Just surfing Malaysia Airlines website....

KL - KKinabalu 90x per week inc A330, mostly 737

These is not including Air Asia flights.
Quite Heavy traffics over there huh..

KL - Penang 87x
KL - Kuching 75x...and more suprisingly.....MAS flight to Bangkok is more than to Singapore!!!

KL - Bangkok 35x all A330
KL - Sin ONLY... 28 fligts per week.

Any comments?

:eek2:

90 times???!! The number is about similar to the total shuttle bus trips between Melaka-KL in a week (one way trip, one company)..every hour got one flight lah.

Well for Kl-SG, people more likely to choose bus over flight becauase of the cost and comfort..the expressway is so perfect and straight all the way to SG.just see what kind of Bus szehoong took when he went to Singapore...very nice first-class double deck bus with coffee-making machine!!

developing over there kwa. that's the only way peninsular can link to KK wor. same wif kuching...

more ppl go Bangkok for holiday,praying, and some vice activity compare to Sigapore a lil expensive.

As the shuttle flights between SIN and KL are jointly operated by MAS/SIA, the total schedule should be about 56 flights per week.

would be interesting to see Thai Airways frequency between KL and BKK too.

Yes, I use the Aeroline express dbl-deck bus on SG-KL line much more often than the plane bcoz it's not much slower (5 hrs nett between downtown SG and KLCC) and its quite comfy and simple.

Bus travel btw KL and BKK is, on the other hand, not so 'comfy' experience, I guess...

I guess there r over 50 daily buses each way on KL-SG route, usually full...

Hopefully also, there will be a much faster transport mode on that line soon :)

Originally posted by Nova Singapore

Hopefully also, there will be a much faster transport mode on that line soon :)

Are you trying to tell us something nova????:D:D

90, do they need all that?

if include Air Asia how many times from KL fly 2 KK, 140 per week..
Air ASIA is cheaper only RM19.90 from PG-KL:D

yep..it is very cheap. Cheaper than express bus!.... but u have to come early to get a flight...first come first serve. If it is full......:angel1: ..u have to wait for another flight!!!:D :D :D

how long is KUL-BKI flight aa?.. 1hr? ..planning to go to KK next month..

Flying from KL to KK on a 737 takes about 2 hrs 20 mins!

90 times!! :eek: izzit necassary?

Saturday October 11, 2003
Direct MAS flights from London to Langkawi and Penang

PETALING JAYA: The tourism industry in Penang and Langkawi is set to get a tremendous boost when Malaysia Airlines (MAS) begins direct flights from London to the two popular holiday islands later this month.

The twice-weekly B747 flights to Penang will depart from Heathrow Airport on Tuesday and Saturday from Oct 21. The flights will depart at 9pm GMT and arrive in Penang at 5.15pm (Malaysian time).

Flights to Langkawi will depart from London¡¯s Heathrow Airport every Wednesday and Sunday from Oct 19.

In a statement, MAS said the direct flights were aimed at attracting more British and European tourists to Penang and Langkawi.

¡°With its white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, duty-free shopping, laid-back and rustic environment and a wide range of luxurious hotel accommodation available, British tourists and holiday makers will find Langkawi an attractive and exciting holiday destination.

¡°Similarly, the long close historical ties between Penang and Britain from the time of its discovery by Captain Francis Light, its sandy beaches, wide range of tasty local cuisine, fine shop

ping and several places of interest will make Penang very attractive as well.

¡°The high pound sterling-ringgit exchange rate in favour of the British currency will make both island resorts even more attractive and enticing.

¡°MAS has received very encouraging bookings for both the inaugural flights to Penang and Langkawi from London thus far, with more bookings expected before the flight departure dates,¡± it said.

The airline is also planning special ceremonies to mark the two inaugural flights.

The flights will fly from the two islands to finish their journey at KLIA. At present, MAS operates 18 flights from London to Malaysia.

hope more tourists come. heard that penang is broke

hah~ penang goin broke?? how can that be?? no tourist meh?? wah soo bad ah...:( maybe people too scare to come... i think... :cry:

that way they can pick up some of the traffic fr Penang/Langkawi-KLIA as well.

Originally posted by SEED

hah~ penang goin broke?? how can that be?? no tourist meh?? wah soo bad ah...:( maybe people too scare to come... i think... :cry:

i dunno if Penang is really broke but i keep reading it in the newspapers. this year tourism not very good coz of sars in beginning of year

Penang where got broke lar....wah....now Pablo and TYW can fly directly to London - CUN man! :D

Originally posted by szehoong

Penang where got broke lar....wah....now Pablo and TYW can fly directly to London - CUN man! :D

but we're short of something....

$$$

Airbus confirms US$1.6b deal to sell 6 A380 planes to PMB
From ZAIDI ISHAM ISMAIL


TOULOUSE (France), Wed: Airbus S.A.S. said it will sign an agreement with Syarikat Penerbangan Malaysia Bhd (PMB) on the sale of six A380 superjumbo aircraft, worth more than US$1.6 billion (US$1 = RM3.80), before the end of the year.

The A380, valued at a catalogue price of US$270 million each and the world’s biggest commercial jetliner, is scheduled to enter service by the first quarter of 2006. It is Europe’s answer to the US-based Boeing Co’s B-747 Megatop.

Airbus A380 customer programme vice-president Christopher Stonehouse said Airbus and PMB are at the “99 per cent stage” in negotiating details of a contract.

He said that all technical questions had been answered and key people such as finance, engineering, costing, government personnel and related specialists had reviewed and agreed with the terms and conditions of the contract.

Stonehouse was briefing 20 journalists from 10 countries at Airbus’ headquarters here yesterday.

The visit was courtesy of Singapore Airlines, which is due to take delivery of the A345 Leadership — the world’s first non-stop long-range aircraft — in February next year.

In January this year, PMB signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Airbus for the purchase of the six double-decked, four-aisle, 555-seater A380.

Malaysia Airlines will be the tenth customer of the A380, with deliveries of the first three planes expected in 2007 and the rest a year later.

Singapore Airlines will be the first customer to operate the A380, with its first delivery scheduled by the first quarter of 2006.

PMB will then lease the aircraft to Malaysia Airlines. The national carrier is expected to use the planes to serve its long-haul European routes, including major hubs such as London and Amsterdam.

The agreement was initially due to be signed in the middle of this year. It was widely believed that financing was the main cause of the delay.

In July, Second Finance Minister Datuk Dr Jamaludin Jarjis said PMB might sell as much as US$750 million of bonds by the end of the year.

It is unlikely that the deal will be delayed any further than December 31 2004 and the signing will take place in Malaysia, said Stonehouse.

Established in 1970, Airbus has sold 4,800 aircraft from 11 models to 185 customers. It posted turnover of about 19.5 billion euros (1 euro = RM4.59) in 2002.

The European consortium of aircraft makers has 46,000 employees and a supplier network of 1,500 from 30 countries, including Malaysia’s Composites Technology Research Malaysia.

As at October 2003, Airbus had almost 60 per cent market share.

It consists of four member countries — the UK, France, Spain and Germany — and was set up to compete with Boeing.

Its major shareholder is EADS, or European Aeronautics, Defence and Space Co, with an 80 per cent stake. The UK- based BAE Systems owns the remaining 20 per cent.

yesss..it is great news for malaysia aviation industry.

As we notice, MAS always have difficulty to obain extra landing rights to certain countries specially to London:? Probably because KLIA is not regard as the regional hub for many big airlines...they prefer Bangkok or Singapore.

For example...all flights from every big cities in Australia to KLIA are seviced only by MAS and Lauda. No from Qantas at all!! So my point is MAS has no bargaining power, let say to negotiate for more flights to Australia. ( In my experiences, I have to book early, at least 2 months, to get MH flights to KL, as it always fully booked )

Qantas has made Singapore their hub, which every flights to Europe is transits in Singapore and by contrast, no wonder SIA has a 'power' to obtain more flights to Australia easily.

By purchasing A380, MAS may utilise it in heavy route and hard to get landing slots e.g London, Amsterdam and Sydney.

Malaysia Airlines...Beyond Expectations.:)

2 MH 747-400 at Heathrow, London.

Now MH flies 18 times weekly......hope that it will be 3rd MH 747 one day...or A380:)

http://www.you-are-a-huge-nerd.com/public/freepix/mas1.jpg

Malaysian Airlines Airbus 380

http://www.you-are-a-huge-nerd.com/public/freepix/a380_malay_m.jpg

Originally posted by mams
yesss..it is great news for malaysia aviation industry.

As we notice, MAS always have difficulty to obain extra landing rights to certain countries specially to London:? Probably because KLIA is not regard as the regional hub for many big airlines...they prefer Bangkok or Singapore.

For example...all flights from every big cities in Australia to KLIA are seviced only by MAS and Lauda. No from Qantas at all!! So my point is MAS has no bargaining power, let say to negotiate for more flights to Australia. ( In my experiences, I have to book early, at least 2 months, to get MH flights to KL, as it always fully booked )

Qantas has made Singapore their hub, which every flights to Europe is transits in Singapore and by contrast, no wonder SIA has a 'power' to obtain more flights to Australia easily.

By purchasing A380, MAS may utilise it in heavy route and hard to get landing slots e.g London, Amsterdam and Sydney.



hmm? I dun really understand your point....landing rights are not the purview of the business community...they are subject to intense negotiations between 2 seperate governments. They are highly guarded commodities by nation-states. SIA is able to offer a lot of routes due to the fact that Singapore operates a lot of free-sky pacts. This is one of the facts that is directly responsible for the success of Changi today.

Malaysia doesn't do the same.

Sorry I had mix up with Landing rights and landing slot. They are different.

Anybody knows about open sky agreements between M'sia and other countries? I think thre are many since Our govt want to make KLIA a reg hub.

(Taken from http://www.airlinequality.com/2003/airline_03_entry.htm)

The 2003 Skytrax Airline of the Year Survey is the world's "largest" passenger survey.

Airline of the Year 2003

1 Cathay Pacific Airways

2 Emirates

3 Singapore Airlines

4 Malaysia Airlines

5 Qantas Airways

Cathay Pacific, placed 2nd in 2002, moves ahead of Emirates into the top global position this year, with Singapore Airlines repeating their previous 3rd place in the Survey.

The margin of result was particularly close amongst these top 3 places, with Cathay Pacific capturing 2.39 per cent of the nominations, Emirates with 2.3 per cent and Singapore Airlines with 2.29 per cent.

Passenger voting also made for a fascinating final 6 weeks to this year's Survey, with each of these top 3 carriers occupying the Number 1 spot on several occasions.

The total number of eligible nominations received during the Survey period was 4,442,526 entries.

Over 120 airlines scored more than 5,000 nominations (after weighting), and full results are available in the Airline of the Year Survey Report.

hmm..good news..y we always lost Sg 1.......

Originally posted by Pablo

hmm..good news..y we always lost Sg 1.......

errr...coz sg is better??

Hey, ppl I have more rankings for u guys to debate about

BEST CABIN STAFF
1) Malaysia Airlines
2) Sri Lankan Airlines
3) Asiana Airlines
4) China Airlines
5) Qatar Airways
6) Thai Airways
7) Cathay Pacific Airways
8) Al Nippon Airways
9) Singapore Airlines
10) Emirates

-- looks like KLIA has worsen throughout the years!!
BEST AIRPORT
1) Hong Kong International Airport
2) Singapore Changi Airport
3) Dubai International Airport
4) Sydney Kingsford-Smith Airport
5) Copenhagen Airport

BEST LOUNGE
1) Emirates
2) Cathay Pacific Airways
3) Qantas Airways
4) Virgin Atlantic Airways
5) Malaysia Airlines
6) British Airways
7) Scandinavian Airlines
8) Japan Airlines
9) Asiana Airlines
10) South African Airways

Have fun!!!....by the way, i got this rankings from

(Best airport) -> http://www.airlinequality.com/2003/airport_03_entry.htm

(Best cabin staff) ->
http://www.airlinequality.com/main/vote_staff_1.htm

(Best Lounge) ->
http://www.airlinequality.com/main/lounge_2003.htm

no best airport?? :cry:

Wow... Looks like our cabin staff knocked virtually all the other "Top 5 Airlines of the Year" competitors out of the window... Congratulations MAS!

This is new also... Never knew MAS lounge is also top 5... Better than SG as well...

But what happen to KLIA? Y izzit dropping? I remember previously the IA was no. 2, now seems to be nowhere... PM Badawi should kick those Transport Ministry and Malaysia Airport ppl hard up their @$$!

Good job CLié-SJ33 :) Sydney Kingsford looks nice..but i think it is samller than KLIA:)

Forbes Magazine ranked MAS Golden Lounge as within their Top10 for Airline lounges....(www.forbes.com)
1.Cathay Pacific @ Kai Tak
2.Virgin Atlantic @ SF International
3.British Airways @ JFK International
4.Singapore Airlines @ Changi
5.Continental Airlines @ Ronald Reagan, Wash. DC
6.Swissair @ Zurich
7.Star Alliance Lounge @ Zurich
8.VIP Lounge @ Santiago International
9.Malaysia Airlines @ KLIA
10.SAS Lounge @ Copenhagen

IM personal opinion, all these surveys dun say much if I personally get bad impressions with these airlines...cuz those stick with me forever.

I shan't say anything abt the other airlines/airports I've been to... but I can say stuff abt MAS/KLIA.

1. MAS is inconsistent. Their air crew can be incredible one flight, and nonchalent the next....less so on the long haul routes, very noticable on the domestic and short haul routes...why?? Cuz their best get promoted to the long haul flights. Overall, good cabin service, but need to improve on consistency overall!

2.MAS aircraft need to move and catch up with the other top10 airlines in terms of interior decor, gadgets etc. For once, I'd like to see MAS creating news cuz they're on the cutting edge of something (design, new facilities etc rather than following the traditional leaders: SG, British, Virgin)

3.MAS stewards need a design change in their outfits. The green really hurts the eyes.

4. KLIA is boring. Sorry, but that's the truth. Need to SigNIficantly spice it up ala Changi/Vancouver/Chicago etc etc. as evident by at least the Skytrax survey, we're dropping in popularity. It's not enuf to have a cool building....you need all the rest that will keep the passengers happy, or you will lose out.

5. KLIA staff need serious attitude adjustments. Some of them are INcredibly rude or appear so. This is important as they are at the frontline of our country's attempt to increase our Tourism profile! I dunno whether they simply hire people....??!! Western tourists are used to being greeted with smiles from everyone and at least greeted politely whenever they walk into stores etc. Our store clerks (?culture?) sit at their desks appearing bored, do not smile at any times (checkout cashiers etc), prefer to chit chat amongst themselves, don't speak English????!!!!!! (in an International Airport???)

heavens. I'm surprised we didn't drop further earlier!

I love our airport design, but the 'software' is just not there!

Any other opinions on this??

Well, the domestic cabin service can be a little inconsistent occasionally.. I can only put it down to the rather short cruising time before the crew have to prepare for landing, so everybody's in a hurry. Not so for the long-hauls.

One thing that I just love about MH is the fact that by and large, their cabin crew are just down-to-earth :D No pretentiousness, no highfalutin wayang kulit to try to impress.. just spontanous warm smiles.. AND what's most important, EVERYONE (M'sian or non-Malaysian) gets treated just the same.. and oh, the ice cream after meals puts the icing on the cake! :D

Oh yeah man... I love MAS service!

My favorite airline for any trip is definitely MAS! Their inflight crew are amongst the friendliest yet, also the meals are like... SHIOK!

Now that all economy class passengers also have their own in-flight entertainment screen, need i say more? However, one request for MAS... Update the games lah :) !

i am still sad about the best airport.... KLIA didn't even in top 10 :mad:

What da ya think?Like it?

http://www.savepic.com/freepicturehosting/is.php?i=41351&img=00000430.jpg

Cool!Looks way much more lively!I like it!

yea....looks much more in trend but I still like the old livery. This one goes a bit too far with the 3 faded logos at the front of the aircraft...... ;)

With the old livery ....they just need to do much more cleaning cos it is white.......actually not bad for a livery that has been around since 1989! :D

I think it's dynamic and cool.. more in sync with the current "easy and flowy" style that we see on CX and BA liveries :D

Have it been officially launched yet?

Looks very nice... Makes the plane look more colorful, quite similar to that of Air Asia (red)...

At least the kite motive is still there!

Impressive!

Originally posted by CLié-SJ33

Looks very nice... Makes the plane look more colorful, quite similar to that of Air Asia (red)...

At least the kite motive is still there!

hehe...the kite has to be there! Its their logo! :D

Prefer the old one better :D
This one probably takes time to get use to it. Like the old and new AirAsia logo. Still not lauch yet kan this one.

But i think this is better that the old one. it is more beautiful and.....colourful. I love this better than the old one that just 3 strpis and a kite on the back. The old one seems a little boring..... :happy:

wow!! i think it is great, love it!

glenj>>>

I think it's dynamic and cool.. more in sync with the current "easy and flowy" style that we see on CX and BA liveries

agree~:D but the front logo color is a bit too lite and... yeh~ its cool but the front logo need some work~ and the logo on the tial... white... erm...:sly:

anyway~ waz ok~ the old and new looks good lah~:D :D

Still nothing mentioned in the MH website about this new livery.

MH seems to be cutting down on many domestic flight sectors.. they have stopped the direct flights between Penang and Singapore, and between Penang and JB. Competition with Air Asia perhaps?

eh, awesome lah! when are they rolling this out???

still prefer the old blue-red logo than that blank (grey?) wau..

MAS keen on more super jumbos


BY K.P. LEE

MALAYSIA Airlines (MAS) says it would be interested in adding more of the large-capacity Airbus A380s to service its busiest routes to Europe, Asia and Australia once the technical capabilities and economics of the six aircraft slated for delivery in 2007–2008 are proven.

But the national flag carrier has no plans to obtain the ultra-long range aircraft ordered by some of its major regional competitors for non-stop 15,000km hops across the Pacific.

MAS managing director Datuk Mohd Nor Yusof said the 555-seat A380-800 series, with a list price of some US$270mil each, would fit well into the airline's plans to “focus on the mass market”.

On the other hand, the smaller ultra-long range aircraft like the A340-500, which could fly non-stop between Kuala Lumpur and New York or Los Angeles, were not on its shopping list.

“They are not in our business plans?those transpacific routes have thin margins,” he said. By contrast, he said, the so-called “Kangaroo Route” between Europe and Australia should continue to be lucrative for the airline and, come 2007, for its new A380s.

Mohd Nor was speaking to StarBiz after the signing in Putrajaya yesterday of the purchase agreement between MAS's parent company, Penerbangan Malaysia Bhd (PMB), and Airbus for six A380s.

The long-awaited deal first announced in January is potentially worth US$1.6bil based on the aircraft’s list price, although the final figure is likely to be lower as aircraft manufacturers are known to offer hefty discounts to early customers, of which PMB is one.

Airbus vice-president (sales) Dr Kiran Rao declined to say how much of a discount would be given but said PMB had been “negotiating hard with us”.

So far, 11 customers have ordered a total of 129 of the double-deck “super jumbo”, which will be the world’s largest commercial aircraft, eclipsing the Boeing 747-400 by a third in capacity, when it enters service in 2006. Airbus has claimed that “the most advanced design features” of the A380 would provide an operational cost savings of between 15% and 20% and fly 15% farther than the largest offering of its US rival.

MAS, which will be leasing the A380s from PMB, will take delivery of the first two in early 2007 and a third later that year. The remaining three aircraft on order will be delivered in the second half 2008.

A decision on the engines that would power the aircraft will be made within one year. Rolls Royce plc and a General Electric-Pratt & Whitney joint venture known as The Engine Alliance are the contenders for this deal.

Second Finance Minister Datuk Dr Jamaludin Jarjis, who witnessed the agreement signing, said the choice of funding for the massive purchase would be decided in due time.

“There is ample time?no need to decide on funding right now. Let PMB look at all possible options,” he said, pointing to the fact that payment of the bulk of the purchase consideration would only be made on delivery when the interest rate regime could be very different.

He said PMB could choose to raise funds either domestically or in the overseas markets while the issuance of Islamic instruments was also a distinct possibility. “But we leave it to them (PMB) – they are professionals. I don’t think the government should impose,” he said, adding that as there was ample liquidity in the local market, that option should be considered first.

PMB managing director Datuk Gumuri Hussain said the company had paid “earnest money” equivalent to 8% of the list price, amounting to some US$22mil per aircraft or US$130mil in total.

A further 25%–30% of the purchase consideration, amounting up to US$486mil in total, would be payable on a progressive basis before delivery of the planes.

Mohd Nor explained it was crucial that the delivery positions were secured early as growing orders for the A380 meant that the Airbus factory would be operating at full capacity till at least 2009.

“This means we should have a two-year headstart over any other airline that orders now,” Mohd Nor said.

Acknowledging that the six A380s could be “fully occupied” plying the Australia-Malaysia-Europe sector, particularly to slot-constrained airports like London's Heathrow, he said there were definite possibilities of future orders.

Major competitors on the route like Singapore Airlines and Qantas Airways, with orders of 10 and 12 A380s respectively, have already booked delivery positions in 2006, ahead of the target delivery date for MAS's first three aircraft the next year.

“The introduction of the A380 will allow us to maintain our position as an airline in the premier league,” Mohd Nor added.

This is how the plane looks like:

http://www.nd.edu/~nwerner/Plane%20Drawings/Airbus%20A380.jpg

http://www.airbus.com/multimediaelements/2351.jpg

http://www.airbus.com/multimediaelements/1400.jpg

http://www.airbus.com/multimediaelements/2327.jpg

The model of MAS Airbus-380.


http://www.savepic.com/freepicturehosting/is.php?i=42751&img=capt.kl10112110604.malaysia_airbus_k.jpg

http://www.savepic.com/freepicturehosting/is.php?i=42752&img=capt.kl10212110604.malaysia_airbus_k.jpg

http://www.savepic.com/freepicturehosting/is.php?i=42753&img=7479a380_malay_m.jpg

Wow! Cool. I love that Airbus? It is bigger that the Boeing 747-400 and how many people can it seat?

