Malaysia Airlines battles to convey ‘business as normal’ message

Malaysia Airlines has moved to reassure the flying public that daily operations are very much business as usual as it finalises the restructure that owner Khazanah, Malaysia’s sovereign fund, commenced last year.

Airline operations are to be transitioned to a new company, Malaysia Airlines Berhad (MAB), on September 1st.

To effect this change and facilitate the transfer of selected assets and liabilities from the existing organisation, Malaysian Airline System Berhad (MAS), Khazanah appointed an administrator earlier this week.

This move has caused concern among travellers, with many fearing cancellations at Malaysian Airlines.

Christoph Mueller, chief executive of Malaysian Airline System Berhad and CEO-designate of the new national flag-carrier, Malaysia Airlines Berhad, assures customers that MAS operations continue as normal with the appointment of the administrator.

“I assure you our operations are very much business as usual.

“All MAS flights, schedules, and reservations continue to operate as normal.

“We remain committed to serving you with our world-class Malaysian Hospitality, and look forward to welcoming you on board Malaysia Airlines,” said Mueller.

“We are here for the long-haul.

“This appointment does not affect our daily operations or existing reservations.

“You can continue to make reservations in full confidence that our flights and schedules are operating as normal, that tickets sold will be honoured, and that our Enrich frequent flyer programme continues with Miles and status preserved,” said Mueller.

The appointment by Khazanah, Malaysia’s sovereign fund and the sole shareholder of MAS, is backed by the Malaysian Airline System Berhad (Administration) Act 2015 (MAS Act) enacted by the government of Malaysia.

Under the MAS Act, the administrator plays a critical role in facilitating the transfer of selected assets and liabilities to MAB, which will replace MAS as Malaysia’s new national carrier.