh Khera, Malaysia Airlines may have sent its engines overseas for maintenance and failed to return them on time.
He stated that there appears to be a delay in bringing the engines back on time due to the availability of parts and support equipment, but that this appeared to be a global problem for the industry.
Germal, a former senior manager at Malaysia Airlines and the Malaysian Aviation Commission, said it was typical for airlines, even those with in-house maintenance, repair, and overhaul facilities, to send engines outside for significant overhaul and repair.
No sacrifice on safety.
He refuted the allegation that Malaysia Airlines may have taken corners to keep its fleet running and on schedule.
Malaysia Airlines will not compromise on safety; it simply has certain maintenance and mechanical concerns, he stated, adding that the airline has already taken action by reducing its planned services.
Germal stated that the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia and the International Air Transport Association conducted frequent audits of the airline and its repair operations, thereby preventing any attempt to evade rules.
After the troubles with MH370 and MH17, as well as the damage to its reputation, it would not want to proceed down that road. It takes a long time to rebuild your reputation, and we are messing with human lives, he stated.
The airline's commitment to safety has been a cornerstone of its operations, especially in light of past tragedies. Malaysia Airlines has invested heavily in advanced safety protocols and technologies, often going beyond regulatory requirements. This dedication to passenger safety has been recognized by international aviation bodies and has played a crucial role in rebuilding public trust. The current technical challenges, while inconvenient, are seen by many as a testament to the airline's unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards, even if it means temporary service reductions.
Sobie stated that the reduction to Malaysia Airlines' services were temporary measures that would help the airline in the long run.
It has made big capacity cuts and taken a step back, so scheduling is more realistic, and there should be less complications. That schedule should inspire confidence, he said.
"The majority of the operational challenges that it has been having can be remedied in the coming months as it returns aircraft to service."
"There is a queue of airplanes awaiting maintenance, issues with spare parts, or even manpower, due to a lack of qualified mechanics, and so on."
"Once that type of log jam is resolved, it will be possible to add more flights, maybe by the end of this year or early next year."
Hopefully, confidence will return, on-time performance will improve, and Malaysian passengers will be able to trust their airline more.
Looking ahead, industry analysts are closely watching Malaysia Airlines' recovery strategy. The airline's management has hinted at plans for fleet modernization and expansion of routes once the current challenges are overcome. These plans, if executed successfully, could position Malaysia Airlines as a stronger competitor in the regional and international aviation market. Additionally, the airline's efforts to enhance its digital capabilities and improve customer experience are expected to play a crucial role in attracting and retaining passengers in the increasingly competitive post-pandemic travel landscape.
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