Originally posted by KJ

Wow! Cool. I love that Airbus? It is bigger that the Boeing 747-400 and how many people can it seat?


PMB CONFIRMS AIRBUS A380 PURCHASE FOR MALAYSIA AIRLINES’ OPERATION


DECEMBER 11, 2003




Penerbangan Malaysia Berhad (PMB), parent company of Malaysia Airlines, signed a firm contract for six A380-800 passenger aircraft with Airbus, firming up an earlier commitment announced in January this year.


Deliveries to PMB are scheduled to begin in 2007. The A380s will be operated by Malaysia Airlines on key trunk routes to Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. With PMB’s order, Airbus now has 129 firm orders from 11 customers.


Built to the latest technological standards, the 555-seater A380 embodies the most advanced aircraft design features, providing 15 to 20 per cent lower operating costs than the largest aircraft flying today, and 10 to 15 per cent more range.


Dato’ Gumuri Hussain, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of PMB said: “We are excited to have now finalised this major transaction which, we believe, has long term benefits to PMB, Malaysia Airlines and the country as a whole. This will also represent a continuation of two decade long relationship between Malaysia and Airbus. We believe the A380 aircraft will become a key part of our fleet”.


Dato’ Md Nor Yusoff, Managing Director of Malaysia Airlines said: “We are looking forward to the introduction of A380-800 into our operations as it will allow us to maintain our position as an airline in premier league. This sophisticated equipment will provide much-needed extra capacity on existing routes and enable us to maximize our presence in key markets and intensify our long term network expansion plan.”


Noël Forgeard, Airbus President and Chief Executive Officer said: “We are indeed heartened that Malaysia Airlines has demonstrated its vote of confidence in Airbus A380 during these challenging times for the industry. I am confident that the aircraft will play a pivotal role in the future of Malaysia Airlines. This order once more demonstrates that the A380 is really the right aircraft at the right time to respond to market needs and future developments.”


Airbus’ presence in Malaysia dates back to 1978 when Malaysia Airlines placed its first order for the A300B4, becoming one of the early Airbus customers. The carrier currently operates twelve Airbus A330 aircraft. In October 2002, Airbus reinforced its ties with Malaysia through an agreement with Composites Technology Research Malaysia (CTRM) as a key supplier for A380 wing components, adding to earlier agreements covering composites work for the A300 and A320 family of aircraft. The first set of A380 wing components were handed over to Airbus in October 2003.


A leading aircraft manufacturer with the most modern and comprehensive product line on the market, Airbus is a global company with design and manufacturing facilities in France, Germany, the UK, and Spain as well as subsidiaries in the U.S., China and Japan. Headquartered in Toulouse, France, Airbus is an EADS joint Company with BAE Systems.

bigger than 747 must be very big!! i heard 747 is taller than 4 stories??

Originally posted by TYW

bigger than 747 must be very big!! i heard 747 is taller than 4 stories??

aiyah.....depends on how tall your '4-storeys' are also lah! If you count like that then of course it is not as tall as - let say Suria KLCC's 4 storeys...... ;) In some buildings.....some floors are higher and in some lower..... ;)

Originally posted by szehoong

aiyah.....depends on how tall your '4-storeys' are also lah! If you count like that then of course it is not as tall as - let say Suria KLCC's 4 storeys...... ;) In some buildings.....some floors are higher and in some lower..... ;)

i remember that person told me that when we were on a residential building;)

I think the wingspan of a 747 (66m) is longer than the diameter of Petronas.

A380 is very big.... that not all airports in the world can accomodate it. The airport should have special aerobridge for this mega aircraft!

Good news that KLIA ( planned for the future ) is always ready for it. Their aerobridge is design and built to accept all type of planes include A380:)

Changi Airport has to build terminal 3 to cater for this aircraft.

London and Los Angeles airport has to be renovated as these 2 airports will see the largest A380 movements. Most of the airlines
plan to use A380 to these 2 cities.

Originally posted by mams

Changi Airport has to build terminal 3 to cater for this aircraft.

No doubt Terminal 3 will be designed to handle this aircraft. However, the current terminal (built in 1990) is now undergoing renovation and refurbishment to be ready to handle this aircraft for customers like Qantas and SIA who will be bound to fly their A380s here.

i found it!!

B747 - 400P

length: 70.70m
wing span: 64.90m
height: 19.41m

Is that new MH livery for real? If so, then the A380 model shown at the signing ceremony should've been decked in the new livery... MH website still hasn't any news on it :?

Originally posted by liping_t

Forbes Magazine ranked MAS Golden Lounge as within their Top10 for Airline lounges....(www.forbes.com)
1.Cathay Pacific @ Kai Tak
2.Virgin Atlantic @ SF International
3.British Airways @ JFK International
4.Singapore Airlines @ Changi
5.Continental Airlines @ Ronald Reagan, Wash. DC
6.Swissair @ Zurich
7.Star Alliance Lounge @ Zurich
8.VIP Lounge @ Santiago International
9.Malaysia Airlines @ KLIA
10.SAS Lounge @ Copenhagen

IM personal opinion, all these surveys dun say much if I personally get bad impressions with these airlines...cuz those stick with me forever.

I shan't say anything abt the other airlines/airports I've been to... but I can say stuff abt MAS/KLIA.

1. MAS is inconsistent. Their air crew can be incredible one flight, and nonchalent the next....less so on the long haul routes, very noticable on the domestic and short haul routes...why?? Cuz their best get promoted to the long haul flights. Overall, good cabin service, but need to improve on consistency overall!

2.MAS aircraft need to move and catch up with the other top10 airlines in terms of interior decor, gadgets etc. For once, I'd like to see MAS creating news cuz they're on the cutting edge of something (design, new facilities etc rather than following the traditional leaders: SG, British, Virgin)

3.MAS stewards need a design change in their outfits. The green really hurts the eyes.

4. KLIA is boring. Sorry, but that's the truth. Need to SigNIficantly spice it up ala Changi/Vancouver/Chicago etc etc. as evident by at least the Skytrax survey, we're dropping in popularity. It's not enuf to have a cool building....you need all the rest that will keep the passengers happy, or you will lose out.

5. KLIA staff need serious attitude adjustments. Some of them are INcredibly rude or appear so. This is important as they are at the frontline of our country's attempt to increase our Tourism profile! I dunno whether they simply hire people....??!! Western tourists are used to being greeted with smiles from everyone and at least greeted politely whenever they walk into stores etc. Our store clerks (?culture?) sit at their desks appearing bored, do not smile at any times (checkout cashiers etc), prefer to chit chat amongst themselves, don't speak English????!!!!!! (in an International Airport???)

heavens. I'm surprised we didn't drop further earlier!

I love our airport design, but the 'software' is just not there!

Any other opinions on this??


I totally agree with you on all that you've pointed out! :okay:

No. 3 is something I would like to say for a LONG LONG TIME! :D

However for No.4 .......I would like to say that KLIA is improving but still not good enough. I've not been to Chicago's O'Hare but I;ve been to Changi and Vancouver and I must say that you're quite right that KLIA is kinda boring.

Seriously without my obsession for photography and aviation (I've been keeping myself busy by taking pictures of the aircrafts and the sirport), I would be a VERY bored person sitting there doing nothing...... ;)

Originally posted by glenj
No pretentiousness, no highfalutin wayang kulit to try to impress.. just spontanous warm smiles.. AND what's most important, EVERYONE (M'sian or non-Malaysian) gets treated just the same.. :D

well.......a lot of Malaysians that I know would have to disagree with ya including myself. I've witness prefential treatment myself - yeah to the 'mat sallehs' sitting next to me. That was 3 years ago........

Then just last month.....my sister got shout at by the MAS ground crew because we're late to board (we've had some issue with the immigration earlier) but when a mat salleh came LATER he was greeted with a smile! :bleep: ....all these happened in front of us!!! :rant:

I can't say bout others but these are my experiences.....

I've got good experiences too but bad experience seems to stand out! :D

BEST AIRPORT
1) Hong Kong International Airport
2) Singapore Changi Airport
3) Dubai International Airport
4) Sydney Kingsford-Smith Airport
5) Copenhagen Airport


How did Sydney airport gets there??? I used Sydney airport 3 times and twice I've got bad experience.

What bad experience? well......from trolleys to staffs to airport user-friendliness to airport layout.......:rant:

Originally posted by szehoong

How did Sydney airport gets there??? I used Sydney airport 3 times and twice I've got bad experience.

What bad experience? well......from trolleys to staffs to airport user-friendliness to airport layout.......:rant:

my father and aunt said that it is very good:?(well, i remembered they talked about the signboard)

Originally posted by TYW

my father and aunt said that it is very good:?(well, i remembered they talked about the signboard)

IF they have ANY credible signboards at all! :rant: At first I thought mine is an isolated case (maybe I cock-eyed lah) BUT 4 of my other friends whom are not on the same flight with me have the same problem as well. So in this case I think I am not the only case.

haha.....don't even get me started on the trolleys! :D

Originally posted by szehoong

IF they have ANY credible signboards at all! :rant: At first I thought mine is an isolated case (maybe I cock-eyed lah) BUT 4 of my other friends whom are not on the same flight with me have the same problem as well. So in this case I think I am not the only case.

haha.....don't even get me started on the trolleys! :D

dunno lah. want more details, ask my father:D

when was the last time u went to that airport?? i think they went 2 years ago

Originally posted by TYW

dunno lah. want more details, ask my father:D

when was the last time u went to that airport?? i think they went 2 years ago

I was there the first time in Feb 2001 and the last two times in Dec 2001.

All my friends were complaining bout that airport (we had to transit there for our flights to Auckland)........ ;)

Lemme tell ya the trolley story.....

How much to use a trolley there?

Ans: $3 Aussie Dlr (approx RM6) ....somemore must have coins.....no coins can't use. :rant:


How is the trolley condition?

Ans: rickety....rusty and making hell lotsa noise! :rant:


and if you are using trolley inside the terminal, the escalators do not support trolley so while I was transiting there, I had to go up and down 2 sets of escalators. To do that, I would have to park the trolley somewhere designated...carry all my hand-luggage which isn't light if you're carrying for a long time......go down a set of escalators.....walk a very long walk......up again another set of escalator....and desperately looking for another trolley. I remember the whole situation clearly as it was a very bad situation for me! :rant:

Originally posted by szehoong

I was there the first time in Feb 2001 and the last two times in Dec 2001.

All my friends were complaining bout that airport (we had to transit there for our flights to Auckland)........ ;)

Lemme tell ya the trolley story.....

How much to use a trolley there?

Ans: $3 Aussie Dlr (approx RM6) ....somemore must have coins.....no coins can't use. :rant:


How is the trolley condition?

Ans: rickety....rusty and making hell lotsa noise! :rant:


and if you are using trolley inside the terminal, the escalators do not support trolley so while I was transiting there, I had to go up and down 2 sets of escalators. To do that, I would have to park the trolley somewhere designated...carry all my hand-luggage which isn't light if you're carrying for a long time......go down a set of escalators.....walk a very long walk......up again another set of escalator....and desperately looking for another trolley. I remember the whole situation clearly as it was a very bad situation for me! :rant:

wah. that's so "great":D

i should see it one day

Originally posted by szehoong
well.......a lot of Malaysians that I know would have to disagree with ya including myself. I've witness prefential treatment myself - yeah to the 'mat sallehs' sitting next to me. That was 3 years ago........

Then just last month.....my sister got shout at by the MAS ground crew because we're late to board (we've had some issue with the immigration earlier) but when a mat salleh came LATER he was greeted with a smile! :bleep: ....all these happened in front of us!!! :rant:

I can't say bout others but these are my experiences.....

I've got good experiences too but bad experience seems to stand out! :D

That's bad! Your sis should have told off the ground crew and filed a complaint.. after all, it was not your sis's fault that she was held up.
At first reading, i thot it was the CABIN crew who shouted, but it actually was the GROUND crew. If it was the cabin crew, that would have been completely inexcusable! The ground crew are (with due respect) after all the less trained, less gracious and less glamorous cousins of their esteemed cabin counterparts. And if it was in a foreigh station, the ground crew would most probably be employees of the local handling agent.
Separately, I do feel malaysian passengers are in general less petty about poor service and are less likely to complain formally, preferring to let the matter rest instead. Then of course there is the subservient colonial mentality of the service attendants. Combine both and you know what you get. As long as this culture persists, we can expect the occasional discriminatory bad service to be dished out. ;)

Originally posted by glenj

That's bad! Your sis should have told off the ground crew and filed a complaint.. after all, it was not your sis's fault that she was held up.
At first reading, i thot it was the CABIN crew who shouted, but it actually was the GROUND crew. If it was the cabin crew, that would have been completely inexcusable! The ground crew are (with due respect) after all the less trained, less gracious and less glamorous cousins of their esteemed cabin counterparts. And if it was in a foreigh station, the ground crew would most probably be employees of the local handling agent.
Separately, I do feel malaysian passengers are in general less petty about poor service and are less likely to complain formally, preferring to let the matter rest instead. Then of course there is the subservient colonial mentality of the service attendants. Combine both and you know what you get. As long as this culture persists, we can expect the occasional discriminatory bad service to be dished out. ;)

Actually I am about to complain but my work and my stoopid schedule had been holding me up for doing these 'less important things' :D

I am actually planning to write a LOOONNNGGG letter to The Star about this matter. Actually at the same time I had problem with the immigration as well ( that's the reason why we missed our flight! :rant: ). Imagine my happiness when I returned from Bangkok to discover the day after, Badawi went to the immigration for a spot check! :happy:

In fact this MAS incident is just an on the surface thing.....my immigration 'case' overshadowed it! But the reason why I highlighted this MAS example here ic because this is a 'MAS thread'......hehe ;) .....oh and guess what? this is my second brush with the immigration for their unfriendliness....the last time was 3 years ago.....:ohno:


ANother terrible incident I had was in July at KL Tower Seri Angkasa Restaurant.......another bummer to our service industry! :rant:

To be fair I am in the service industry too and I've always been a good customer. I have NEVER complain if it is unreasonable (sometimes I complain when only it got extremely ridiculous......


I dunno why but all these things seems to happen to me even I've been very understanding.......:(

...

I went to Sydney airport mid 2002 for transit to Melbourne and the airport was.......sigh,kind of small and boring i guess.The staff were all long face somemore.Made my day worse by lookin at them:D

Teruk la...Kesian man Sze Hoong.Yala!These people racist la!Scold them back and argue mah!

Btw,i took British airways back to Malaysia last month n the service?welll....it is....YUCKS!Lousy!I'll nv take BA again!The crew all long face and not attentive!They served me coffee twice without and sugar,milk and teaspoon.ANd when i request from them,they'll give me a 'ck' sound:rant: I treated my toothpick paper as my teaspoon.:bleep:

Strait Times
http://business-times.asia1.com.sg/story/0,4567,105403,00.html

Malaysia Airlines to start Internet booking
Carrier trying to match services offered by AirAsia

(KUALA LUMPUR) Flag carrier Malaysia Airlines will launch an Internet booking service next month as part of a technology upgrade to boost sales and match similar services offered by no-frills rival AirAsia, a report said yesterday.

'We will start the service by next month,' senior sales and marketing general manager Ahmad Fuaad Dahlan was quoted as saying by The Star daily.

He did not give details but the newspaper said some of the airline's officials were already conducting briefings for its agency offices nationwide on the impending introduction of Internet booking.

A source told the daily that the service would begin with five domestic routes - Kuala Lumpur, Johor Baru, Penang, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu - and be expanded to other domestic and selected international destinations, such as Singapore, by April.

'A complete roll-out of the service will be a matter of time from then on,' the source said.

The move was timely in view of growing passenger loads and competition from AirAsia, which has a successful Internet booking service and has begun to expand regionally, the source added.

Mr Fuaad said passenger loads have increased in recent months, surging to 85 per cent in December before easing to about 77 per cent in January, which was still one of the highest for the airline in the aftermath of the Sars outbreak in the region last year. - AFP

The other side of M'sia Airlines... taken from http://www.malaysiaairlines.com.my/corporate/?menu=mr&mode=mas01&mode2=dt&id=153
---------------------------------------------


MALAYSIA AIRLINES Hosts New Year Joy Ride


15 Jan, 2004 - Malaysia Airlines hosted a joyride from Kota Kinabalu International Airport today for 80 children of various charity homes in Sabah.

The children, aged 10 to 14 years were taken on two separate flights using Fokker 50 (F50) aircraft piloted by Captain Lee Kok Fai, Malaysia Airlines' Fleet Manager (Sabah, Sarawak & Brunei).

The flights took off at 0930 hours and 1030 hours respectively and were given a VIP send-off by Encik Shauqi Ahmad, Malaysia Airlines' Area Manager (Sabah & Brunei) and senior personnel of the airline.

During the joyride, the children enjoyed the view of Kota Kinabalu city, Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, Yayasan Sabah Building, the world-class resorts along the Kota Kinabalu coastline and the majestic Mount Kinabalu, whilst experiencing in-flight hospitality by MAS cabin crew.

Encik Shauqi Ahmad said that the objective of the joyride was to portray Malaysia Airlines as a caring corporate organization and to also enable children from charity homes to sample Malaysia Airlines' award winning in-flight service, voted as world's best for 2001, 2002 and 2003 by Skytrax, United Kingdom.

Speaking on behalf of the various charity homes that participated in the event, Encik Osman Abdullah of Yayasan Kebajikan Suria added, "MAS, our national carrier has once again demonstrated its social obligation towards the needy by providing a meaningful experience to under-privileged children through this New Year joy ride. This program has been very educational for the children, and the excitement, education, entertainment and in-flight hospitality provided will motivate them towards their stable career paths in years to come".

The 80 children were from the following homes:

Darul Bakti Asrama / Pondok Pendidkan Anak Yatim / Anak Berkeperluan Kota Belud - 12 children
St. Theresa's Hostel, Kota Marudu - 15 children
Rumah Anak Yatim Al, Aman, Kg. Binkol, Beaufort - 15 children
Persatuan Tindakan Wanita Islam Sabah - 13 children
Rumah Kanak-Kanak Puteri Anne Likas - 10 children
Yayasan Kebajikan Suria Tuaran - 15 children
Total : 80 children

MASkargo's e-payment project to start in April


Malaysia Airlines Cargo Sdn Bhd (MASkargo) will launch an electronic payment system project, involving 10 appointed cargo agents in Penang, in April.

“The pilot project would elevate the air cargo industry in Malaysia into the business-to-business electronic bills presentment and payment (EBPP) age,” it said in a statement on Jan 20.

MASkargo senior general manager J J Ong said this project would close the e-commerce loop that covered the entire end-to-end business transactions between MASkargo and the cargo agents.

The e-payment transactions would cover the point of issuance of neutral air waybill stock, booking of cargo space, submission of air waybills, online status tracking and the receiving and payment of cargo bills all within a paperless environment.

“MASkargo continually strives to create value for our trading partners. The introduction of EBPP will provide significant benefits for the cargo agents through streamlined reconciliation and better management and control over their payments,” he added.

MASkargo information technology relationship manager David Chan said the first set of electronic invoices to be issued to cargo agents would be for April 1 to 15 and payment to be settled electronically by end-April 2004.

“The pilot project of the EBPP system in Penang is planned to run for a period of two months. Upon success of the pilot run, the system shall be rolled out to all MAS appointed cargo agents throughout Malaysia,” he added.

Chan said the system would be extended to include payment of warehouse charges on daily basis in the next phase eliminating the need for pre-signed blank cheques to be deposited with MASkargo.



:) :) :)

http://www.savepic.com/freepicturehosting/is.php?i=60599&img=AirlinersNetPhotoID479859.jpg

MAS stops chicken meals for certain flights
By Ng Kar Yean, 9.02pm

Malaysia Airlines has stopped the serving of chicken meals from countries affected by the bird flu and replaced them with seafood and vegetarian dishes for its in-flight menu.

"In addition, in anticipation of softening demand for the dish, the airline had also removed chicken meals from all its international flights out of Kuala Lumpur," it said in a statement on Jan 30.

However, chicken meals will continue to be served on domestic flights as Malaysia was not among countries affected by the bird flu, it said.

It said the supply of chicken for the company was sourced from Johor and Penang.

"Malaysia Airlines will continue to monitor the situation closely and adjust its in-flight menus accordingly," it said.

Originally posted by jomDU

KL - Kuching 75x...and more suprisingly.....MAS flight to Bangkok is more than to Singapore!!!

KL - Bangkok 35x all A330
KL - Sin ONLY... 28 fligts per week.

Any comments? My comment is that the number of fights allowed between Sg and KL is already fully utilised under the existing agreements between the two countries. This simply means that they cant be adding more flights even if there is more demand.

Get it now? ;)

Friday January 30, 2004
Online booking on MAS website

MALAYSIA Airlines (MAS) announced yesterday an upgrade to its website, www.malaysiaairlines.com, to incorporate an online booking facility.

This initial phase, encompassing flights for Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor Baru, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu, provides a new service for Malaysia Airlines customers to book and purchase their flights with payment through credit cards, via the Internet from the convenience of their homes or offices, the airline said in a statement.

On online purchases, passengers are offered the ability to select their seat preference, class of travel, and they will be able to receive confirmation onscreen or via their email, it said.

To provide further passenger convenience, Malaysia Airlines is taking the opportunity to implement ticketless travel with online purchases.

This facility will be gradually introduced for other domestic destinations from now until April 2004, it said.

In April 2004, Phase 2 will be launched and customers can expect additional options of graphical seat selection, meal selection, special assistance request, best price search and students/senior citizen fares, as well as an enhanced and more marketing oriented Malaysia Airlines website, it added. – Bernama

Saturday January 31, 2004
Flying start to MAS online booking

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia Airlines' online booking service has received positive feedback with its first passenger booked via the Internet facility leaving for Kuching last night.

A MAS spokesman said the facility was part of an upgrade of the airline’s website, which focused on passenger convenience.

