The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) has reduced the duration of Malaysia Airlines' air operator certificate (AOC) from three years to one, according to transport minister Anthony Loke.
Speaking at a media conference in Kuala Lumpur on August 28, Loke said the shorter validity period would result in more frequent audits, which he said would lead to operational improvements at the state-owned carrier. Loke had tabled the results of a recent CAAM audit to the Federal Cabinet on the same day.
The change follows a series of delays, cancellations, and operational incidents at Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) carriers, which include Malaysia Airlines, Firefly (FY, Penang), and Amal by Malaysia Airlines (MH, Kuala Lumpur International). Among other things, the disruptions led to Malaysia Airlines cutting some of its international flying over the remainder of 2024 to improve operational reliability.
“All airlines must be audited before their AOC can be renewed,” Loke told media this week. “This is to ensure that Malaysia Airlines takes the necessary steps to improve its operations."
The transport minister said the recent audit found issues impacting MAG included a lack of spare parts, partly stemming from supply chain challenges, and a lack of skilled personnel to adequately maintain the aircraft. Loke said MAB Engineering Services (Mabes), which handles MAG aircraft maintenance, was particularly impacted by a shortage of skilled workers.
CAAM has asked Malaysian Airlines to implement a mitigation plan, which reportedly includes an "aggressive" recruitment campaign. The group will also cut the amount of third-party MRO work it does to better focus on its own planes.
"Reducing the renewal period also ensures Malaysia Airlines will have to implement the necessary measures as outlined in the mitigation plan by CAAM," said Loke. "The whole idea is to make sure we have comprehensive oversight and more frequent audits. "
ch-aviation has contacted Malaysia Airlines and CAAM for comment.
