THE Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) has reduced Malaysia Airlines Bhd’s air operator certificate (AOC) validity from three years to one year. This decision follows recent operational difficulties that have led to frequent flight delays and a reduction in routes for the national carrier.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook announced that Malaysia Airlines is now required to submit a monthly report detailing its mitigation plan for operational issues.
“All airlines must undergo audits before their AOC can be renewed. A shorter AOC validity period will necessitate more frequent audits,” said Loke in a press conference.
This is to ensure that Malaysia Airlines take the necessary steps to improve its operations.
The recent disruptions affected Malaysia Airlines as well as its sister airlines Firefly and Amal services, as acknowledged by Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), the parent company of Malaysia Airlines. MAG managing director Datuk Izham Ismail confirmed that the group will temporarily reduce its network until the end of the year to implement corrective measures aimed at enhancing long-term reliability and operational robustness.
As part of the reduction, Malaysia Airlines is scaling back flights to 13 destinations: Bangkok Suvarnabhumi, Denpasar, Ho Chi Minh City, Jakarta, Jeddah, Medan Kualanamu, Mumbai, Osaka Kansai, Seoul Incheon, Shanghai Pudong, Singapore, Tokyo Narita, and Yangon.
Moreover, a surprise investigation conducted by CAAM from June 24 to 28 revealed significant issues within Malaysia Airlines and its maintenance subsidiary, MAB Engineering Services (Mabes).
Based on their findings, among the significant issues that contribute to technical incidents with Malaysia Airlines aircraft could be mechanical component issues and a lack in skilled manpower needed to carry out maintenance of the planes,
added the minister.
The investigation identified mechanical component problems and a shortage of skilled manpower as major contributors to technical incidents with the airline’s aircraft. The lack of skilled workers exacerbated by the recent departure of 63 former Mabes employees has affected the company’s ability to enhance its safety management system.
In response, Malaysia Airlines plans to hold a recruitment drive for skilled workers and reduce Mabes’ maintenance, repair, and overhaul services for third parties, allowing it to concentrate on maintaining its own fleet. – Aug 28, 2024
Main photo credit: Bernama