“We are emphasising bookings from the four secondary hubs of the country – Kuching, Kota Kinabalu, Johor and Penang,” he said, adding that the upgrade was to help government efforts to boost the four hubs.

MAS website

MAS Q3 net profit at RM230m




BY B K SIDHU & ELAINE ANG



MALAYSIA Airlines (MAS) managed to swing back into profitability with a net profit of RM230mil for the third quarter ended Dec 31, 2003, on higher passenger and cargo load.

It reported sales of RM2.5bil, a 11.7% improvement over the RM2.2bil a year ago. Earnings per share, at 18.3 sen, was much lower than the 42.91 sen recorded in the corresponding period a year ago, as net profit fell 30.4% from the RM330mil before.

MAS managing director (MD) Datuk Md Nor Yusof, presenting the results, said: “It had been a very busy, productive third quarter, with favourable implications. Our strong performance has more than offset the financial setback presented by severe acute respiratory syndrome in the first quarter. Our liquidity position is strong.

“Now, in the second month of the final quarter, the airline has reason to look with optimism to a fine finish for the financial year ending March 31, 2004,” he told journalist and analysts at the MAS Academy in Kelana Jaya yesterday.


This was probably one of the last few briefings he would give the media as MD of MAS. He leaves MAS at the end of March to take up the job of Securities Commission chairman on April 1.

For the nine months ended Dec 31, 2003, MAS reported a net profit of RM167mil, 33.5% lower than the RM250mil in the corresponding period of 2002. Revenue dipped by 7.6% to RM6.3bil, from RM6.8bil before.





http://thestar.com.my/archives/2004/2/18/business/p3price.jpg





An analyst said the figures ''had exceeded my expectations of RM120mil, and now I am a firm believer in MAS.''

Another analyst said the figures were within expectations and, for the full year, he expected MAS to post between RM310mil and RM320mil in net profit.

For FY2005, analysts said, they would not be surprised if it was in the RM500mil to RM600mil bracket.

Md Nor said, in terms of weekly flights, MAS did 2,700 in the third quarter, compared with 2,500 in the second quarter. He added that passenger volume for January had also gone up.

MAS carried 4.1 million passengers – 1.97 million on international routes, for a seat factor of 69.9%, and 2.1 million on domestic routes, for a seat factor of 73%. Total cargo tonnage flown reached 115,000 tonnes.

The company has cash reserves of RM1.9bil, which is seen as sufficient in case of adversity.

Fuel cost remained highest on its expenditure list and increased to RM531mil from RM470mil a year ago. Handling and landing fees rose, but so did maintenance and overhaul costs. MAS managed a gain of about RM20mil as a result of currency fluctuations.




http://thestar.com.my/archives/2004/2/18/business/p3earnings.jpg





MAS senior general manager (network and revenue management) Paul A. Mooney said forward bookings for the airline would be better in the first six months of 2004 compared with 2003, and the airline had experienced strong sales in January.

On the bird flu outbreak in the region, Mooney said it was a minor jitter; MAS Travel Fair 2004 had helped to stimulate and regain consumer confidence in travel.

MAS senior general manager (sale, distribution and marketing) Datuk Ahmad Fuaad Dahlan said the travel fair would help contribute to the group's fourth quarter results. He expects it to be a yearly event, and MAS would likely not be a dominant player at the forthcoming MATTA fair since it now organised its own MAS Travel Fair, which he termed as ''very successful.''

Asked on the business strategy for FY2005 – the MAS board and management met up in Langkawi last weekend – Md Nor said: ''We have re-validated the current plans.''

MAS' focus going forward would remain on regional markets that offer high yields, such as India, China and Asean.

MAS looks at non-stop long-haul service




BY K.P. LEE



IN a change of heart, Malaysia Airlines (MAS) is now studying whether or not to operate ultra-long-haul aircraft to battle fierce competition from rivals like Emirates Airlines and Singapore Airlines (SIA) which are pioneering new, non-stop long-haul services.

Despite expecting decent growth including a “double-digit” rise in passenger numbers in the next quarter to June, MAS - which does not currently operate the new medium-capacity jets like the Airbus A340-500 that are capable of flying 15,000 km without refuelling - has been left unable to respond to the competition from these airlines, which are cutting travel times by removing en-route stopovers.

MAS managing director Datuk Md Nor Md Yusof said yesterday a “strategic call and fundamental decision” would be made by the airline’s top management on whether that was the flight path it should take. To maintain its market position in the region, MAS was now studying if the non-stop long-haul sector was a critical “event” in which to compete, he said.

So far this year, Emirates has already launched the first non-stop service between Dubai and Sydney while SIA has started the world’s longest non-stop service between Singapore and Los Angeles, both using the A340-500. Later this year, SIA will begin plying an even longer route by flying between Singapore and New York via the North Pole.

Such non-stop flights are much favoured by business travellers who are willing to pay top dollars for the service and thereby provide airlines with their much-needed high yield traffic.

Md Nor said the dynamics of the new competition had made MAS re-look at the long-haul market that could see new non-stop services across the Pacific from Kuala Lumpur.

However, he acknowledged that passenger reaction to spending over 18 hours aloft must also be studied carefully. “The jury is still out on what the tolerance level is for passengers,” he said.

The national carrier's short- to medium-term outlook, nevertheless, appears to be bright. MAS senior manager (network and revenue management) Paul A. Mooney said the airline was expecting double digit-growth in passenger numbers with the start of the northern summer schedule in April.

“Things are already looking up ? we had very good bookings in the month of January,” he said.

In the most recent figures published by the International Air Transport Association, demand for air transport both globally and within the Asia-Pacific was found to exceed supply.

In anticipation of traffic growth, MAS has so far this year leased two Airbus A330 aircraft for use on Asian routes, with a third to be added in March and a fourth in April.

According to Mooney, passenger seat factor was close to 75% in January compared with 69.9% in the airline's fiscal third quarter ended December 2003.

Recent traffic figures were also encouraging. The overall load factor in the third quarter was 70.5%, up from 68% in the corresponding period the year before.

The number of passengers flown on international routes in the third quarter was 1.974 million, up from 1.863 million in the second quarter. However, the number flown on domestic flights fell slightly to 2.136 million from 2.155 million in the face of increasing competition from low-cost carrier AirAsia.

Capacity in terms of available seat kilometres (ASK) for international flights grew to 12,834 million for the third quarter from 12,156 million in the preceding quarter, while domestic capacity rose to 1,635 million from 1,531 million.

I have some interesting pictures here on MAS catering services......enjoy! :)

Loaded food carts are stored for six hours in one of the many cold rooms at Malaysia Airlines Catering ’s loading bay before they are transported to a waiting aircraft.




http://202.186.86.35/photos/sendbinary.asp?path=thumbnails/257/p3carts.jpg&type=actual

Pastry cook Rosli Kassim rolling in a cart of muffins into an oven.The bakery produces 5,000 rolls every hour,and up to 23,000 rolls a day.




http://202.186.86.35/photos/sendbinary.asp?path=thumbnails/257/p3rosli.jpg&type=actual

Malaysia Airlines Catering in-flight kitchen serves more than 20 other airlines besides MAS.A computerised in-flight management system stores over 5,000 recipes belonging to MAS and 24 foreign airlines.




http://202.186.86.35/photos/sendbinary.asp?path=thumbnails/257/p2meal.jpg&type=actual

Cook Mohd Ali Hashim at work in the casserole assembly room where the cooked dishes are arranged with clockwork speed and precision.




http://202.186.86.35/photos/sendbinary.asp?path=thumbnails/257/p2ali.jpg&type=actual

Workers preparing sticks of chicken and lamb bound for satay grills.



http://202.186.86.35/photos/sendbinary.asp?path=thumbnails/257/p2satay.jpg&type=actual

Each worker is delegated a specific task (be it marinating poultry or making egg omelettes,etc) to prevent confusion and ease the work process.Here,workers are attending to their assigned duties in the casserole assembly room.




http://202.186.86.35/photos/sendbinary.asp?path=thumbnails/257/p2workers.jpg&type=actual

Catering worker Lamin Borang slicing tomatoes in the preparation room.About 200kg of tomatoes go through the kitchen every day.



http://202.186.86.35/photos/sendbinary.asp?path=thumbnails/257/p2lamin.jpg&type=actual

Malaysia Airlines Catering ’s 59,025sqm kitchen in Sepang,Selangor,whips up thousands of meals a day for airline passengers.Here,a worker is pushing a food cart into a waiting aircraft.




http://202.186.86.35/photos/sendbinary.asp?path=thumbnails/257/p2coolroom.jpg&type=actual

Originally posted by szehoong

MAS looks at non-stop long-haul service




BY K.P. LEE



IN a change of heart, Malaysia Airlines (MAS) is now studying whether or not to operate ultra-long-haul aircraft to battle fierce competition from rivals like Emirates Airlines and Singapore Airlines (SIA) which are pioneering new, non-stop long-haul services.

Despite expecting decent growth including a “double-digit” rise in passenger numbers in the next quarter to June, MAS - which does not currently operate the new medium-capacity jets like the Airbus A340-500 that are capable of flying 15,000 km without refuelling - has been left unable to respond to the competition from these airlines, which are cutting travel times by removing en-route stopovers.

MAS managing director Datuk Md Nor Md Yusof said yesterday a “strategic call and fundamental decision” would be made by the airline’s top management on whether that was the flight path it should take. To maintain its market position in the region, MAS was now studying if the non-stop long-haul sector was a critical “event” in which to compete, he said.

So far this year, Emirates has already launched the first non-stop service between Dubai and Sydney while SIA has started the world’s longest non-stop service between Singapore and Los Angeles, both using the A340-500. Later this year, SIA will begin plying an even longer route by flying between Singapore and New York via the North Pole.

Such non-stop flights are much favoured by business travellers who are willing to pay top dollars for the service and thereby provide airlines with their much-needed high yield traffic.

Md Nor said the dynamics of the new competition had made MAS re-look at the long-haul market that could see new non-stop services across the Pacific from Kuala Lumpur.

However, he acknowledged that passenger reaction to spending over 18 hours aloft must also be studied carefully. “The jury is still out on what the tolerance level is for passengers,” he said.

The national carrier's short- to medium-term outlook, nevertheless, appears to be bright. MAS senior manager (network and revenue management) Paul A. Mooney said the airline was expecting double digit-growth in passenger numbers with the start of the northern summer schedule in April.

“Things are already looking up ? we had very good bookings in the month of January,” he said.

In the most recent figures published by the International Air Transport Association, demand for air transport both globally and within the Asia-Pacific was found to exceed supply.

In anticipation of traffic growth, MAS has so far this year leased two Airbus A330 aircraft for use on Asian routes, with a third to be added in March and a fourth in April.

According to Mooney, passenger seat factor was close to 75% in January compared with 69.9% in the airline's fiscal third quarter ended December 2003.

Recent traffic figures were also encouraging. The overall load factor in the third quarter was 70.5%, up from 68% in the corresponding period the year before.

The number of passengers flown on international routes in the third quarter was 1.974 million, up from 1.863 million in the second quarter. However, the number flown on domestic flights fell slightly to 2.136 million from 2.155 million in the face of increasing competition from low-cost carrier AirAsia.

Capacity in terms of available seat kilometres (ASK) for international flights grew to 12,834 million for the third quarter from 12,156 million in the preceding quarter, while domestic capacity rose to 1,635 million from 1,531 million.

my feeling is MAS is going to seriously lose out if it doesn't jump on this bandwagon! For example, when I fly LA-KL, I typically try to travel by MAS (my bias)....but, as with all other airlines, the total length of the journey can take up to 25hrs (cuz of the transit times which vary from 2-8hrs ie.Narita/Seoul/HK/Taipei)...it sucks!

Now, SIA flies LA-SIN taking a max of 18hrs. Their 1st flight was 15hrs long.....by flying to Sin, I wait for 1 hr, then take a 30min flight to KL....I save tons of valuable time!! (and reduce the risk of getting life-threatening bld clots!)

Originally posted by liping_t

Now, SIA flies LA-SIN taking a max of 18hrs. Their 1st flight was 15hrs long.....by flying to Sin, I wait for 1 hr, then take a 30min flight to KL....I save tons of valuable time!! (and reduce the risk of getting life-threatening bld clots!) I tot the blood clot occurs when u dont move for too long? An 18 hour flight increases the chances then one with stop-overs! :D

you're rite of course...forgot abt that....

Originally posted by huaiwei

I tot the blood clot occurs when u dont move for too long? An 18 hour flight increases the chances then one with stop-overs! :D

yea...somemore now we're not allowed to congregate or walk around too often on US bound flights! :bash: :guns1: :D :D :D

MASkargo to pursue IT investment




MASKARGO will continue to invest in IT, develop packages for its customers and reduce cost in its effort to sustain revenue.

Malaysia Airlines senior general manager (cargo) JJ Ong said the company would carry on employing technology to enhance, minimise and centralise its processes in order to remain profitable in years to come.

“Instead on focusing on trying to push up yields so much, it is more important to create economies of scale, reduce cost and introduce creative products to give our customers alternatives.

“This is what is needed to survive in this 'painful' environment,” he said in his presentation on The long way back to sustainable yields.

For the first nine months ending Dec 31, MASkargo recorded a profit of RM84mil, a 61% increase from the previous corresponding period.

Turnover was RM1.5bil for the nine months ending Dec 31, up from RM1.3bil, according to MAS senior general manager (cargo) JJ Ong.

He said the increase was due to MASkargo's Chinese operations and also to the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) which resulted in extra lifting for the carrier.

Ong said MASkargo would also start operating an additional Boeing 747-200 freighter aircraft from April while another one would be leased and used as a back up.

He said this would bring the company's total freighter fleet to eight.

“The extra airplanes will give us the flexibilty and reliability to add capacity and opportunities without upsetting our current schedule.

“It will also ensure that connection is available all the time,” he said. The aircrafts would be leased from Air Atlanta.

Ong said MASkargo would expand its frequency to Europe from the current eight services a week to 14.

He said the carrier was also adding new destinations, namely Basel in Switzerland and Manchester in England in its route.

“We are also looking at other destinations in Europe and are talking to the authorities there before finalising.

“We may start flying there by late next month. We are also starting a freighter service to Bangkok and increasing our frequencies to Australia and Indonesia.”

Ong said the company was still deliberating on its fleet expansion, and that details would be made known in about two months time.

“We are considering all options, whether to expand our current B747-200 freighters or getting B747-400 aircrafts by converting some of the existing aircraft.

“At the rate we are going, we should have at least 10 aircraft in our total fleet within the next five years.”

HGS Re-Engineers MASkargo Revenue Accounting System


KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 24 (Bernama) -- HPS Global Systems (M) Sdn Bhd (HGS) will re-engineer the existing cargo freight revenue accounting system of Malaysia Airlines Cargo Sdn Bhd (MASkargo) with a new technology platform.

The move will ensure easy migration to new technologies, implementation of new functionality and integration with other internal and external systems and applications.

It will also provide great benefits to MASkargo as it will now be able to re-use the existing business functionality and retain the mainframe based system which is stable and reliable.

Its accounting system is now an automated paperless web based with e-billing features, said HGS Business Development manager, Rajat Sharma in a statement here Tuesday.

He added that this would in turn improve customer service and enhance turnaround performance and work productivity with minimal people change management.

Sharma said that the company was committed to providing the world class IT services in Malaysia as it did in other parts of the world.

"We see a strong demand of Application Re-engineering and Testing services here in Malaysia," added Sharma.

HGS is a fully owned subsidiary of Perot Systems, an MSC status company.

-- BERNAMA

National carrier inks pact on plane conversion




MALAYSIA Airlines (MAS) and Pemco Aviation Group Inc have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) at Asian Aerospace 2004 for an aircraft cargo conversion joint venture operation to be initiated in Subang, the national air carrier said.

“The MoU provides for an alliance between MAS and Pemco’s subsidiary, Pemco World Air Services, allowing them to effectively pursue the conversion of passenger aircraft to freighters in South-East Asia by offering in-region conversion services at MAS facilities at Subang,” it said in a statement.

MAS and Pemco World will establish a training and exchange programme for employees at their respective facilities in Malaysia and the US, where Pemco World will provide key technical supervision and training during the establishment of aircraft conversion capabilities at MAS.

“MAS in turn will provide its engineering manpower and its Hangar 1 in Subang for this project,” the national air carrier added.

MAS is one of Asia’s largest commercial air carriers, flying more than 40,000 passengers to over 100 destinations across six continents daily.

Pemco World, meanwhile, has a fully developed 737-300 aircraft conversion programme, accredited a Supplemental Type Certificate by the United States Federal Aviation Administration.

To date, it has performed nearly 300 conversions on 19 different types of aircraft. – Bernama

Wednesday February 25, 2004


MAS may replace its Boeing 737s



MALAYSIA Airline System Bhd (MAS) may replace its 35 Boeing 737 aircraft with newer models or planes from rival manufacturer Airbus SAS as it upgrades its fleet to cut operating costs.

The national airline would decide within three months whether to replace the 737s, in service for between nine and 12 years, with Boeing’s 737-800 and 737-900 planes or Airbus’s A320s, said chief financial officer Low Chee Teng.

Replacing them all may cost US$2.1bil, based on Boeing’s average catalogue prices.

“The timing depends on how much the change is going to contribute to more reduction in terms of operating costs,” Low said in an interview in Kuala Lumpur.

MAS is flying more routes to meet rising demand from business and leisure travellers and needs new planes that use less fuel to compete with rivals such as Singapore Airlines Ltd.

Bookings in Asia may rise by a fifth this year, according to Abacus International Pte, the region’s largest air-ticket agent. “They are expanding at the right point in the economic cycle. If you aim to be among the leading airlines, you have to renew your fleet. Singapore Airlines has been doing it for years.” Teoh Kok Lin, managing director of Kuala Lumpur-based Singular Asset Management, said.

In December, Malaysia agreed to buy six A380 planes for US$1.6bil, which will be added to MAS' fleet in 2007 and 2008.

From March 28, MAS will lease an additional four A330-200 aircraft to increase capacity on its Asian network. The focus would be on China, India, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia and Vietnam, the airline said in its fiscal 3rd-quarter profit report on Feb 17. It will also be acquiring two more Boeing 777-200 planes, increasing its fleet to 111 aircraft by the end of 2004.

“China and the Middle East are the emerging destinations for Malaysian business people,” Singapore-based Lester Poon, who helps manage US$300mil in assets, including MAS shares as part of the CDC Emerging Asia fund, said in a phone interview.

Fleet expansion is part of MAS' wider plan to enhance profitability by reducing costs by as much as 10% over the next five years.

“There hasn’t been a conclusion, but we’re engaged with them in the process,” said Boeing’s vice-president for sales Larry Dickenson at the Asian Aerospace 2004 exhibition in Singapore.

The carrier won’t have to pay for any of the new purchases under a restructuring plan that left the government owning the aircraft and assuming its debt. It will lease the aircraft from state-owned Penerbangan Malaysia Bhd, its parent company.

“We don’t have to raise money,” Low said. “When it’s an operating lease you don’t have to make a lump sum payment, you pay the rental every month. Through the sale of tickets you get the revenue to service your operating cost.” – Bloomberg

At last ....MAS are going to replace their old 737. Hopefully they will choose 737- 800:)

Is these MAS HQ project?
or the other things??
http://www.dubus-richez.com/fr/pages/proj_MAS.htm#photo%202

http://www.dubus-richez.com/images/malaysia_pieton.jpg http://www.dubus-richez.com/images/malaysia_hall.jpg http://www.dubus-richez.com/images/malaysia_helico.jpg

Originally posted by nazrey

Is these MAS HQ project?
or the other things??
http://www.dubus-richez.com/fr/pages/proj_MAS.htm#photo%202

http://www.dubus-richez.com/images/malaysia_pieton.jpg http://www.dubus-richez.com/images/malaysia_hall.jpg http://www.dubus-richez.com/images/malaysia_helico.jpg


WOW!!! :eek: ....great find Nazrey! :okay:

Yeah....This is the MAS HQ Annexe building. Apparently its been cancelled I think :(

US$2bil MAS deal beckons Airbus


An analysis by Hasni Mohd Nasir




IT cannot be purely by chance that Airbus is getting a lot of attention from Asian airlines these days.

Fresh from signing for six A380s in a deal worth US$1.6bil with Penerbangan Malaysia Bhd (PMB) last December, another opportunity surfaced on Tuesday when national carrier Malaysia Airlines (MAS) announced plans to upgrade its Boeing 737 fleet.

While competition may be tough, with the incumbent Boeing protecting its turf with its 737-800 and 737-900 series, Airbus still stands a good chance of getting a share of the airline's US$2.1bil aircraft replacement exercise.

Such good fortune was unheard of for Airbus 10 years ago, when Boeing planes were deployed practically on all the major sectors of air travel – the 747 series for long-haul range and the more popular 737 series in the medium range.





http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2004/2/27/business/b_pg06airbus.JPG

An Airbus A340-500 taking off.






Airbus’ strategy was brilliant and carefully crafted to bring the best to both parties. In Malaysia’s case, Airbus helped develop the country's expertise in aircraft components manufacturing by buying composites material from Composites Technology Research Malaysia Sdn Bhd (CTRM).

Composites are lightweight materials used in the making of wings.

But, even then, the inclination towards Boeing among Malaysia’s top decision-makers prevailed even as recent as two years ago, at a time when Airbus was aggressively lobbying to sell its planes to Malaysia.

During the delivery of the first batch of composites material in Kuala Lumpur in 2002, Airbus representatives were asked whether they expected to sell more planes to Malaysia in view of the help extended to CTRM. At that juncture, a government official shushed reporters, saying in Malay, “Please do not give them that idea; MAS is still (prefers) with Boeing”.

Whether it is true if MAS prefers to stick to its traditional choice, that factor is no longer relevant after the setting up of PMB, a government-owned entity that is buying the A380s and later leasing them to MAS.

