Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) is cutting flights between now and the end of the year to address ongoing supply chain issues, manpower shortages, and technical problems, according to an August 24 statement from managing director Izham Ismail. MAG owns and operates Malaysia Airlines (MH, Kuala Lumpur International), Firefly (FY, Penang), and pilgrimage carrier Amal by Malaysia Airlines. The cuts follow multiple disruptions that took place last week across all three airlines.
"We are taking immediate steps to address the root causes of these significant issues that contribute to operational difficulties," reads the statement. "MAG has also been affected by the delayed deliveries of new aircraft this year, leading to less aircraft being made available for operations than planned. We are working closely with our aircraft and engine manufacturers and a wide range of suppliers to comprehensively address supply chain and technical issues."
The disruptions included a Malaysian Airlines A330-300 en route from Melbourne Tullamarine to Kuala Lumpur making an emergency landing in Alice Springs because of engine issues and another Malaysia Airlines jet bound for Madinah having to return to KLIA, also because of engine troubles.
"MAG will need to temporarily reduce its network between now to December 2024, to execute corrective measures where needed." the statement added. "This is to ensure the long-term reliability of our fleet and robustness of our operation."
AeroRoutes has flagged the following changes across Malaysian's international network, taking effect from August 25:
- Kuala Lumpur – Bangkok Suvarnabhumi, cut from 42 to 37 weekly flights;
- Kuala Lumpur – Denpasar cut from 22 to 18 weekly flights;
- Kuala Lumpur – Ho Chi Minh City, cut from 20 to 19 weekly flights;
- Kuala Lumpur – Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta, cut from 42 to 40 weekly flights;
- Kuala Lumpur – Jeddah International, cut from nine to seven weekly flights;
- Kuala Lumpur – Medan Kuala Namu, cut from 15 to 12 weekly flights;
- Kuala Lumpur – Mumbai International, cut from 10 to nine weekly flights;
- Kuala Lumpur – Osaka Kansai, cut from seven to six weekly flights;
- Kuala Lumpur – Seoul Incheon, cut from 13 to eight weekly flights;
- Kuala Lumpur – Shanghai Pudong, cut from 10 to nine weekly flights
- Kuala Lumpur – Singapore Changi, cut from 68 to 66 weekly flights;
- Kuala Lumpur – Tokyo Narita, cut from 12 to 10 weekly; and
- Kuala Lumpur – Yangon, cut from six to four weekly flights.
Meanwhile, Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke told local news outlets that the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysian (CAAM) had recently audited MAG to determine the reasons for the spate of delays, cancellations, and operational issues and will present its initial findings to the country's Cabinet this week.
"We are taking very seriously concern about what's happening at MAG," he said on August 25. "I am in touch with Izham Ismail, and I've asked him to make all the necessary follow-ups to ensure that operations are smooth. I have no doubt about the professionalism of MAG for even one minute. I've always believed in their professionalism and that they will do everything to ensure the safety and security of passengers."