CTRM, which started 14 years ago with a zero background in aeronautics, now boasts contracts worth RM800mil to supply wing components to the A380 programme.

It also makes composites for the A320, another Airbus series proposed to replace MAS' Boeing 737 fleet. CTRM also makes general aviation aircraft such as the Eagle 150B and the Lancair Columbia-300.

The success of Airbus, however, does not lie entirely in programmes such as these, as credit should be given also to its design, innovation and marketing savvy.

The A380, for instance, was launched at a time when airlines in the Asian region were experiencing booming regional travel arising from economic expansion in Asia.

The A380 offers seat capacity of 555 compared with about 400 in the largest aircraft flying today, and at 15% to 20% lower fuel costs, as well as 10% to 15% wider flying range.

These should be high on the list of decision makers when considering the type of aircraft to purchase at this time when costs and efficiency remain the top priorities in the airline business.

Elsewhere in Asia, Airbus continues with its hard work, possibly to maintain its number one position in terms of sales this year in the commercial aircraft category.

In 2003, for the first time in aviation history, Airbus delivered 305 planes, overtaking Boeing's 281.

At its headquarters in Toulouse recently, Airbus hosted a visit by Chinese President Hu Jintao, whose main topic of discussion was industrial cooperation. Five Chinese manufacturers are already involved in making Airbus parts such as wing components and passenger doors.

For a company whose main concern during the Boeing-McDonnell Douglas merger in the mid-90s was US government intervention and trade protection, Airbus has done well, at least in the commercial aircraft market.

pity for the cancel but for desighn.Just few look like the BOIENG plane shape :)

Originally posted by nazrey

Is these MAS HQ project?
or the other things??
http://www.dubus-richez.com/fr/pages/proj_MAS.htm#photo%202

http://www.dubus-richez.com/images/malaysia_pieton.jpg http://www.dubus-richez.com/images/malaysia_hall.jpg http://www.dubus-richez.com/images/malaysia_helico.jpg

OMG!!! that is so beautiful!! i didn't know it had plants in it:eek:

MAS may be 7E7 launch client




MALAYSIA Airlines (MAS) and its parent, Penerbangan Malaysia Bhd (PMB), have shown keen interest to add Boeing’s latest Dreamliner 7E7 to the national carrier's fleet, The Boeing Co senior sales director (international sales) Paul G. Dubeck said.

“We have been talking to them (MAS and PMB) on an array of subjects, including the 7E7, and they have excellent opportunity to be our launch customer,'' Dubeck told a media briefing in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

“It (the 7E7) is really suited for them and indications are that they would be part of the launch group,’’ he said.

Boeing expects to announce the orders for its 7E7 by end of the year, with the first aircraft delivery expected by the second quarter 2008, close to two years after the Airbus A380 takes to the skies.

The A380 offers a seat capacity of 555 – compared with about 400 in today's largest aircraft – 15% to 20% lower fuel costs, as well as 10% to 15% longer flying range.




http://thestar.com.my/archives/2004/3/13/business/b_2dubeck.jpg

Paul G. Dubeck





Although MAS has indicated it would be replacing 35 of its B737 aircraft, the orders have not been firmed up yet.

MAS, PMB and Boeing are in various stages of discussions to evaluate how the national carrier could possibly maximise cost efficiency with the 7E7 versus the Boeing and Airbus models.

The 7E7 is said to burn 20%–30% less fuel per seat than a comparable Airbus or earlier Boeing models and offers 200 to 300 passenger seats. It has been indicated that the base model would cost about US$120mil. However, a launch customer can expect to make some savings.

The success of the 7E7 is crucial for Boeing, as it has taken a long time to introduce a new model whereas Airbus has topped the orders list with its A380.

Dubeck said the enthusiasm for the 7E7 came not just from MAS and PMB but also many carriers in the region, the Middle East and North America.

He expects the first customer for 7E7 to be from the South Asia region although there are reports that All Nippon Airways may be first. Dubeck also revealed that a large US carrier and several Middle Eastern carriers might be launch customers.

“The aviation industry is beginning to move after the slowdown and that is exciting for us. We are getting a lot of enquiries.

“We have a suite of services from cargo freighters, passenger aircraft, and interior modifications that we can offer airlines,’’ he said.

It was reported that MAS might also replace its fleet of 20 A330-200 and A330-300 aircraft, some of which are on lease.

Dubeck sees the 7E7 complementing the eight A380 aircraft that PMB is buying from Airbus.

“The A380s are so big that the 7E7 would act as a feeder; otherwise an airline cannot make money,’’ he said.

There will be three categories of 7E7 – the 7E7, which can seat 200 passengers and fly 15,742km non-stop; 7E7 SR, a 300-seater capable of flying 6,482km; and 7E7 Stretch, which can seat 250 passengers and fly 15,371km non-stop. It is ideal for medium haul routes.

“The 7E7 would have a lot of new features and the idea is to give it a great interior. And that would be the differentiating factor,'' said Michael J. Wilson, The Boeing Co's regional director product marketing commercial airplanes.

He said the new model would have innovative lighting and be more spacious. Humidity and cabin pressure in the aircraft would be improved and there would be bigger storage bins. But Boeing is still working out the in-flight entertainment.

Boeing may be announcing a deal with Asian Composite Manufacturing Sdn Bhd, based in Bukit Kayu Hitam, Kedah, to be a supplier for the 7E7. An announcement is due by year's end.

yay!
http://www.aerocontact.net/medias/images/Bourget02040.jpg

MASkargo to expand capacity


MALAYSIA Airlines Cargo Sdn Bhd (MASkargo) hopes to expand its warehouse capacity to one million tonnes by the end of this year compared with 660,000 tonnes last year, said general manager for cargo operation Mohd Yunus Idris.

“The company would be able to meet the target as there is a strong demand for cargo handling,” he told reporters in Sepang yesterday after the arrival of its freighter bringing in the Formula One vehicles.

Yunus also said that MASkargo planned to add new cargo freighters by next month with the leasing of two more Boeing 747-200s.

MASkargo currently operates two owned and four leased B747-200 freighters. – Bernama

MAS ups capacity by 60% for HK-M’sia
March 25, 2004



Malaysia Airlines is increasing its seat capacity for its existing operations between Malaysia and Hong Kong by 60% with the starting of double daily services to Kuala Lumpur and six times weekly services to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, with effect from March 28.

In a statement yesterday, the national carrier said it was doubling its non-stop services between Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur from seven times weekly to 14 times weekly offering a total of 1,668 seats in each direction on this route.

Malaysia Airlines said the new additional daily frequency flight MH75 would operate using a 229-seater Airbus A330-200 on Mondays and Saturdays and a 294-seater Airbus A330-300 on Sundays.

It said the flight would depart Hong Kong at 09:15 hours and arrive in Kuala Lumpur at 12:55 hours. The return flight MH74 would leave Kuala Lumpur at 18:45 hours and arrive at Hong Kong at 22:30 hours daily.

Malaysia Airlines said it was also increasing its 144-seater B737-400 nonstop services between Hong Kong and Kota Kinabalu, Sabah from four times to six times weekly, providing an additional capacity of 288 seats in each direction.

From edgedaily

Direct Kuching-Frankfurt launched..... Kuching-Melbourne is NEXT

FRANKFURT: Sarawak is expected to get an additional 25% or 50,000 European tourists every year beginning this month, state Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Abang Johari Tun Openg said.

He said this was made possible with the launch of a thrice-weekly direct flight between Frankfurt and Kuching by Malaysia Airlines (MAS), beginning tomorrow.

European tourists were big spenders and due to the long haul flight, they were expected to stay more than three days in Kuching which was good for the hotel and other related sectors in the tourism industry, he said here yesterday.

Abang Johari was in Germany to launch the inaugural Kuching-Frankfurt flight and promote Sarawak in the country.

He was accompanied by the state Tourism Ministry's Permanent Secretary, Abang Affendi Abang Annuar, and the Sarawak Tourism Board's chief executive officer, Abang Kassim Abang Morshidi.

The Kuching-Frankfurt flight is the fifth direct flight initiated by Abang Johari to Kuching after the Kuching-Guangzhou, Kuching-Xiamen, Kuching-Perth and Kuching-Melbourne flights.

He said Frankfurt was chosen as the European hub for Sarawak because of its role as the European Union's financial and banking capital and its location in the centre of western Europe.

Last year 200,000 European tourists visited Sarawak.

Frankfurt has 329 banks and 78,000 people working in the banking and financial sectors and its stock exchange is the third largest in the world, after New York and Tokyo.

“These are the people we want to attract to Sarawak to enjoy our nature, culture and adventure and at the same time, spend their money,” Abang Johari said.

He said Frankfurt was accessible by air and rail from all over Europe including Russia and European tourists just needed to be in Frankfurt to catch the flight to Sarawak.

Abang Johari said with the Frankfurt-Kuching flight, European tourists no longer needed to go through Immigration clearance twice before arriving in Sarawak.

Presently, they had to go through Immigration clearance in Kuala Lumpur and again at Kuching when arriving in Sarawak. – Bernama

[QUOTE=mams]MAS ups capacity by 60% for HK-M’sia
March 25, 2004

I wonder whether this is why AirAsia is going to expand to Macau first, rather than slug it out with MAS in HK....

Direct Kuching-Frankfurt launched..... Kuching-Melbourne is NEXT

FRANKFURT: Sarawak is expected to get an additional 25% or 50,000 European tourists every year beginning this month, state Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Abang Johari Tun Openg said.

He said this was made possible with the launch of a thrice-weekly direct flight between Frankfurt and Kuching by Malaysia Airlines (MAS), beginning tomorrow.

The Kuching-Frankfurt flight is the fifth direct flight initiated by Abang Johari to Kuching after the Kuching-Guangzhou, Kuching-Xiamen, Kuching-Perth and Kuching-Melbourne flights.
– Bernama

Just checked MH website.. the flights originating in KCH will stop in KL before proceeding non-stop to FRA. The flights will be operated on the B777-200 a/c. MH flies non-stop btw KUL-FRA daily apparently.

While KCH is becoming increasingly connected to international cities by way of direct flights, Penang seems to be languishing.. The only major direct international connection for Penang is the LHR-PEN non-stop flight twice a week. BUT, there's no non-stop or direct flight in the opposite direction from PEN-LHR. In fact, there are no direct MH flights from Penang to any foreign city except to Medan (the one to BKK is on code-share on Thai Airways' aircraft and the one to HKG is on code-share on Cathay Pac via KL). The non-stop flights to Singapore and Johor Bahru were discontinued last year.

MAS to decide on global alliance in three months


BY B.K. SIDHU
MALAYSIA Airlines (MAS) will decide in the next three months as to which global alliance it will eventually join as part of its move to strengthen its global presence, said its newly appointed managing director Datuk Ahmad Fuaad Dahlan.

The airline has appointed a consultancy firm to look into the various aspects of joining a mega alliance.


The findings will then be presented to the MAS board before a final decision is made.

“For strategic reasons, we have to look at the possibility of getting into a mega alliance. We have asked consultants to look at it, and (match) our needs. We will, in three months, be in a position to see if we will join an alliance,’’ Fuaad told StarBiz.

He explained that MAS was the only major airline (given its size and connectivity of destinations) in the region that is not part of an alliance.

Singapore Airlines and Thai Airways are part of the Star Alliance while Cathay Pacific is part of oneworld.

The third global alliance is Skyteam.

It would not be logical for MAS to join Star Alliance, given that SIA and Thai Airways are already partners. But the national carrier has two options - oneworld and Skyteam – to ponder over.

One issue that MAS has to consider is whether the particular alliance it chooses will accept its membership.

“We can synergise with major carriers within the alliance so that customers can have a seamless travel from one end of the world to the other. The disadvantage of an alliance is that we have to attend a lot of meetings,’’ Fuaad said.

The partners of oneworld include SwissAir, American Airlines, British Airways, Finnair, Iberia Air, Cathay Pacific, LanChile and Aer Lingus. The members of Star Alliance include Air Canada, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, bmi, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Mexicana Airlines, Scandinavian Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Spanair, Thai Airways International, United, and VARIG Brazilian Airlines. Skyteam is the global airline alliance partnering Aeromexico, Air France, Alitalia, CSA Czech Airlines, Delta Air Lines and Korean Air.

MAS MD Fuaad aims to take airline to higher plane



By B.K. Sidhu


IT was the evening of March 30. A large group of Malaysia Airlines (MAS) employees from all its global stations were attending their annual world business forum dinner in Kuala Lumpur to get a mandate on the airline’s future direction.

Halfway through dinner, MAS chairman Tan Sri Azizan Zainul Abidin got up and announced that Datuk Ahmad Fuaad Dahalan would be the new MAS managing director.

This piece of news received a standing ovation, a sign of approval of Fuaad as the choice, especially since he is a “home-grown'' talent.

Indeed, Fuaad’s career had been charted from the minute he joined MAS some 30 years ago when MAS and Singapore Airlines parted ways.

“I am not jumping with joy (over the appointment) but it has been many years and this new job is something that I had looked forward to in terms of what I think I can do for the company, the employees and the whole culture of the organisation,’’ he said.

He is, however, fully aware that the job comes with a heavy responsibility. This is especially so since he is taking on the airline from an already high level - one that has been set by his predecessor Datuk Md Nor Yusof.

“Md Nor has restructured the company. It is certainly not like winning a lottery and I am not a young guy anymore. The 23,000 MAS employees have their expectations too. But time will tell whether I can emulate the successes since 2001,’’ Fuaad said in an interview.

Fuaad joined MAS as a management trainee in 1973 along with many others, some of whom are still with the airline today.

“Fortunately or unfortunately, they sent me to the sales and marketing department from the first day,’’ he said.

The job took him to Alor Star, then to Tokyo and a year later, to London to help set up MAS' office there. This was followed by Indonesia and the Philippines and later, as a relief manager covering Amsterdam, Frankfurt and London.

In 1984, he moved to Paris to open the MAS office there.

Two years later, MAS brought him back tohome turf and promoted him to regional manager in charge of East Malaysia; later he became regional manager of Malaysia and Singapore, based in KL.

In 1990, he was promoted to vice-president for North America, where he made Los Angeles his home for eight years. Following that, he became vice-president of Europe and Britain, based in London until 2001. It was about that time that Md Nor was appointed MD.

“I have served a lot of managing directors and executive chairmen over the past 30 years. The critical point is that if you are a professional, you will survive (in any organisation or situation),’’ he said.

In the stations abroad, be they big or small, he had to do it all - from customer service to the financials and crisis management.

He admits that the stints abroad gave him invaluable experience as they presented a different perspective of things. These experiences also trained him to make quick decisions with the available data and scenarios and to grasp and analyse - traits that are very crucial since the aviation industry is rapidly changing.

Fuaad said seeing the airline become successful was his pride and joy. And now that the airline is on a firm footing, he sees the need to improve the environment for those who are working with him as his next task. - By B.K Sidhu

Fuaad kicks off change at MAS with process review



By B.K. SIDHU



JUST over a week into his new job as managing director of Malaysia Airlines (MAS), Datuk Ahmad Fuaad Dahalan already has a plan to fine tune some operational processes to ensure that the national carrier has a leading edge over the competition.

”I have started to make some changes and will touch the processes first. There is no real hurry as the team is already doing a good job, but some tweaking here and there can be expected over the next three months,’’ he told StarBiz in an interview yesterday.

Fuaad was quick to point out that he was not keen on stamping his mark by instituting changes. But to move ahead and take advantage of the opportunities in the improving landscape of the aviation industry, it is vital to fine tune some processes.

Broadly, he plans to:





http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2004/4/9/business/p1ahmadi.jpg

Datuk Ahmad Fuaad Dahalan






·Re-look at the present revenue management system with an aim to reduce the number of “no-show’’ passengers for a particular flight. This would also mean having the front-end staff call customers to firm up bookings.

·Increase the number of destinations and frequencies to China and India, which would remain the focus in the near to medium term.

·Ensure that existing fleet size matches future needs.

·Re-look at and possibly streamline the roles of some of the divisions, especially engineering and customer services.

·Review the current levels of customer service and introduce training programmes to enhance the skills of its employees.

·Enhance MAS's online offering to include international destinations and develop it into a profit centre.

Since MAS employees have gone through some rough patches in the past, there is a need to review the reward and remuneration packages but not at the expense of MAS becoming a “Santa Claus’’, Fuaad said.

With MAS now financially stable, Fuaad's plans to review some of the processes is just what analysts expect him to do, for the airline to enter its next phase of growth.

For starters, he has appointed Datuk Abdul Rashid Khan as acting senior general manager for sales, distribution and marketing, the position previously held by Fuaad.

The corporate communications department, which was part of the corporate services division, will also now report directly to him. It will be moved from its present premises in Subang to the MAS headquarters in Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur, where he is based.

“We need to do all these if we want to create a difference. We have to continually enhance and review our processes, bring costs down, and look at new ways to generate revenue,’’ he said.

The carrier will also be launching a campaign for employees so that they understand and contribute towards the ultimate objective of MAS and its tagline – going beyond expectations.

The airline will also go ahead with some of the promotional activities that it had planned earlier but could not implement due to its financial restructuring, he added.

MAS keeps open its option for regional low-cost service



By B.K. SIDHU



MALAYSIA Airlines (MAS) is keeping its options open in offering a regional low-cost air service since the number of low-cost carriers are increasing and this can pose a potential threat to the full-fledged carrier's business on lucrative regional routes.

“To me, we will always reserve the option to enter the fray when the airline industry (within the region) is deregulated,’’ MAS managing director Datuk Ahmad Fuaad Dahalan told StarBiz.

He said the company was studying the low-cost business model as by not doing so would be tantamount to MAS not facing the realities around it.

“That is why MAS is continuously assessing its competitive environment and if 'there is a necessity', MAS will look at it,’’ he said.





http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2004/4/12/business/p1fuaad.JPG

Datuk Ahmad Fuaad Dahalan






He also felt the regional markets were highly regulated and there were too many obstacles and regulations to contend with at this juncture.

The low-cost fare structure and the emergence of low-cost carriers are new phenomena in Asia whereas in Americas and Europe, they had existed for a long time.

But in such an environment when both types of carriers – low-cost and full-fledged operate – the possibility of dumping of airfares by full-fledged carriers to match or be close to that of low-cost would be prevalent.

There are currently four low-cost carriers in Asia but only AirAsia has taken to the skies with their flights to Thailand, via its joint venture unit.

The other three are Singapore Airline's 49% owned Tiger Airways; a privately-owned ValueAir of Singapore, and the recently announced Australia's Qantas Airways. These three are expected to take to the skies sometime this year.

Thai Airways and Cathay Pacific have also indicated their intentions to offer low-cost air services but further details are not available.

In such a scenario, MAS is the only regional airline that has yet to take the plunge into offering low-cost air services.

On the outlook of the aviation industry, Fuaad said: “We are very optimistic on the outlook of the industry and we have the opportunity to expand which means that we are capable of riding the up trend in the aviation industry.

“Having said that, we also know that we have to improve on our network and be on a constant look out for opportunities since low-cost carriers are also lurking around.

“Every low-cost carrier has its own agenda and we do not want to be marginalized on some lucrative routes due to pricing,’’ he added.

Grand plans to put MAS on higher ground



By B.K. SIDHU



Analysis

THE advertising tagline “Going beyond expectations’’ makes one wonder what a passenger sitting in an economy class seat of a Malaysia Airlines (MAS) flight would expect when the airline completes its massive refurbishment exercise by end 2006.

MAS has some grand plans to upgrade its existing cabin to have a futuristic look and pleasant ambience.

It wants to change its seats and cutlery, add more exciting food items to its menu, and feast the ears and eyes with better quality audio-visual offerings. It also wants its people to be more customer-centric, and the big smiles of its golden girls will remain its trademark.



It is a tall order, but that is what the airline wants to do and has to do if it wants to remain in the race, for its competitors have refurbished and upgraded themselves long ago, at a time when MAS was in the red.

To Datuk Ahmad Fuaad Dahalan, the newly appointed managing director of MAS, being customer-centric is the way forward and that would be one of MAS’ differentiating factors, although MAS has won the world's best cabin staff award from Skytrax for three consecutive years.

The challenge that lies upon him is how to match the wonderful things in the aircraft with the personal touch of the employees so that the minute a passenger calls the MAS call centre to the time he lands at his choice destination, the journey is truly “beyond expectations.’’

Mobilising people to think, act and offer the kind of service that would be beyond expectations would entail educating the employees of its objectives, and that is why a campaign would be launched very soon.

“It is the whole integration of all things from product development to the processes and it also involves the human factor. It is a matter of how the human factor can be harnessed further,’’ he said.

But the employees of MAS have gone through some very rough patches in the past. MAS has to get them involved in the new game plan. Motivation and training is fine, but some real rewards are also necessary.

Fuaad is fully aware of the expectations of the 23,000 employees and wants to create a more conducive environment for them to work in and look into the reward and remuneration packages so that each and every one is fairly compensated for their efforts, but not at the expense of burdening the company.

He also wants to fine-tune some of the operational processes to ensure seamless travel for passengers, find ways of collaborating with other airlines or partners so that cost can be brought down, and work on new strategies and opportunities to generate more revenue.

Fuaad also does not have a written mandate from the Government for his new job, but he knows what they want – to see MAS expand, but not for the sake of expansion; and make it a viable and profitable airline so that it becomes a leading carrier of the future.

And if his predecessor Datuk Md Nor Yusof has brought the company to a better financial footing, it is now Fuaad’s responsibility to take it onto a higher plane.

But he cannot do it alone and the Government should not rescue MAS the second time around. That is why each and every one of MAS employees, as Fuaad puts it, has to rise to the challenge.

MAS adds another international destination to flight network service

KUALA LUMPUR May 14 - Malaysia Airlines (MAS) will add another international destination to its flight network service by introducing scheduled air services linking Kuala Lumpur with Siem Reap, Cambodia's gateway to Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, effective on June 3, 2004.

In a statement Friday, MAS said it would operate three weekly flights on Monday, Thursday and Saturday between Kuala Lumpur and Siem Reap. The outbound flight departs Kuala Lumpur at 1100 hours to reach Siem Reap at 1210 hours.

Meanwhile, the return flight departs Siem Reap at 1300 hours and transits Phnom Penh at 1345 hours before proceeding to arrive in Kuala Lumpur at 1720 hours on the same day.

Furthermore, a two-class configured Boeing 737-400 aircraft with 16 business and 128 economy class seats will be used for this new service injecting a total capacity of 432 seats per week per direction.

MAS adds another international destination to flight network service

KUALA LUMPUR May 14 - Malaysia Airlines (MAS) will add another international destination to its flight network service by introducing scheduled air services linking Kuala Lumpur with Siem Reap, Cambodia's gateway to Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, effective on June 3, 2004.

.

GREAT! Always wanted to visit Angkor Wat!!

GREAT! Always wanted to visit Angkor Wat!!


Me too....but that country is still kinda dangerous as told by my friend whom went there last year. I've also got a Cambodian friend while I was studying in Auckland and he discourages me to go there unless I have bodyguards.

Maybe I'll join a tour :D

Eh...invite me also okay. I also wanted to visit Angkor Watt...

Eh...invite me also okay. I also wanted to visit Angkor Watt...


sure.....I'll appreciate some companion! ;)

sure.....I'll appreciate some companion! ;)

Just tell me beforehand about the trip...so at least I can figure out something else to deal with :D

da middle east!

From The star

MAS voted favourite airline to Far East

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia Airlines was voted the ?Favourite Airline for Travel to the Far East? on May 22 in an annual Travel and Tourism survey carried out last year.

The Middle East Travel and Al-Iktissad Wal-Aamal magazines, which are circulated in the Middle East, North Africa and Europe, conducted the survey from May to December and received about 1,400 replies from its readers.

MAS Middle East regional general manager Datuk Ibrahim Abdullah received the award on behalf of the airline from Lebanese Information Minister Michael Samaha and Tourism Ministry director general Nada Sardouk during an awards presentation ceremony in Beirut. ?We are indeed proud of this achievement. Our product and services have regularly won many international awards.

?The recognition is testimony to the success of our Going Beyond Expectations campaign, aimed at revitalising the airline?s international image as a quality global carrier,? Ibrahim said in a statement yesterday.

MAS has 15 weekly flights linking Kuala Lumpur to Middle East cities.

Me too....but that country is still kinda dangerous as told by my friend whom went there last year. I've also got a Cambodian friend while I was studying in Auckland and he discourages me to go there unless I have bodyguards.

Maybe I'll join a tour :D

oooo...really ah....looks like it's Tour group for me too! That's nasty, tour groups often bring you to shopping trip after shopping trip or temple after temple after temple.

That is so true. But then..that is how tour group works :D

MAS may be 7E7 launch client

MALAYSIA Airlines (MAS) and its parent, Penerbangan Malaysia Bhd (PMB), have shown keen interest to add Boeing’s latest Dreamliner 7E7 to the national carrier's fleet, The Boeing Co senior sales director (international sales) Paul G. Dubeck said.

“We have been talking to them (MAS and PMB) on an array of subjects, including the 7E7, and they have excellent opportunity to be our launch customer,'' Dubeck told a media briefing in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

“It (the 7E7) is really suited for them and indications are that they would be part of the launch group,’’ he said.

Boeing expects to announce the orders for its 7E7 by end of the year, with the first aircraft delivery expected by the second quarter 2008, close to two years after the Airbus A380 takes to the skies.

The A380 offers a seat capacity of 555 – compared with about 400 in today's largest aircraft – 15% to 20% lower fuel costs, as well as 10% to 15% longer flying range.
Although MAS has indicated it would be replacing 35 of its B737 aircraft, the orders have not been firmed up yet.

MAS, PMB and Boeing are in various stages of discussions to evaluate how the national carrier could possibly maximise cost efficiency with the 7E7 versus the Boeing and Airbus models.

The 7E7 is said to burn 20%–30% less fuel per seat than a comparable Airbus or earlier Boeing models and offers 200 to 300 passenger seats. It has been indicated that the base model would cost about US$120mil. However, a launch customer can expect to make some savings.

The success of the 7E7 is crucial for Boeing, as it has taken a long time to introduce a new model whereas Airbus has topped the orders list with its A380.

Dubeck said the enthusiasm for the 7E7 came not just from MAS and PMB but also many carriers in the region, the Middle East and North America.

He expects the first customer for 7E7 to be from the South Asia region although there are reports that All Nippon Airways may be first. Dubeck also revealed that a large US carrier and several Middle Eastern carriers might be launch customers.

“The aviation industry is beginning to move after the slowdown and that is exciting for us. We are getting a lot of enquiries.

“We have a suite of services from cargo freighters, passenger aircraft, and interior modifications that we can offer airlines,’’ he said.

It was reported that MAS might also replace its fleet of 20 A330-200 and A330-300 aircraft, some of which are on lease.

Dubeck sees the 7E7 complementing the eight A380 aircraft that PMB is buying from Airbus.

“The A380s are so big that the 7E7 would act as a feeder; otherwise an airline cannot make money,’’ he said.

There will be three categories of 7E7 – the 7E7, which can seat 200 passengers and fly 15,742km non-stop; 7E7 SR, a 300-seater capable of flying 6,482km; and 7E7 Stretch, which can seat 250 passengers and fly 15,371km non-stop. It is ideal for medium haul routes.

“The 7E7 would have a lot of new features and the idea is to give it a great interior. And that would be the differentiating factor,'' said Michael J. Wilson, The Boeing Co's regional director product marketing commercial airplanes.

He said the new model would have innovative lighting and be more spacious. Humidity and cabin pressure in the aircraft would be improved and there would be bigger storage bins. But Boeing is still working out the in-flight entertainment.

Boeing may be announcing a deal with Asian Composite Manufacturing Sdn Bhd, based in Bukit Kayu Hitam, Kedah, to be a supplier for the 7E7. An announcement is due by year's end.

MAS LATEST DESTINATION : STOCKHOLM.

Malaysia Airlines is all set to launch a new route: Kuala Lumpur-Stockholm-Newark. Stockholm will be Malaysia Airlines' newest destination in Europe. Here are the schedules (all times local):

Kuala Lumpur-Stockholm-Newark, MH 090
8:50 am - 3:10 pm // 4:30 pm - 6:50 pm

Newark-Stockholm-Kuala Lumpur, MH 091
10:45 pm - 12:25 pm +1 // 1:45 pm +1 - 9 am +2

All flights will depart every Monday, Thursday and Saturday from both cities using B772.

MAS can roll out budget airline in six months, says Ahmad Fuaad

KUALA LUMPUR July 27 - Malaysia Airlines (MAS) can roll-out a low-cost carrier or no-frills budget airline in six months if the situation warrants it, Managing Director Datuk Ahmad Fuaad Dahlan said Tuesday.

He said the national carrier had looked at the type of model that it wanted and had even submitted a preliminary proposal to the Transport Ministry on the best viable option.

MAS had also sounded other regional carriers into the possibility of establishing the low-cost carrier joint venture.

"They have viewed our proposal with great interest," he told BERNAMA in an interview.

Ahmad Fuaad was, however, quick to say that MAS would not rush into low-cost carrier operations if the ground rules in the aviation business did not change as it could still withstand the present competition under the existing scenario.

"But if things change, then it is just a matter of time (that we set up a low-cost carrier). We are ready and we can set it up within six months. If the ground rules change, we will go in. But at this point in time, I don't think we want to dabble in it," he said.

MAS had set up a special team to evaluate whether there was a need for the national carrier to follow the footsteps of full service carriers in entering the budget market.

Initial studies showed there was no necessity at the moment but if the situation warranted, the national airline was ready, he said.

Ahmad Fuaad said MAS was constantly re-assessing the market environment and would swing into action if need be.

MAS, he said, had been studying with great interest the ever-changing aviation market in the region, especially with the increasingly deregulated environment.

He said civil aviation regulators were somewhat in a dilemma now on whether to protect their national airlines or to liberalise the environment because of the gradually-changing scenario.

Of particular interest is the commitment towards an "open sky" policy by China and India, the two countries with a combined population of almost 2.5 billion.

Ahmad Fuaad also said the days of frequent fare increases as had happened in the recent past were now over because "regulators don't have an appetite for fare increases anymore."

"They would like to see stimulation of the market instead," he said.

Ahmad Fuaad also gave an assurance that if MAS were to set up a subsidiary to run a low-cost carrier, then there would be very little interference from the parent company.

He said many low-cost carriers set up by full service carriers had failed due to "parental intrusion" into their operations or the predator tendencies of the parent companies.

Ahmad Fuaad stressed that if MAS went into the low-cost carrier business, it would be purely based on the viability of the business and it was not about trying to destroy its competitors.

"We believe in peaceful co-existence and welcome healthy competition. We have been keeping quiet over a number of false remarks about us (like us being stodgy and slow to changes), which also imply we are a big bully in a David and Goliath scenario.

"This is all wrong and we are not here to play to the gallery and discredit our competitors. At MAS, we want to be focused on what we are doing like continuing to build on our strengths to face new and complex challenges," he said.

He said MAS' relationship with other airlines had shown that "it has been a "respectable and credible friend all this while."

Ahmad Fuaad believed that MAS would do better in the current year after having recorded its best showing since its listing in 1985 with a net profit after tax of RM461.1 million for the financial year ending March 31 compared to a net profit after tax of RM336.5 million last year.

Total revenue, including domestic, in the year just ended was RM10.1 billion, up by 7.5 per cent despite being hit by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in the first quarter of the 2003-2004 financial year.

During the 2003-2004 financial year, international passenger traffic increased by 0.3 per cent to 33,084.7 million passenger kilometres while domestic traffic decreased by 2.1 per cent to 4,574.3 million passenger kilometres.

Cargo traffic increased by 5.5 per cent to 2,187.1 million load tonne kilometres.

Ahmad Fuaad said MAS, as a full service carrier, was at the top of a long value-chain, playing a pivotal role in stimulating the growth of the national economy by providing jobs to hundreds of thousands of people in sectors like airline support services, aircraft maintenance, in-flight catering, airport limousine services, duty-free shops and other tourism services.

"MAS is doing well now, the business strategies are right but we cannot be complacent and want to do more. We have to expand, if we don't, we'll lose our footing," he said.

For instance, he said, there were more than a dozen destinations in China and India that MAS had not gone into.

Even with the existing seat capacity and inventory, he said, MAS could expand to new destinations in China and India.

"We don't see some low-cost carrier coming in and benefiting from the situation right now. Whoever reaches out first, will actually establish the market," he said.

New destinations to China and India include Kunming, Wuhan, Chengdu, Kolkata, Ahmedabad and Cochin. Before the end of March next year, MAS is expected to fly to more than 105 destinations.

Over the next six months, MAS will also embark on a RM700 million refurbishment programme of 32 aircraft in its fleet serving long-and medium-haul services, with the first retrofitted aircraft scheduled to re-enter service in November.

It will soon unveil plans to overhaul the in-flight meals service, complementing the upgrade in cabin accommodation to flat bed seats in first and business classes as well as introduce new uniforms.

Responding to news reports that the government had directed MAS to stop its low-fare Super Savers fares, Ahmad Fuaad said the fares were still available Tuesday.

He said the government had all this while recognised that MAS had been giving discounts to senior citizens, armed forces and night-tourist fares.

"All we did was to repackage and call it Super Savers and liberalise the conditions so that a lot more people can use them. We guaranteed 14,000 seats availability (each week). We will now expand it (the promotion)."

Ahmad Fuaad said the move was not a price war but one which MAS had exercised its flexibility as part of its marketing strategy.

"We exist to provide quality service to connect people to destinations all over the world, be it for business or leisure. MAS exists to bring people to development and development to people."

In an apparent reference to the fares charged by one of the low-cost carriers in the region, he said: "We have never gone to RM9.90. That is not our terrain. We don't want to go into this mud wrestling kind of thing over fares.

"We are not predators chasing for rabbit holes. Our fares are super savers fares. We are going to handle these short term issues which have not impacted us that much at this point in time," he said.

Ahmad Fuaad said: "We have run our operations since the 1940s and have not lost sight that we have to be responsible to our stakeholders, shareholders and consumers.

"As a respectable airline, we remain focused in what we are doing and will not allow ourselves to be distracted by others."

Referring to suggestions that the government should allow Subang Airport be turned into a low-cost carrier hub, Ahmad Fuaad said MAS had given its views to the authorities that KL International Airport (KLIA) already had the prerequisites for such a hub.

He said KLIA was a natural low-cost carrier hub as it was already a world-class aviation hub equipped with the latest technology and state-of-the-art facilities.

"We need to see the developmental aspect of KLIA as a hub. We believe in it, that's why we moved to KLIA. We should not go out of focus as the outline for KLIA to be the regional as well as national aviation hub was spelt out under the Eighth Malaysia Plan," he said.

KLIA has a capacity for handling 25 million passengers a year but with its land area of 10,100 hectares (about 25,000 acres), it can take up to 100 million passengers.

Ahmad Fuaad said having a low-cost carrier hub at KLIA would help the airport reach the desired capacity.

On MAS' part, he said, it had signed code-sharing agreements with many foreign airlines with the hope that they would eventually fly directly into KLIA.

Kuala Lumpur, he said, could not be compared with London as Heathrow Airport handled about 70 million passengers annually and that was why flights had to be diverted to regional airports like Gatwick or Stansted.

Another important point to consider was that a low-cost carrier hub and a full service carrier hub can co-exist at KLIA because of the convenience of connectivity for passengers, he said, adding that the convenience of connectivity would be lost if KLIA were to serve only full service carriers and Subang became a low-cost carrier hub

Woohoo more competition! :cool:

Munir Majid Is Malaysia Airlines' New Chairman


KUALA LUMPUR, July 28 (Bernama) -- Malaysia Airlines, Wednesday announced the appointment of Datuk Dr Mohamed Munir Abdul Majid as its non-executive chairman, succeeding the late Tan Sri Azizan bin Zainul Abidin.

The national air carrier said in a statement, here Wednesday that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi had confirmed the 2-year appointment effective Aug 1, 2004, in a letter dated July 27.

Dr Munir, a B.Sc. (Econ) and Ph.D (International Relations) graduate from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), commenced his career at the London School of Economics and Daiwa Europe N.V. in London.

He joined the New Straits Times Press Bhd in 1979 as leader writer and progressed to become its group editor before leaving in 1986 to become the chief executive officer (CEO) of Pertanian Baring Sanwa (PBS), whose name he changed to Commerce International Merchant Bankers (CIMB).

He was invited by the government to establish and become the first executive chairman of the Securities Commission in 1993, serving two terms until 1999.

Dr Munir has served on various governmental boards and committees, such as the Malaysian Industrial Development Authority (MIDA), the then Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange (KLSE) and Foreign Investment Committee (FIC).

He had also served various private sector companies and organisations such as the former Kuala Lumpur Options and Financial Futures Exchange (KLOFFE), Council of the Association of Merchant Banks Malaysia, Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MICCI).

Currently the chairman of Celcom (Malaysia) Bhd, he also sits on the board of Technology Resources Industries Berhad and Saujana Resorts (Malaysia) Bhd.

Commenting on his appointment in Malaysia Airlines, Dr Munir said, "I thank the Prime Minister for his confidence in me and will discharge my duties and responsibilities as chairman of Malaysia Airlines with full commitment.

"The late Tan Sri Azizan's are large boots to fill but, with the support of Malaysia Airlines' staff and management as well as my fellow directors, I look forward to working together to sustain the financial turnaround that has been achieved through operational excellence," he added.

Dr Munir maintained that Malaysia Airlines is the country's top international brand, recognizable and always scrutinised.

"It is not for nothing that for three years running its cabin staff were voted the world's best by global respondents. We want to attain the same level of excellence in other operational areas as well," he said.

-- BERNAMA

MAS should work with us to make Malaysia the hub, says Fernandes

SEPANG July 28 - Budget airline AirAsia group chief executive officer, Tony Fernandes, said it was disappointing that Malaysia Airlines was talking to other airlines concerning its plan to roll-out a low cost carrier (LCC) despite the two companies being Malaysian companies.

"We are two Malaysian companies, yet we have not sat down and discussed. In three years we never had one meeting with MAS senior management despite many attempts by AirAsia to do so," he said.

Fernandes said that MAS should collaborate wherever possible to promote Malaysia as an airline hub.

"Really we (AirAsia and MAS) should be working together on how we can make Malaysia a much better hub than Singapore, for instance."

He was speaking at a press conference in response to a news report in the local dailies today (Wednesday) that MAS could roll-out a LCC or no-frills budget airline in six months if the situation warranted it.

MAS managing director, Datuk Ahmad Fuaad Dahlan, had said that the national carrier had looked at the type of model that it wanted and had even submitted a preliminary proposal to the Ministry of Transport on the best viable option.

He said that Malaysia Airlines had also sounded other regional carriers into the possibility of establishing the LCC joint venture.

Tony said AirAsia was ever willing to sit down and look at how it could cooperate with MAS, as both companies were using the same aircraft.

"We believe in bringing more people to Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia, especially in routes that MAS don't do. So, we can definitely add benefit."

He said the airlines and tourism could benefit from the existence of both, full service and a low fare airlines,"its a perfect situation."

He said "We don't see why AirAsia and MAS can't work together for a win-win situation for Malaysia."
MAS and AirAsia could work together in a similar way the Ryan Air and Aer Lingus work together in Ireland,
Asked whether the local market was ready for another low fare airlines, Tony said: "What is the product. If you say domestic, so do we have a MAS domestic, AirAsia is low fare and another low fare Airlines.

Do you think the resources are best spent. The management of MAS should best spend in flying to Paris daily develop India and China routes," he said.

Citing an example, he said South West Airlines and Ryan Air were the two Airlines in the world which had been profitable for 36 years and 16 years respectively.

They are both low fare airlines one is operating in US and the other in Europe.

"Yet they had never been interested in being a full-fare Airlines because they want to remain focus. They know that is what good for them."

He said AirAsia had remained focus on what it did best providing transport for people at the lowest possible price.

"We are the lowest cost Airlines in the world and we believe that we will always continue to dominate the market. We are competing against big airlines like Thai Airways, Cathay Pacific and SIA. So, we will continue."

Tony said many other airlines tried and failed in the low fare market.

To-date, AirAsia has about 2,000 employees, up from 250 employees when it first started some two and a half years ago.

He said AirAsia would be fying to Bandung, Medan, Surabaya and Bali next month. AirAsia also flies to Macau via Thailand.

"Our bookings for Bali are good," he said.

As for the dometic market, AirAsia covers the domestic destinations, except Kuantan and Ipoh and plans to launch more routes in East Malaysia soon.

"We also fly to Tawau, twice a day, a destination that MAS does not fly."

On its competition with Value Air, Tony said it had no impact.

Asked on its net profit, he said: "We are profitable since day one," but declined to give details.

Speaking of its likely listing on Bursa Malaysia, Tony said: "This is one of the options we are looking at and I am sure in not too distant future, there will be an announcement."

On its future, he said, AirAsia hoped to carry four million people this year and 7.5 million people next year.

The Airlines now has a fleet of 18 aircraft.

Analysts mixed on MAS plan into budget airline business
By KANG SIEW LI


ANALYSTS are mixed on the idea of Malaysian Airline System Bhd (MAS)venturing into the low-cost carrier business, saying that the plan could either pay off or falter with growing competition in the sector.

There are now seven low-cost carriers, some yet to take off, that are aiming to take advantage of the low-cost airline business.

They said MAS may go ahead to start a low-cost carrier, but the latter’s survival is likely to depend on its ability to separate itself from the traditional full-fare operating structures.

At the same time, some believed that MAS has no option but to get itself involved in the business.

“What we have seen of successful low-cost carriers is that they are not part of the traditional network airline business model. They think and operate differently from those of full-fare airlines,” said Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents president Datuk Seri Tengku Iskandar Tengku Abdullah.

Thus, MAS’ success in the low-cost airline business will depend on its ability to separate it from the full-fare business. And that can only be achieved if MAS limits its role to just that of an investor, he said.

Tengku Iskandar said the local travel industry welcomes a second no-frills carrier if it helps open doors to new markets.

“If the new low-cost carrier can provide even more connections to domestic and regional destinations, then it would be something that we could look forward to.

“However, if it is merely taking business away from other airlines, then I don’t believe it is beneficial. In the case of AirAsia, what it has done is that it has opened up a market that was previously not travelling as well as increased people’s frequencies of travel,” he added.

OSK Research Sdn Bhd senior research analyst Chris Eng said if MAS were to start its own low-cost carrier, it is unlikely to survive.

“That’s because there are so many low-cost carriers in South-East Asia — Singapore with three low-cost carriers (Valuair, Tiger Airways and Jetstar Asia), Thailand (Nok Air and Orient Thai Airlines), Indonesia (Lion Air) and Malaysia with AirAsia.

“Thus it is not a good idea to start another low-cost carrier in Malaysia,” said Eng.

Eng personally thinks that low-cost environment in the single-markets of Europe and the US is different from that of Asia for several reasons.

“Firstly, Europe and the US have an open skies policy and their domestic markets are big. In Asia, airlines have to obtain landing rights from each country. And most of the time Asian countries tend to favour (giving landing rights to) the incumbent full-fare airlines.

“Secondly, secondary airports are not in existence yet in Asia, which makes it more expensive for low-cost carriers to operate here. Also, the Internet penetration is also low here,” he added.

Eng said he also does not see MAS teaming up with AirAsia unless they are directed to do so by the Government.

“That’s because the operations and cultures of both airlines are different from each other.”

Avenue Securities Sdn Bhd senior research analyst Daniel Griffin said he is “not so optimistic” about the chances of MAS succeeding in the highly-competitive low-cost sector.

“A thorough study of the regional low-cost market must be done if MAS wants to proceed with its plans.

“Still, from a consumer standpoint, I think it’s great if there are two low-cost carriers operating in Malaysia. But hopefully then both the carriers can continue to keep the connectivity at the same frequencies,” Griffin added.

An analyst at a local research house said he sees no reason why MAS should not join the burgeoning low-cost airline market in Asia.

“If your competitors are taking away market share from you, you cannot just sit and wait. This is a competitive business. You have to fight or else you will lose out,” he said.

He added that one should not see MAS’ entry into the low-cost market as a battle between MAS and AirAsia but one between MAS and all of the low-cost carriers in Asia such as AirAsia, Valuair, Jetstar Asia, Singapore Airlines’ Tiger Airways and Nok Air.

“AirAsia is already going out of the domestic market into Indonesia, Thailand, Macau and soon, China.

“At the same time, flag carriers such as Singapore Airlines, Garuda Indonesia, Thai Airways International, and Australia’s Qantas Airways are setting up their own low cost,” said the analyst, adding that it’s just a matter of time before MAS launches a low-cost carrier.

“There is a huge potential for low-cost carriers in Asia. Apart from the Association of South-East Asian Nations, there are also China and India. All these countries have a combined population of some three to four billion,” said the analyst.

Minister Of Transport To Meet MAS On Low Cost Carrier Proposal


KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 4 (Bernama) -- Minister of Transport Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy said he will be meeting the management of Malaysia Airlines (MAS) to discuss the airline's plan to enter the low cost carrier (LCC) market.

"I will be meeting MAS' management sometime this month," he told reporters at his office before the weekly Cabinet meeting here Wednesday.

On whether MAS'proposed plan will pose a competition to AirAsia, he said: "I don't mind if the competition is a healthy one and if the competition is in the interest of the country."

However, the government will intervene if the competition appears to be unhealthy, he said.

Chan said he will also keep a watch on AirAsia's development very closely, adding, "I have been listening to them from time to time."

As for the proposal to turn Subang Airport into the hub for the LCC, he said the proposal has not been presented to the Cabinet yet.

The Cabinet is waiting for the recommendation from the Ministry of Transport, he said

From The Star

Total cabin redesign for MAS fleet Saturday August 14, 2004

BY JOHAN FERNANDEZ IN LOS ANGELES

PREMIUM first and business class passengers on Malaysia Airlines (MAS) flights are in for a treat when the first of the newly refurbished long haul aircraft is rolled out in the fourth quarter of this year, said marketing manager for North America Vladimir Velasco.

He said the redesign primarily to upgrade the first and business class cabins on the airline's entire fleet of 32 Boeing 747 and 777 aircraft would take 18 months to complete.

?It?s likely that we?ll have some of the upgraded aircraft on flights in and out of the US as early as the first quarter of 2005,? he said.

Velasco said passengers would enjoy new sleeper seats in business and first class, as well as reduced number of ?buddy seats? in the first class that allow passengers to dine together.

A host of other service enhancements have also been planned. New menus, developed by well-known chefs, would be featured in all classes.

And on offer in first class would be an a la carte service that allows passengers to choose from an array of ethnic, vegetarian and organic meals all served on newly designed china, cutlery and linen.

As good entertainment is crucial to while the hours away on long haul flights, Velasco said the planes would have an upgraded in-flight entertainment system.

In first and business classes, extras include noise-reduction headphones, mood lighting in the cabin, electronic window shutters and touch-screen monitors.

Business travellers, meanwhile, would appreciate the satellite phones and fax machines that allow them to keep in touch with their offices, he added.

Velasco said luxury lavatories would be larger than standard, making it easy to change clothes, while the interiors of the planes would have an all-new designer look, with a modern colour scheme throughout.

The entire cabin crew would also be equipped with new uniforms, he added.

?This is a major undertaking, but we have listened and responded to what our passengers want in total comfort and service,? Velasco said.

MAS starts direct services to Chengdu

KUALA LUMPUR Aug 12 - Malaysia Airlines (MAS) is expanding its international network with the start of twice-weekly direct services between Kuala Lumpur and Chengdu, effective Sept 4, 2004.

In a statment Thursday, the Airlines said from this date, flight MH350 would depart Kuala Lumpur at 0930 hours on Tuesdays and Saturdays to arrive Chengdu at 1400 hours the same day.

The return flight MH351 departs Chengdu at 1520 hours on Tuesdays and Saturdays to arrive Kuala Lumpur the same day at 1950 hours, it said.
A two-class configured Airbus A330-300 aircraft with 250 economy class seats and 44 Golden Club Class seats would be used for this new service, providing a total weekly capacity of 588 seats in each direction.

Chengdu thus becomes Malaysia Airlines' sixth scheduled services destination in China after Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Beijing, Shanghai and Xiamen.

The introduction of this new link is in line with Malaysia Airlines' continued efforts to strengthen its market presence in China, a nation acknowledged internationally as one of the world's fastest booming economy.

In conjunction with the launch of this new destination, Malaysia Airlines is offering three Golden Holiday packages from Kuala Lumpur to Chengdu, namely 4 days/3 nights Discover Chengdu, 4 days/3 nights Chendu Exclusive and 5 days/4 nights Chengdu, Jiuzhaigao, Huanglong tours from prices as low as RM1,947.00 per person on twin-share basis.

Malaysia Airlines commenced air services between Malaysia and China on Oct 1, 1972 with its inaugural flight from Kuala Lumpur to Hong Kong.

Currently Malaysia Airlines operates 57 weekly frequencies between Malaysia and China offering a total capacity of 25,234 seats in both directions

KK-Beijing Direct Flight Next On The List


KOTA KINABALU, Aug 20 (Bernama) -- Malaysia Airlines (MAS), which has launched direct flights to seven international destinations from here over the past one year, is looking at introducing another service, to Beijing.

MAS area manager for Sabah and Brunei, Shauqi Ahmad said the service could be realised within this year.

"MAS has landing rights in 14 destinations in China and one of the most exciting destinations for direct flight from Kota Kinabalu is Beijing," he told reporters here before leading a convoy of about 100 MAS vehicles adorned with the 'Jalur Gemilang' for a drive around the Kota Kinabalu International Airport.

The event, organised in conjunction with the Merdeka Month celebrations, will also be held later in Tawau, Sandakan and Lahad Datu.

The seven destinations are Balikpapan, Tarakan and Manado in Indonesia, Xiamen, Canton and Shanghai in China, and Osaka in Japan.
Those are in addition to direct services to Hong Kong, Singapore, Bandar Seri Begawan, Taipei, Kaoshiung, Seoul, Manila and Cebu.

Asked on the response for the seven new destinations, Shauqi said that MAS was enjoying an average of 65 per cent passenger load.

The flights to Osaka top the list with a load of 85 to 90 per cent followed by Canton and Shanghai of about 70 per cent.

MAS has also brought in about 80 per cent of 831,125 tourist arrivals to Sabah during the first six months of the year.

"MAS is very proud to have contributed as an enabler in positioning Sabah as a world class premier destination," he said.

-- BERNAMA

opppss.....MAS B777 tailstrike while rotating in Zurich.

http://img57.exs.cx/img57/4225/AirlinersNetPhotoID632272.jpg

MASkargo becomes first corporate to use FPX
By Jimmy Yeow


Malaysia Airlines Cargo Sdn Bhd (MASkargo) has become the first corporate company to transact electronically via the Financial Processing Exchange (FPX) gateway of Bank Negara.

MASkargo said on Oct 6 that a sum of RM159,885 due to freightage on MASkargo by Morrison Express in Penang was successfully credited electronically via the FPX on Sept 27, 2004.

It said FPX was the national Internet-based payment gateway entrusted to Malaysian Electronic Payment System Sdn Bhd (MEPS) by Bank Negara to manage and facilitate online payments for e-commerce transactions on a secure and multi-bank platform.
FPX is only to be launched at a later date.

MASkargo in collaboration with Deutsche Bank and Cargo Community Network Pte Ltd, have been running a pilot project on an electronic bill presentment and payment system (EBPP) with four freight forwarders in Penang since April.

The invoices are sent electronically to freight forwarders using the EZYcargo system operated by Cargo Community Network.

The invoices are then uploaded through an interface to the db-eBill system of Deutsche Bank, which executes the electronic settlement of bills, by the freight forwarders to MASkargo via the FPX facility.

Malaysia Airlines senior general manager (cargo) J J Ong said MASkargo expected the system to bring about significant overall improvement in work productivity and cost reduction in its billing process.

“We recognise our vital role in supporting this national e-commerce project that would enhance the competitiveness of Malaysia in trade facilitation in the global marketplace,” he said.

Freight forwarders using the online web-based EBPP system can now retrieve and print invoices received from MASkargo, reconcile invoices against air waybill records, dispute and/or make claims, monitor on statues, view summary of bills and carry out payment preparation/authorisation and payment settlement on cargo bills.

Through the FPX gateway, cargo agents can retain their existing banking relationship and choose to pay MASkargo from any of the FPX participating banks.

Using the enhanced EBPP features such as proactive notifications for late payments reminders, payment due reminders, better information and faster access to invoices and online payment history, MASkargo and its appointed freight forwarders can both benefit from operational efficiencies and potential reduction in the billing cycle.

MASkargo operates two owned and six leased B747-200 freighters, and its freighter services currently cover KLIA, Penang, Hong Kong, Melbourne, Perth, Osaka, Shanghai, Bangkok, Dubai, Taipei, Sydney and Tokyo.
In Europe, MASkargo destinations include Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Manchester, and Basel. It also offers belly space capacity on MAS passenger fleet serving almost 100 destinations worldwide.

Sita to provide in-flight SMS to MAS
By Ng Kar Yean


Sita Inc, which provides air transport applications, will be supplying its solution to enable passengers of Malaysia Airlines to send and receive short text messages and e-mails during flights.

In a statement yesterday, Sita said its AIRCOM Short Message Service (SMS) would be equipped in the airline’s 17 B747-400 and 15 B777-200 aircraft.

The service would be available through the In-flight Entertainment (IFE) screens.

Sita senior vice president of airline operations and AIRCOM services George Cooper said the installation and running costs for its AIRCOM SMS were low, as it made use of existing avionics equipment and IFE systems.

Malaysia Airlines senior general manager (sales, marketing and distribution) Datuk Rashid Khan said AIRCOM SMS was one of the many in-flight services that differentiates the airline from others.

“Our passengers have become used to a world in which we are always connected. They will now be able to communicate at affordable rates with friends and family when flying with us,” he said.

I wonder whether i get to sit a refurbished plan next month:D

I wonder whether the a bunch of newbie MAS pilots have moved up the chain into the heavier jets....looking at that tailstrike photo. I flew MAS recently fr Korea-KL and KL-Shanghai, and gosh...bumpy landings on all the segments!

Me too....but that country is still kinda dangerous as told by my friend whom went there last year. I've also got a Cambodian friend while I was studying in Auckland and he discourages me to go there unless I have bodyguards.

Maybe I'll join a tour :D
i went angkor wat last year - no problems at all - siem reap is very safe, especially if you stick to the tourist areas (town and temples). it's the safest part of cambodia. the rest of the country not so safe. but if you fly into siem reap, see angkor temples, fly out of siem reap, no problems at all. can do on your own, but of course tour is cheaper.

How did the tail strike happen to the B777?

hahaha...Sze Hoong,i sama geng la.last year my Cabodian friend told me the same thing

So..when is MAS going to join SkyTeam??

Skyteam?...I thought they will joint Oneworld alliance.

MAS and Korean Air enhance code-share cooperation

KUALA LUMPUR Oct 20 - Malaysia Airlines and Korean Air will expand their existing code sharing operations into a free sale dynamic code share which will cover two additional routes, Seoul-Kota Kinabalu and Seoul-Penang.

The expanded code-sharing will offer travellers greater seat and flight opportunities when it takes effect from Dec 1, 2004, MAS and Korea Air said in a joint statement here Wednesday.

It will enable both airlines to access each other's seats inventory and market each other designator code `KE' and `MH' on all flight between Korea and Malaysia.

The free sale dynamic code share agreement was signed Wednesday by MAS senior general manager sales, Datuk Rashid Khan and Korean Air Managing VP Passenger Route Management & Sales, Chul Ho Hahm.

Rashid said that the enhancement of the code share arrangement would allow Malaysia Airlines to widen its market share through exposure in the Korean market.

Meanwhile Korean Air President and chief operation officer Jong Hee Lee said that by expanding the code share relationship, both companies would be able to offer their customers more flexible flights and travel choices.

"This clearly shows our ongoing commitment to the service excellent strategy to greatly enhance our customers' benefits in every phase of air travel," he added.

Malaysia Airlines operates five times weekly direct services between Seoul and Kuala Lumpur and twice weekly services to Seoul via Kota Kinabalu utilising the 294-seater Airbus A330-300.

Korean Air operates daily direct services between Seoul and Kuala Lumpur and three weekly flights between Seoul and Penang utilising A330.

Malaysia Airlines aims to attract more business travellers


KUALA LUMPUR Oct 20 - Malaysia Airlines aims to attract more business travellers with its newly reconfigured Boeing 777-200 and the retrofitted 747-400 aircraft.

The first reconfigured Boeing 777-200 aircraft will begin operations in December, flying the Kuala Lumpur-Tokyo, Zurich and Sydney sectors, while the first retrofitted Boeing B747-400 aircraft will be deployed on the Kuala Lumpur-London-Kuala Lumpur route in February next year.

The cost of upgrading the cabin of its fleet of 17 Boeing B777-200 and 19 Boeing B747-400 is more than RM700 million, Malaysia Airlines said in a statement here Wednesday.

Its managing director, Datuk Ahmad Fuaad Dahlan said: "The investment in the latest technology, futuristic style and innnovative design in cabin comfort is to ensure that our passengers continue to experience an exciting new level of comfort, luxury and convenience that keeps Going Beyond Expectation."

On the direct impact to the business performance, Ahmad Fuaad said the new aircraft would appeal to the business travelling market and consequently enhance its revenue.

In addition, the installation of the Matsushita System 3000 (the digital system which provides movies, music and interactive games on demand) in all classes including Economy, will appeal to the mass travelling market and help improve the load factor.

He said the inflight entertainment upgrade was to cater to the more information technology (IT) savvy and young passengers in the 20-35 year age group who would be the potential clients of Malaysia Airlines in the near future.

The new B777-200 aircraft will have 42 seats in Business class and 247 seats in Economy class.

The Boeing 747-400 will retain the three classes of seats - First (12) Business (41) and Economy (306).

Skyteam?...I thought they will joint Oneworld alliance.

I doubt it, I think Skyteam is the alliance they're gonna end up teaming with. If you look at it, they already have codeshare agreements with 2 of the large partner airlines in Skyteam...Northwest Airlines and Korean Airlines. The other partner which I'm not sure whether they have codeshare stuff with, who is also a huge pillar in Skyteam is KLM.

So, I think it's inevitable that MAS chooses Skyteam....OneWorld has too many large Asian carriers already (SIA, Thai).

I doubt it, I think Skyteam is the alliance they're gonna end up teaming with. If you look at it, they already have codeshare agreements with 2 of the large partner airlines in Skyteam...Northwest Airlines and Korean Airlines. The other partner which I'm not sure whether they have codeshare stuff with, who is also a huge pillar in Skyteam is KLM.

So, I think it's inevitable that MAS chooses Skyteam....OneWorld has too many large Asian carriers already (SIA, Thai).

Ehh... SIA and Thai are from Star Alliance larr not OneWorld!!

The only Asian member of oneworld is Cathay Pacific larr... I prefer MH joining them then SkyTeam!!

MH's new First Class...

http://img96.exs.cx/img96/9876/mh.jpg

http://img25.exs.cx/img25/6030/mhf1.jpg

http://img73.exs.cx/img73/769/mhf2.jpg

MH's new Business Class...

http://img73.exs.cx/img73/5958/mhb1.jpg

http://img73.exs.cx/img73/9413/mhb2.jpg

http://img73.exs.cx/img73/6022/mhb3.jpg

http://img25.exs.cx/img25/6366/mhb4.jpg

wah!the new sits looks very 'eggy' la.The curve makes it looks kinda cute:D
I wonder how will the economy class look like.Hope i can sit on it early next year!:D

That's more I like it! Though the colors aren't of my taste.

JAL's business class seats looks cuter to me!! And dat chic also cute :D:D!!

http://img77.exs.cx/img77/6262/jal_seat4.jpg

That's more I like it! Though the colors aren't of my taste.


I dun like the colours too......but no doubt it would be the widest in its class :okay:

JAL's looks nice :D

JAL's looks very modern.Macam space age!

JAL's looks very modern.Macam space age!

Ah but MH 'compensates' with the warmth of her crew :)

Anyone seen the latest MH tv commercial currently being aired on the cable channels? Very unconventional but refreshing :)

Ah but MH 'compensates' with the warmth of her crew :)

Anyone seen the latest MH tv commercial currently being aired on the cable channels? Very unconventional but refreshing :)


I am not too sure which one you saw but their ads had been very nice. I like their latest one which shows people from all over the world in one field and a girl cycling around. :okay:

The ads showing the plane as a place to freshened up is also nice......very unique ;)

nowadays airlines are really competing each other with media publication.Qantas had a nice commercial which shows children singing around the landmarks of Australia

Guys now u all can check out the preview of the new MH First and Business class seats online... MAS' Website (http://www.mas.com.my)

Pics added at post #159... page 8...

the colour is just perfect in my opinion. i mean a mix of blue and red kinda create a much peaceful mood. :) :) :)

Ehh... SIA and Thai are from Star Alliance larr not OneWorld!!

Oh ya, mispoke! Sorry!

but I still think they'll join Skyteam...look at the Enrich Airline Partners page on their (MAS) website...it's Northwest Airlines, KLM, Swissair and Virgin Atlantic. Northwest and KLM are main members in Skyteam. MAS is codesharing more with Korean, also a Skyteam member...

mm, the Business Class seats are touted as angled at 8 degrees...hmm...that sounds a little odd, wouldn't that be an unusual position to attempt to sleep in?

BTW, i really like their new Website! Very easy to find things...

Oh ya, mispoke! Sorry!

but I still think they'll join Skyteam...look at the Enrich Airline Partners page on their (MAS) website...it's Northwest Airlines, KLM, Swissair and Virgin Atlantic. Northwest and KLM are main members in Skyteam. MAS is codesharing more with Korean, also a Skyteam member...

Yuppz... I do notice that from the start... :)

mm, the Business Class seats are touted as angled at 8 degrees...hmm...that sounds a little odd, wouldn't that be an unusual position to attempt to sleep in?

BTW, i really like their new Website! Very easy to find things...

Too bad they choose those seats made by B/E Aerospace... that's the best they can do (B/E Aero)... 8 degrees... MH should have choosen the seats from Contour Premium Aircraft Seating... flat bed even for Business Class... every passengers will even have direct aisle access with the herring bone layout... but I think the seats are smaller compared to B/E's offering...

http://img25.exs.cx/img25/3452/nz-seats_sleeper_a400x300.jpg

http://img73.exs.cx/img73/1641/nz-seats_sleeper_b300x400.jpg

I am not too sure which one you saw but their ads had been very nice. I like their latest one which shows people from all over the world in one field and a girl cycling around. :okay:

The ads showing the plane as a place to freshened up is also nice......very unique ;)

Oh, it's the former, the one with the little girl cycling around. Not the seen the latter one yet.. was it released at the same time?

I guess they used red and blue as its their logo's colour scheme.

I would love to sit on a business or first class one day

Just checked out the new MH website.. it's definitely more functional and user-friendly than the last one, but i thought the colour scheme could have been more vibrant.

Also noticed that from Nov 1, MH's thrice-weekly KL-NY flight will be re-routed through Stockholm instead of Dubai.

MAS forecasts 25% increase in international traffic
By Yap Lih Huey


Malaysian Airline System Bhd (MAS) predicts a 25% growth in international passenger volume in its financial year (FY) ending March 31, 2005, spurred by strong traffic from China and India, says its managing director Datuk Ahmad Fuaad Mohd Dahlan.

He said MAS would carry a total of 8.78 million passengers for its international routes, an increase of 1.76 million passengers, in FY2005.

“Almost 70% of our business is in the international market. We expect to see a lot more growth in our routes in Asia especially China and India,” he said at the KL International Airport on Nov 1 after the sending-off of MAS' inaugural flight to Stockholm with 166 passengers onboard.

Ahmad Fuaad noted the growth would be achieved on the back of an advertising budget of 3% of its total annual revenue, or some RM263 million.

Currently, MAS flies Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Chengdu, Xiamen, Guangzhou, New Delhi, Bombay, Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad. It will add Ahmedabad to its international network in December.

MAS is close to formalising an agreement with India, to allow it to fly the Calcutta route, from which the national carrier could expand into the South Asian continent. “We expect to start commercial flight to Calcutta the latest by November 2005. But, we are hoping to start the route in March next year,” he added.

After Stockholm, Ahmad Fuaad said MAS was looking at flying to two additional European destinations such as Madrid and Brussels, which have the potential to increase its international passenger traffic.

“We will look into these two potential destinations once the Amsterdam route matures,” he added. MAS expects to carry 60,000 to 70,000 passengers yearly on its direct KL-Stockholm flights. MAS also launched a direct service between Stockholm and New York on Nov 1.

I'm glad that MAS finally upgraded their First/Business class package. I think next is the menu :P

i wonder if MAS also gonna upgrade the economy class :? :?

Oh, it's the former, the one with the little girl cycling around. Not the seen the latter one yet.. was it released at the same time?


The latter is actually part of their 'fly.rest.relax' campaign. It was an on-going campaign for more than a year already I think.....the little girl one is the latest I've seen ;)

MAS adds flights for Deepavali and Raya
By Jimmy Yeow


Malaysia Airlines (MAS) has added another 51 domestic flights to meet the demand for the Deepavali and Hari Raya Puasa festive period, the national carrier said.

Within Peninsular Malaysia, the national carrier has mounted 24 additional flights between Kuala Lumpur and Kota Baru, Langkawi and Penang using the 144-seater B737-400 aircraft.

In a statement on Nov 2, MAS said it had also mounted 18 additional services between Kuala Lumpur and Sabah and Sarawak, six more between Johor Bahru and East Malaysia as well as three more flights between Sibu and Kuching and Kota Kinabalu.

It said these extra flights had added 9,384 seats or 7% over its existing domestic capacity.

MAS said it was monitoring the load factors closely and would add more flights pending availability of aircraft and flight crew, should the situation warrant it.

MAS brings Sipadan Island closer to the world

TAWAU Oct 31 - Malaysia Airlines began a daily direct flight between Kuala Lumpur and this town on Sabah's east coast Sunday.

Its area manager for Sabah, Shauqi Ahmad, said the direct service will bring the world closer to Tawau's most important tourist attraction - the world-class diving destination of Sipadan Island.

"This service will be a boon to the local tourism industry," he told reporters at the Tawau Airport where he welcomed the arrival of the first planeload of passengers from Kuala Lumpur.

MAS Offers Discounted Fare To Help Woo Students From Saudi Arabia


From Lena Liew

DOHA (Qatar), Nov 2 (Bernama) -- Malaysia Airlines (MAS) is offering students from Saudi Arabia a discounted air fare to support the Malaysian Education Consulate's drive to woo foreign students to Malaysia.

The offer of economy class tickets is open till May 31 next year.

It applies to both students joining a college or university in Malaysia for the first time as well as students resuming their studies in Malaysia after their holidays," said Jeddah-based Education Consul Muhammad Radhi Hamzah.

"The students will need to furnish me with their student ID or an acceptance letter from a recognised college or university in Malaysia. I will then issue them a letter from my office to present to Malaysia Airlines to get the student air fare," he told Bernama via telephone.

The offer is open to Saudi Arabia residents of any nationality, he added.

Some 5,000 Malaysian families live in Saudi Arabia. Among them are some 100 "children" of tertiary education age.

A memorandum of understanding to implement the student air fare scheme was signed on Oct 13 between Muhammad Radhi and Morad Omar, Malaysia Airlines area manager for Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Syria and Yemen.

The signing was witnessed by Zainon Mustaffa of the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education's Department of Higher Education and Malaysian Consul General Zulkifli Yaacob.

"As of Oct 31, 27 students have turned up at my office for endorsement. I am expecting more to come after Hari Raya Aidilfitri, as many are spending the festive holidays with their families here," Muhammad Radhi said.

He said the special student airfare was "a substantial discount" from the Saudi Riyal 2,900 to 3,200 (RM2,975-3,283) normally charged by Malaysia Airlines for a return economy class ticket from Jeddah to Kuala Lumpur.

There are around 2,000 students from Saudi Arabia pursuing various courses in Malaysia.

"So far this year, we have managed to attract 700 new students of various nationalities whose families are residing in Saudi Arabia ... mostly Jordanians, Indians and Mauritians," Muhammad Radhi said.

They are taking courses like engineering, marketing, information communication technology, business administration, petroleum sciences, medicine, pharmacy and even aircraft piloting.

For the Saudi market, the most popular Malaysian public universities are Universiti Islam Antarabangsa (UIA, which is 30-70 per cent owned by the Jeddah-based Organisation of Islamic Council and Malaysia) and Multimedia University (MMU).

The attraction appears to be their offer of a one-year foundation English language course to students accepted into their three-year Bachelor's courses, Muhammad Radhi said.

MMU has even engaged a local company to serve as an offshore recruitment agency for its undergraduate and graduate courses.

Around 70 per cent of students from Saudi Arabia are non-Saudi nationals.

"We are looking forward to more Saudi students since we reached an agreement with the Saudi government to send its scholarship students to UIA, MMU, Universiti Teknologi Petronas and Universiti Tenaga for undergraduate courses, and UIA, UM, USM, UKM, UPM and UTM for graduate courses," said Muhammad Radhi.

Saudi nationals are educated by the Saudi government up to the highest level.

Among the many private colleges promoting their courses outside of Malaysia, Limkokwing International House, ELS and SAL are the most popular for their English language courses.

"We are working to encourage 'educatourism', whereby foreigners from West Asia especially come to Malaysia not only for holidays but also for short courses.

"They used to send their children to the West for all sort of courses ... not anymore," Muhammad Radhi said, outlining the difficulties Saudi students face under tight security measures in place in Western countries nowadays.

-- BERNAMA

The Star: 4th. November 2004

MAS buying 39 planes to replace half of its fleet

MALAYSIA Airlines (MAS) is planning to purchase 39 new jetliners under an estimated US$1bil plan to replace nearly half of its fleet, a company executive said.

The plan indicates that Malaysia Airlines hopes to expand its routes and capacity despite rising fuel prices and competition from Asia’s emerging low-cost carriers.

The carrier expects to reach a decision by the end of April on possibly buying the planes from Airbus SAS or Boeing Co, MAS chief financial officer Low Chee Teng said in a recent interview with Dow Jones Newswires.

Passenger comfort and fuel economy were the main reasons to replace the carrier’s 39 narrow-body Boeing 737 planes, Low added. Malaysia Airlines has 97 aircraft.

The cost of the new narrow-body passenger jet is between US$25mil (and US$35mil each, meaning the planned purchase could exceed US$1bil, Low said.

Malaysia Airlines is also hedging a bigger portion of its fuel needs and refurbishing business and first class seats to raise revenue and enhance its image, Low said.

Jet fuel will probably account for more than 30% of the carrier’s total costs in the fiscal year ending March 2005, up from 23% a year ago, he added.

Capacity is forecast to rise between 10% and 20% in the current financial year, mostly due to more flights to Australia, China and India, Low said.

Those flights have been added despite the fact that low-cost carriers also plan to penetrate markets in China and Australia. – AP

Rolls-Royce likely to win engine contract
Rizalman Hammim


ROLLS-Royce Group plc is believed to be the favourite to win the engine supply contract from Penerbangan Malaysia Bhd (PMB) for the newly-purchased Airbus aircraft, sources close to the deal said.
“Rolls-Royce is the likely winner for the contract as it offers the best-fit policy for PMB ,” a source told Mail Money.

He also said Rolls-Royce’s chances were boosted as it was the engine supplier for the 15 Boeing 777-200 aircraft that Malaysia Airline System Bhd (MAS) bought in 1996, the last time the national carrier had purchased planes.

Meanwhile, PMB, the parent of MAS, said it will only make the decision on the engine supplier for the Airbus aircraft by the end of the year.

“We have had discussions with the bidders regarding the engine supply contract. However, we will only announce the decision by year-end,” a PMB official, who declined to be named, told Mail Money.

Rolls-Royce and the Engine Alliance have said that they are bidding for the contract, which is valued at up to US$400 million (RM1.52 billion).

Rolls-Royce is the world's second largest maker of aircraft engines while the Engine Alliance is made up of Pratt & Whitney, a unit of United Technologies Corp, and General Electric Co, the world’s biggest company by market value.

Rolls-Royce, which supplies almost 13 per cent of the aircraft engines used by MAS, has said that it is seeking to supply as many as 28 of its Trent 900 engines to power the airline's A380 planes.

“We will also finalise the details of the funding for the contract by year-end,” the official said.

Last year, PMB ordered six A380s from Airbus SAS, the world's biggest aircraft builder, in a deal estimated to be valued as much as US$1.6 billion (RM6.08 billion).

PMB plans to lease them to MAS for passenger flights and Airbus is expected to deliver the first three double-decked 555-seater airliners in 2007, with the rest a year later.

MAS will likely use the planes to serve its long-haul European routes, including major hubs like London and Amsterdam.

The A380 will become the world's biggest plane when it goes into service in 2006.

According to Airbus, it has received 129 orders from 11 airlines for the aircraft.

The Star: 4th. November 2004

MAS buying 39 planes to replace half of its fleet

MALAYSIA Airlines (MAS) is planning to purchase 39 new jetliners under an estimated US$1bil plan to replace nearly half of its fleet, a company executive said.

The plan indicates that Malaysia Airlines hopes to expand its routes and capacity despite rising fuel prices and competition from Asia’s emerging low-cost carriers.

The carrier expects to reach a decision by the end of April on possibly buying the planes from Airbus SAS or Boeing Co, MAS chief financial officer Low Chee Teng said in a recent interview with Dow Jones Newswires.

Passenger comfort and fuel economy were the main reasons to replace the carrier’s 39 narrow-body Boeing 737 planes, Low added. Malaysia Airlines has 97 aircraft.

The cost of the new narrow-body passenger jet is between US$25mil (and US$35mil each, meaning the planned purchase could exceed US$1bil, Low said.

Malaysia Airlines is also hedging a bigger portion of its fuel needs and refurbishing business and first class seats to raise revenue and enhance its image, Low said.

Jet fuel will probably account for more than 30% of the carrier’s total costs in the fiscal year ending March 2005, up from 23% a year ago, he added.

Capacity is forecast to rise between 10% and 20% in the current financial year, mostly due to more flights to Australia, China and India, Low said.

Those flights have been added despite the fact that low-cost carriers also plan to penetrate markets in China and Australia. – AP

i strongly agree if MAS replaced their ageing B737, i mean the planes are old and maybe even unsafe............last time i took that kinda plane there was incident, the engines couldnt start up.

i strongly agree if MAS replaced their ageing B737, i mean the planes are old and maybe even unsafe............last time i took that kinda plane there was incident, the engines couldnt start up.
yeah, those national flights are just too old.. i remember their seats were even uncomparable to konsortium national bus's seats...

Haha... Nice 2 even better yo!!

Haha... Nice 2 even better yo!!


You should try Aeroline...better than Nice 2 :D

yeah, those national flights are just too old.. i remember their seats were even uncomparable to konsortium national bus's seats...


MAS planes are new by the American standard. You should fly an American domestic flight and then you tell me if you would like to fly MAS domestically or not :D

Sad to say....I find MAS planes tons nicer than Qantas which is the fav of many around the world. I dunno why but Qantas planes seems old and there are no leg rest :( No personal entertainment system to top it all........the only consolation I've got are the nice food and stewardess (very polite) :yes:

MAS planes are new by the American standard. You should fly an American domestic flight and then you tell me if you would like to fly MAS domestically or not :D

Sad to say....I find MAS planes tons nicer than Qantas which is the fav of many around the world. I dunno why but Qantas planes seems old and there are no leg rest :( No personal entertainment system to top it all........the only consolation I've got are the nice food and stewardess (very polite) :yes:
wahlan.. american domestic flight so bad meh....

anyway MAS international planes are number 1, in my opinion. planes condition and service are superb. food also number 1..i like it!

wahlan.. american domestic flight so bad meh....

anyway MAS international planes are number 1, in my opinion. planes condition and service are superb. food also number 1..i like it!

Serious... they still even use the Fokker or Twin Otter aircraft for some domestic flights... like from New York to Syracuse... very scary yo!!

One of the new MAS ads :) Very well done!

http://www.malaysiaairlines.co.nz/products/video/index.html

BTW, heard rumours MAS is going to freshen up corporate image by changing the uniforms of the FA's. GUCCI is reportedly the new designer, bring red and blue kebayas to the mix and ditching the male FA uniform (fingers crossed)

Also heard MAS may annouce Moscow via Dubai.....

Sydney-Kuching packages prove a hit

By M. KRISHNAMOORTHY
HAD Ramesh Sivabalan, 27, known about the Malaysia Airlines' (MAS) special offer of RM1,800 for a Sydney-Kuching return flight plus four nights' stay in a four-star hotel in Kuching, he would have taken it without a second thought.

“It is a steal and would have been an ideal choice for my honeymoon because my parents are from Malaysia,” said Ramesh, who has already committed more than RM3,500 for a holiday with his wife in the Maldives next week.

“Malaysia Airlines is really living up to its advertising punchline 'Going Beyond Expectations',” added Ramesh, a Sydney-based home loans investment adviser.

“Kuching has the potential of attracting more Australians who may drop Bali, Maldives and other destinations because it (Kuching) has a lot more to offer, and the Australian dollar would go a long way in Malaysia,” he said.

Last week, MAS launched twice-weekly flights from Sydney to Kuching, on Tuesdays and Fridays.

The inaugural flight launched in Sydney by Sarawak's Urban Development and Tourism Minister Datuk Wong Soon Koh got off to a roaring start with full house booking for next month and January.

MAS regional vice president for Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific Salleh Tabrani said the two new flights would be a shot in the arm for tourist arrivals to Malaysia.

“Our ongoing promotions for all flights from Sydney to Kuching are already fully booked for November and December, and we are optimistic that this trend will follow into next year,” he said.

The two additional flights, he said, offered Australian and Malaysian tourists value for money through its special packages.

The new route will increase MAS flights from Australia/New Zealand to Malaysia to 44, said Salleh.

“With the additional services, which will be supported by a strong marketing and sales campaign, we anticipate a significant increase in tourist arrivals to Kuching and Malaysia,” said Salleh.

Tourist arrivals are expected to see a dramatic increase with the introductory special offer of A$699 (about RM1,800) for a return flight and four-night stay in a four-star hotel in Kuching, including transfers, he said.

The flight will be a direct non-stop Boeing 777 service, complementing the existing Airbus 330-300 twice-weekly services from Perth to Kuching.

Currently, MAS is the third largest foreign carrier in Australia operating from five cities in the continent – Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide – with connections to over 100 global destinations.

Salleh said he was confident the new services would yield a 10% increase in the annual volume of outbound passengers from Australia on MAS.

“We are focused on capturing a greater segment of the premium travelling market with the exciting new level of comfort, luxury and convenience when the newly reconfigured Boeing 777-200 and retrofitted 747-400 aircraft are introduced,” he said.

“The first reconfigured Boeing 777-200 aircraft will begin operations in December, flying the Kuala Lumpur-Tokyo, Zurich and Sydney sectors. The Boeing B747-400 aircraft will be deployed on the Kuala Lumpur-London-Kuala Lumpur route in February.”

Salleh said the airline is focused on ensuring that it continues to innovate by introducing new products and services to benefit customers and maintain its competitive edge.

“ Futuristic styling, greater cabin comfort and investment in the latest technology are to ensure that our passengers continue to experience a new level of luxury and convenience.

“The initiative will boost our appeal to the business segment and consequently enhance our revenue.”

MAS is also offering the most advanced in-flight entertainment system to all passengers of its newly reconfigured Boeing 777-200 and retrofitted 747-400. This means all passengers, regardless of class, will have more than 350 entertainment options, including 40 films, 60 short features and 200 CD titles on demand, all accessible via personal digital touch screens.

MAS is one of the pioneers to install the third-generation sleeper beds and emerging entertainment technologies for its cabin reconfiguration.

MAS Becomes First Asia Pacific Airline To Fit EFB On Board B777

From Umi Hani Sharani

SEATTLE, Nov 23 (Bernama) -- Malaysia Airlines (MAS) has become the first carrier in the Asia Pacific to have a Class 3 Boeing Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) on board as its 16th Boeing 777-200 Extended Range (ER) aircraft received Tuesday has been fitted with the advanced system.

The aircraft is also the second last B777 airplane from Boeing to MAS.

Dinesh Keskar, aircraft trading president of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said the EFB would allow MAS pilots to manage the flight operations of the airplane with greater accuracy through the use of advanced electronic displays and information.

"The EFB has also resulted in a paperless flight deck which enhances efficiency while reducing cost and weight," he said in his keynote address at a dinner here to mark the B777-200 Extended Range (ER) airplane delivery to MAS.

MAS chairman Datuk Dr Munir Majid and MAS senior general manager of flight operations, Datuk Captain Mohd Nawawi Awang, received the airplane on behalf of the national carrier.

Keskar, who is also Boeing's senior vice president of sales in South and South East Asia, said with the EFB and new business-class seats providing better comfort for passengers, MAS was "bound to reiterate its leadership in the region."

"You (MAS) redefine the standards in passenger comfort and services and have again been voted the Best Cabin Crew for the third year in a row," he said.

MAS has acquired B777 airplanes since 1997. The national carrier has also been setting new standards with Boeing as the airline's first B777-200 ER, dubbed the "Super Ranger", broke two world records in 1997 for speed and distance as it flew non-stop from Seattle to Kuala Lumpur and back to Seattle again.

Keskar said the "round-the-world-journey" covered more than 36,800 km (23,000 miles) in 41 hours and 59 minutes, a feat that has yet to be surpassed.

"The great and growing prestige of MAS is one of the reasons why we at Boeing are highly focused on your airline as a potential customer for the Boeing 7E7 Dreamliner and the 737 Next Generation (NG)," he said.

The new super-efficient and highly comfortable airliners would be perfectly suited to the opening of new non-stop air services between Malaysia and dozens of other medium and long-range destinations around the world, Keskar said.

-- BERNAMA

Telekom & Malaysia Airlines Forge Smart Business Partnership


KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 23 (Bernama) -- Telekom Malaysia Bhd and Malaysia Airlines (MAS), among corporate Malaysia's two largest Government Linked Companies (GLCs), Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate and synergise business arrangements towards establishing a smart business partnership.

In a joint statement here Tuesday, MAS said the MoU was signed today by Jaffa Sany, group chief financial officer, Telekom Malaysia, and Datuk Abdul Rashid Khan, senior general manager, sales, distribution & marketing of MAS.

Under the terms of the agreement effective Dec 1, 2004, MAS will offer special corporate net rates for Telekom Malaysia staff's duty travel on its services.

In addition, Telekom Malaysia employees and family members will also benefit from special promotional fares to selected destinations of the national carrier as well as special rates for MAS Golden Holiday packages.

On its part, MAS will enjoy competitive prices for its telecommunication services subscribed from Telekom Malaysia which include leased lines, data and voice services among others.

Additionally, MAS will also be able to use Telekom Malaysia's existing channels to market and promote its products.

Speaking at the signing ceremony Jaffa said: " We are delighted to cooperate with MAS, a fellow GLC and it marks a new beginning in our relationship in this era of revamped GLCs. I strongly feel that smart partnership between members of GLCs should be encouraged for mutual business significance."

Meanwhile Rashid in his speech earlier said: "Together, Malaysia Airlines and Telekom Malaysia, had been bringing the world to Malaysia and Malaysia to the world for many years.

It was therefore natural for this MoU to pave the way for closer cooperation between two of Malaysia's biggest Government Linked Companies, he said.

-- BERNAMA

The Star: 26th. November 2004

MAS to further expand China airline network

Malaysia Airlines (MAS) is well prepared to further tap the China market by introducing more air links as well as additional services on existing routes in the coming years, said regional manager for China, Dr Mohd Amin Khan.

“This is part of our plans to build our network in China,” he said at the China International Travel Mart 2004 in Shanghai yesterday.

MAS is participating for the first time at the travel mart.

In a statement released in Kuala Lumpur, Amin said the airline’s network expansion would be dynamic as China, being the crux of Asia-Pacific, continued to lead growth trends in the region.

He said the strategy to strengthen its market presence in China was evidenced this year by the introduction of new air links between Chengdu and Kuala Lumpur, Shanghai and Kota Kinabalu as well as Xiamen and Kuching via Kota Kinabalu.

Malaysia commenced air services with China on Oct 1, 1972, with its inaugural flight from Kuala Lumpur to Hong Kong and has since added Guangzhou, Beijing, Shanghai, Xiamen and Chengdu to its network.

On April 2, MAS opened another link between China and Malaysia with the commencement of twice-weekly direct services between Shanghai and Kota Kinabalu.

Besides that, it has also increased its frequency of its direct services between Shanghai and KL from seven to 14 times a week.

Currently, MAS operates 60 weekly frequencies between China and Malaysia, offering a total capacity of 30,014 seats in both directions.

Next year, the national carrier intends to add two more cities – Kunming and Xian – operating thrice-weekly between Kunming-KL and twice-weekly direct service between Xian-KL. – Bernama

Munir: Malaysia Airlines Ought To Focus On Being Full Service Carrier


KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 26 (Bernama) -- Malaysia Airlines chairman Datuk Dr Munir Majid believes that the national airline should concentrate on being a full service carrier (FSC) while it can invest in a low cost carrier (LCC) if there is business potential.

But he stressed that even if it took a share in the equity of an LCC, the latter "should run the show by itself."

The track record of full service carriers undertaking low cost operations has not been good as they do not know how to run the business, he said in an inflight interview on board Malaysia Airlines' latest B777-200ER aircraft on the way back from Seattle recently.

"The cost structure cannot support it. For example, Singapore Airlines (SIA) owns 49 percent of Tiger Airways but they (SIA) don't run it," he said.

"We should not meddle (in running the business) because we might spoil it," Dr Munir said.

Commenting on LCCs wanting to take a bigger slice of the growing markets in China and India, he said there would always be competition in the aviation industry and one must remember that there were various market segments.

"And ours is a full service carrier, we are looking at a different segment," he said.

However, should there be a convergence between FSCs and LCCs in terms of the market segment, Dr Munir said: "We will fight for it. We are not going to say to anyone else what can or cannot be done as we hope others do not tell us what can or cannot be done."

As a listed company, Dr Munir said Malaysia Airlines has an obligation to its shareholders, including minority shareholders.

For Malaysia Airlines, he said its majority shareholder was the government, meaning the people of Malaysia.

"We will compete on behalf of the Malaysian people who own 70 percent of us," he said.

With a global reputation as a good airline, Dr Munir said Malaysia Airlines had in fact been mentioned as one of the top three carriers by the Daily Telegraph newspaper.

"We fly 500 flights a day. Singapore Airlines, for example, does 500 flights a week. We have first class pilots, top of the range. Everybody wants to pinch them. We have first class engineers, everybody wants to pinch them. We got first class cabin crews. Everybody said they are the best. Everybody wants to pinch them," he said.

Although Malaysia Airlines had received its fair share of compliments from the world over, Dr Munir said it could not afford to be complacent.

"We have to defend our position. At the same time, we also have to expand our market, and we will do it in a free and fair competitive situation," he said.

Referring to co-operation with competing airlines, Dr Munir said Malaysia Airlines had no problems in this area and had in fact helped AirAsia recently when one of the latter's aircraft had a minor accident at the Kota Kinabalu airport.

"You never know when you might need help. They (AirAsia) needed help to push the (aircraft's) nose out of the mud. And where did the help come from? Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) and Malaysia Airlines. That's what we do. We have no problems," he said.

Dr Munir said although the interest of Malaysia Airlines came first, it would not exclude others when help was needed.

-- BERNAMA

MAS posts RM159m net profit for 6 mths
By Yap Lih Huey


Malaysian Airline System Bhd (MAS) posted a net profit of RM159.29 million for the first six months to Sept 30, 2004 compared with a net loss of RM63.45 million a year ago, on stronger revenue from airline and cargo operations.

Announcing its financial results on Nov 29, MAS said revenue increased to RM5.21 billion from RM3.85 billion a year ago.

Basic earnings per share stood at 12.71 sen from a loss of 5.06 sen while its net tangible assets per share was RM2.

For the second quarter, MAS posted a net profit of RM132.70 million on revenue of RM2.77 billion against RM101.07 million and RM2.18 billion a year ago.

For the six months under review, its airline operation chalked up an operating profit of RM113.69 million, cargo services RM44.62 million and catering services RM2.29 million.

In a statement on Nov 29, MAS managing director Datuk Ahmad Fuaad Dahlan said: “The results would have been stronger if not for the rising fuel cost.” The group’s operating expenditure increased by 29%, mainly due to higher fuel cost.

MAS said traffic demand was expected to remain buoyant with the industry continuing its growth albeit at a more moderate pace due to the impact of fuel surcharge, particularly for shorter-haul travel.

It said long-haul business travel had picked up given the better global economic climate but selective regional routes were under pressure from existing and new low-cost carriers’ expansion into Asia.

“The added competition and capacity could act as a restraint to future increase in yields,” it said.

MAS is investing RM700 million to upgrade 17 B777 and 15 B747 aircraft over 18 months to enhance its appeal to the business travelling market and to improve premium-seat factors.

Despite this, the national air carrier expected prospects for the forthcoming months to remain reasonably good with the peak travel period in Australia/New Zealand and South Africa; and extra demand for India coinciding with the holiday season in November and December for Malaysia.

The recently launched MAS Internet Booking Facility had generated good response to Internet sales, and this trend was expected to continue with increased penetration and greater awareness, it said.

MAS said it would continue with its current strategy on growing the markets in China, India and key cities in Australia while implementing similar strategies and operations in Ahmedabad, Kunming, Xian and Calcutta for its upcoming northern winter season.

On its cargo operations, it said cargo throughput is expected to rise by 15% this financial year due to an improved world economy, upturn in industrial production and global trade. MAS will spend RM60 million to increase its warehouse capacity to 100,000sq feet to handle 1.5 million kg per annum. Work on the expansion project will be completed in 2007. The present warehouse can handle 650,000kg per year with a current utilisation rate of more than 90%.

Freighter operations in China, it added, had been intensified during the peak season to take advantage of the increase in air freight demand. The additional belly space capacity to China and India will have a positive impact for cargo revenue. However, it cautioned that the industry and MAS would continue to be affected by fluctuations in interest and exchange rates as well as concerns over high fuel prices on global growth.

MASkargo revenue rises
By KANG SIEW LI


MALAYSIA Airlines Cargo Sdn Bhd’s (MASkargo) revenue and cargo tonnage grew at a faster rate in its fiscal second quarter of this year over the same period last year, but its net profit fell due to fuel price increases.

Malaysian Airline System Bhd (MAS) senior general manager (cargo) Datuk Ong Jyh Jong said the cargo subsidiary of MAS achieved a double-digit improvement in revenue in the second quarter compared with the year ago quarter, with cargo tonnage rising by 15 per cent.

“However, our net profit dropped slightly during the period due to jet fuel prices which were 48 per cent higher than the previous year,” he told Business Times, but declined to reveal numbers. MAS will release its second-quarter earnings results today.

He said if the prices of jet fuel had been going according to its budget, MASkargo would have recorded “very good profit” in the latest quarter. It had budgeted for US$0.49 per gallon for the year, but the price of jet fuel is now hovering at US$1.40 (US$1 = RM3.80) per gallon.

Jet fuel accounts for nearly 30 per cent of MASkargo’s operating costs.

Considering the fuel price increases, Ong said revenue, cargo tonnage and net profit in the three months ended September 30 2004 were nonetheless better than in the first quarter. Operating profit in its fiscal first quarter ended June 30 2004 totalled RM20.2 million on revenue of RM616.9 million.

Targeting the right market has helped boost earnings, said Ong.

“We still see growth in our business and thus, we were able to do better than in the first quarter. If we remain on this upward trend, we are optimistic that full-year net profit will match our 2003/2004 fiscal year performance,” said Ong.

He did not discount the possibility that MASkargo could report a record annual net profit for the year, given the improvement lately in the prices of jet fuel.

“However, we are concerned that this is going to be a cold winter. As such, fuel price may go up (again). Early indications are that the Northern Hemisphere is going to have a very cold winter. But the good thing about the current situation is that prices of jet fuel are more stable,” he added.

“One thing’s for certain, this fiscal year will be a record-breaking year for MASkargo, revenue-wise. That’s because revenue for the first seven months of the year had already surpassed its all-time high of RM1.8 billion achieved in the full year ended March 31 2001.

“But this will also mean that we need to do a lot more to sustain this level,” said Ong.

To sustain its double-digit revenue and cargo tonnage growth this fiscal year, MASkargo is looking into expanding its operations into India and China.

It currently operates freighter flights to Hangzhou, Beijing and Shanghai in China.

Ong said MASkargo will mount freighter flights into India — like to New Delhi in March next year.

“We will also increase our freighter services into China by the first quarter of next year. We will probably almost double the current capacity and frequencies,” he added.

The company will be opening a new 32,000sq ft warehouse in Hangzhou, China, next month. This warehouse has the capacity to handle up to 100,000 tonnes of cargo per year.

Ong expects growth of the Chinese market to help MASkargo boost revenue and cargo tonnage as the country is poised to benefit from the lifting of export quota on garments to the US and Europe in January next year as stated under the World Trade Organisation agreement.

“Thereafter, China will become a huge export market and we are ready to capitalise on that growth,” said Ong.

Ong said MASkargo’s cargo tonnage from January to December this year is expected to rise to 630,000 tonnes.

“Already, it is hitting capacity constraints at the KL International Airport in Sepang,” he said.

“We are introducing some procedures that will help us handle more, and yet not affect our current operations. For instance, we are moving some of our activities outside Malaysia to secondary hubs such as Amsterdam, Dubai and Hangzhou,” he added.

Meanwhile, Ong declined to reveal whether MAS’ passenger division would see a financial turnaround in the latest quarter. For the fiscal first quarter ended June 30 2004, it posted an operating loss of RM15.1 million on revenue of RM2 billion.

“I can only say that overall, the group’s numbers are pretty strong in the second quarter. From the passenger division’s point of view, it has improved in its yields and load factor,” said Ong.

hiya
can anyone post another pic of the new mas livery? The pic isnt there.
Cheers

The Star: 30th. November 2004

MAS revamping front-end services

BY LEE KAR YEAN IN SEATTLE

IN its efforts to be proactive in facing the challenging and competitive landscape in the airline industry, Malaysia Airlines (MAS) is undertaking a massive revamp of its in-flight operations, particularly its front-end services.

The national carrier will focus on upgrading the high revenue generating first-class and business-class seats in its fleet of aircraft, which include the Boeing 747 and 777. MAS will also change, in stages, the uniform of its cabin crew. The national carrier last changed the cabin crew uniform in 1993.

It is learnt that MAS is currently operating below the average load capacity of other international airlines in terms of the percentage of first- and business-class seats booked. It has 109 aircraft flying to more than 100 destinations.

Chairman Datuk Dr Munir Majid said the airline had to ensure that it responded fast to market scenarios and leveraged on its unique selling points in marketing the first and business classes.

“We want our MAS front cabins filled up. Our business is to consolidate, upgrade and defend our long-haul routes by improving our front-end products.

“We are looking at more comfortable seating, a modern gallery to enhance the quality and freshness of the food we serve,” he said in an interview onboard a new Boeing 777-200 extended range aircraft that MAS had taken delivery of from Boeing in Seattle, the United States.

The aircraft, the first in the Asia-Pacific to be equipped with Boeing's latest device to enhance flight efficiency, touched down at the KL International Airport on Wednesday evening.

Munir said MAS, which had received numerous awards of excellence for its cabin crew and in-flight services, still had room for improvement.

“People love our front cabin, but we have to find ways to promote it. The cuisine is also very important and our menu needs to be on par with that of other international airlines,” he said.

In addition to food, passengers also valued comfort, safety and a sense of security in an aircraft, he added.

“Our passengers want the best in terms of in-flight entertainment selections. We are also thinking of having educational programmes for children, instead of mindless computer games,” he said.

MAS will reconfigure its fleet of 747s and 777s beginning February. Depending on the type of aircraft the exercise will take between 18 and 23 months.

On ways to further boost the airline's bottom line, Munir said it was considering linking up its Golden Holidays products from European destinations to those in Malaysia.

The airline is targeting European and American travellers, some of whom are retired and have high disposable income.

“MAS owns a reputable resort in Langkawi. We can target these foreigners by linking up the destinations – for example, from London to Langkawi, or from New York to Pangkor Laut – under our Golden Holidays programme. To be effective, we want to make sure they are seamless,” he said.

On fleet expansion and replacement, Munir said the aircraft must technically fit in with the routes, and business thrust and case.

“The upcoming Boeing 7E7 Dreamliner won't roll out until 2008. But the Airbus A350 could undercut the 7E7. The A350 is of course an upgrade of the A340,” he said.

“There is an issue over the need for pilots to be retrained. There will definitely be competition in terms of pricing, not just the cost of the aircraft, but fuel efficiency as well,” Munir added.

The Star: 30th. November 2004

MAS drive to refresh aircraft fleet

MALAYSIA Airlines (MAS) is on a drive to refresh its fleet to meet growing competition. With new aircraft it can dispose of some of the older ones. For that it could reap gains of about RM760mil over a few years.

MAS has made it known that it wants to replace its fleet of 39 narrow-bodied aircraft and its Fokker airplanes. It is expected to send requests for purchase to both Airbus and Boeing by the year-end.

The profit on disposal is part of its agreement with its parent, Penerbangan Malaysia Bhd, which was crafted during its widespread asset unbundling exercise.

The Star: 30th. November 2004

MAS first-half net profit soars 350% to RM159mil

BY B.K. SIDHU

MALAYSIA Airlines (MAS) turned in a sterling set of results for the half-year ending Sept 30, with net profit rising by 350% from a year ago to RM159.3mil on stronger passenger growth and continued expansion of cargo operations.

Revenue for the half-year was RM5.2bil, up 35% from the corresponding period a year ago. Pre-tax profit was RM163mil, compared with a loss of RM59mil a year ago. Earnings per share for the half-year was 12.71 sen.

For the second quarter, the airline saw net profit rise 31% to RM133mil, from RM101mil a year ago. Pre-tax profit was RM140mil, and revenue 28% higher at RM2.78bil, from RM2.1bil previously. EPS for the quarter was 10.59 sen.

“The results would have been stronger if not for higher fuel costs, which raised group operating expenditure by 29%,'' MAS managing director Datuk Ahmad Fuaad Dahlan said in releasing the results in Petaling Jaya yesterday.

Fuel cost for the second quarter rose 75% to RM888mil, from RM506mil a year ago. It accounted for 33% of total expenditure for MAS in the first half compared with 26% a year ago. Owing to the fuel price rise, the MAS board now allows up to 80% of 48 months' jet fuel requirements to be hedged, against 50% of 24 months' requirement previously.

MAS chief financial officer Low Chee Teng said that 61% and 52% of jet fuel requirements for the third and fourth quarters respectively had been hedged at around US$50–US$51 a gallon. For FY06 and FY07, MAS has hedged 20% and 4% respectively of its jet fuel requirements.

The rise in passenger traffic in the second quarter was due to demand from the Northern Hemisphere. Its London to Australia and Asian routes were major contributors to the second-quarter results. Overall load factor was 66% in the quarter and 63.6% during the first half-year.

During the period, MAS expanded to Vienna, Siem Reap (Cambodia) and Chengdu (China). It also developed secondary hubs in Penang, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu.

Fuaad remains hopeful of the prospects for the second half of the financial year ending March 31, 2005.

“We can do better. We expect overall load factor of about 70%,’’ he said. The airline’s focus remains on developing the Chinese and Indian markets, with increased frequencies as well as adding several new destinations. It would begin flying to Ahmedabah (India) next month, Kunming (China) and Kolkata (India) in January, and Xian (China) in March 2005.

Asked if MAS could sustain its second-quarter international yields of 19.1 sen per revenue passenger km, Fuaad said: “We are looking at improving that, for we see a lot of opportunities ahead (more so with the ongoing MAS cabin upgrade of its first and business classes, for which it is investing RM700mil.)”

On Internet bookings, a new facility provided by MAS in the second quarter, Fuaad said response thus far had been encouraging. When the facility was initially offered, MAS saw RM20,000 worth of bookings a day. They have since risen to RM100,000.

To provide ease of travel and better access, it is looking towards packaging rail travel with air travel. It would consider forging an understanding with Express Rail Link, which operates a high-speed service between the KL International Airport and Kuala Lumpur. MAS shares added 6 sen or 1.4% to RM4.38 yesterday.

The Star: 1st. December 2004

MAS needs to accelerate and charge for new records

Analysis by B.K. SIDHU

”EXPECT the best and be surprised even more. Enjoy luxury and privacy at 39,000 feet. Enjoy a private dinner for two, or even sleep your way to your destination on the British-designed lie-flat seat. Fly Malaysia Airlines for an exciting new experience.”

So says the national carrier's latest advertising brochure.

Malaysia Airlines (MAS) has embarked on a process to fulfil this new promise on all its routes within a year.

It could not do so one or two years ago, but now MAS has something to shout about.

For years, it was criticised for not having flat beds, something its regional peers had been raving about then.

Now MAS has the latest version passenger seats in both first class and business class.

Although its peers upgraded years ago, MAS is presently putting into its aircraft third generation seats.

But it has only taken delivery of one aircraft fully equipped with its latest offerings.

A second is expected to be delivered next month, and it will take about a year before all the 17 B777s and 15 B747s are upgraded.

The upgrade will involve the economy class as well. MAS is investing RM700mil in the upgrade, which will also involve new cutlery onboard and a change in uniform for its cabin crew.

It has been 13 years since the airline last changed its cabin crew uniform.

The uniform needs a more refreshing, modern look, one that is in sync with the changing times.

The change will give the airline a big boost given that MAS bagged the “best cabin crew” in the world award for four consecutive years.

Four times is a record, and MAS needs to break that record, not keep it.

Speaking of surprises, MAS had surprised analysts with its sterling second quarter (2Q) results ended Sept 30, a huge improvement over the first quarter that prompted some analysts to review their full year forecasts.

Even the airline itself is believed to be reviewing its own internal projections for the full year.

An earnings upgrade will bode well for MAS' share price but the direction of jet fuel prices remains a concern.

The improvement in international passenger yield to 19.1 sen in 2Q from 17.9 sen a year ago has been viewed positively.

MAS wants to improve on that, especially with its cabin upgrade exercise and ongoing efforts to add capacity to high yielding routes.

MAS chalked up a pre tax profit of RM163mil on the back of RM5.2bil turnover in its half-year ended Sept 30.

Net profit in the second quarter rose 31% to RM132mil from RM101mil a year ago.

The good results and the revamp of its in-flight operations, certainly bode well for the airline. But setting new records is about breaking them.

If MAS views its challenges in the same way it did in the past, it may be in for a tough fight, both on domestic turf and regionally.

It is time to accelerate and charge ahead. Otherwise, the flyer who has been flying MAS for years will not get a taste of the promised “new experience.”

The Star: 1st. December 2004

Ministry awaits outcome of talks between MAS and AirAsia

THE Transport Ministry is waiting for Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia to inform it of the outcome of negotiations to work out a cooperation arrangement, said Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy.

He said the month-long deadline he gave to the two carriers was up and he was eagerly waiting to hear what they had to say.

“I would really like to see the two work together in the interest of the country.

“As the nature of the two airlines are quite different, I believe they can come up with a way to cooperate with each other,” he told reporters after the MCA presidential council at Wisma MCA in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

Chan said the two have met several times to discuss this issue and although he was told that there was progress, it had been very slow.

Asked whether the negotiations involved MAS concentrating on overseas flights while AirAsia focused on domestic and regional routes, Chan said: “Whether this involves MAS giving up its domestic routes to AirAsia, that is a different story.”

On the decision to convert Subang airport into a hub for low cost carriers, Chan said he had not forwarded the ministry’s recommendation to Cabinet yet.

The Star: 2nd. December 2004

MASkargo to ship Phantom’s cargo

MALAYSIA Airlines Cargo Sdn Bhd (MASkargo) will handle Shanghai bound shipment of Phantom of the Opera's theatre equipment by sea from Cape Town, South Africa.

The world's longest-running theatre production will open in Shanghai for three months at the Shanghai Grand Theatre beginning Dec 18.

Malaysia Airlines general manager (cargo operations) Mohd Yunus Idris said in a statement yesterday the handling of 200 tonnes of theatre equipment shipment for i-Port proved that people were starting to realise and acknowledge the existence of i-Port.

I-Port, the innovative sea-air transhipment service by MASkargo, is the world's first airport within seaport, allowing movement of cargo from regional destinations to Malaysian ports via sea and then delivered to worldwide destinations by air, through MASkargo's advanced cargo centre at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).

“I-Port is getting popular. The industry now realises the importance of it, which is crucial to overall business,” Mohd Yunus said.

Forward Freight Sdn Bhd managing director Michael Loo said: “The shipment of 84 pallets from Cape Town was re-docked into MASkargo B747-200 freighters and will fly to Shanghai at 4.15pm (local time) tomorrow,” he said.

Director of house of production of Phantom of the Opera said MASkargo “came to the rescue” after the original shipment was delayed due to weather problem.

Malaysia Airlines is the official airline for the show in China, South Africa and South Korea, which is currently running until March, 2005.

Malaysia Airlines-AirAsia Submit Co-operation Report To Govt


SUBANG JAYA, Dec 2 (Bernama) -- Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia have submitted their reports to the Transport Ministry on areas of future co-operation.

Transport Minister, Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy said he had yet to study the details of the reports which were prepared following the recent meetings of representatives from the two airlines recently.

"I've seen some (parts of the reports) but have yet to look at all the details. Certainly we will put everything together (their respective plans) but that is not the end of the story," he told reporters after launching MASkargo E-commerce Enhanced Facilities here, Thursday.

Chan said as major players in the country's aviation industry, both airlines should continue their talks on areas of mutual cooperation despite earlier setback.

He was responding to a question on the requirements needed in the reports and how the airlines planned to cooperate after they were given a month-long timeframe to produce their reports.

Asked if the reports touched on the routes which the two airlines should take since each is involved in different areas -- Malaysia Airlines in the full service carrier segment and AirAsia in the lower cost carrier segment, Chan said the government at this point of time preferred to discuss the details with the parties involved before making any decision.

The MASkargo E-commerce Enhanced Facilities launched Thursday included a website at www.markargo.com, an e-sales system and the electronic billing, payment and presentation system.

These facilities are expected to pave the way for a comprehensive use of e-commerce in the cargo systems.

-- BERNAMA

MASkargo Expects Double-Digit Revenue Growth In Current Year


PETALING JAYA, Dec 2 (Bernama) -- MASkargo, the air cargo division of Malaysian Airline System Bhd (MAS), has targeted a double-digit revenue growth to more than RM2.0 billion for the financial year ending March 31, 2005, MAS senior general manager (Cargo) Datuk Ong Jyh Jong said Thursday.

Speaking to reporters at the launch of its three new e-commerce initiatives, he said the division was confident of exceeding last year's revenue of RM1.8 billion in line with its plan to expand operations in China and India.

Launched by Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy, the three initiatives, namely MASkargo Enhanced Website, MASkargo E-Sales and Electronic Billing, Presentment and Payment System (EBPP) are part of the division's ongoing global e-commerce programme.

On its expansion plan in China, Ong said the company had set up a warehouse at Hangzhou Airport for a collaboration with the Hangzhou Airport Authority.

"The 32,000 sq. ft warehouse, which started its construction six months ago, is expected to start its operations by the end of this year," he said.

He said the project, the division's first big collaboration in China, was expected to reach a capacity of 100,000 cargo tonnes for the next two years.

Ong said Hangzhou was chosen as the location for its new warehouse as it was the capital of Zhejiang province, one of the most important industrial centres in China.

He said Hangzhou "has a big potential to be developed as a secondary hub in China."

To date, the airline has set up a secondary hub in Dubai and Amsterdam.

When asked on the investment for the warehouse, Ong replied, "We had spent millions of ringgit and will continue to spend as it is a on going process."

In order to cater for future demand, he said MASkargo was planning to double its services to Hangzhou from three times a week to six times.

Besides planning to acquire two more B747-400 freighters in 2006, Ong said MAS was now negotiating with a leasing company to lease more freighters.

"We have yet to decide how many freighters to be leased. However, we expect the negotiations (for the lease) to be completed in March 2005," he said.

In October, the company added a ninth B747-200 freighter from Air Atlanta Icelandic to its cargo fleet for a short-term lease of seven weeks starting from Nov 15 to Dec 31, 2004.

At the moment, the company owns two freighters and leases seven others for services covering Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), Penang, Hong Kong, Melbourne, Perth, Osaka, Shanghai, Bangalore, Bangkok, Dubai, Taipei, Sydney and Tokyo.

-- BERNAMA

MASkargo sets up warehouse at Hangzhou airport
By Yap Lih Huey


Malaysia Airlines Cargo Sdn Bhd (MASkargo) has teamed up with Hangzhou Airport Authority to operate a 32,000 sq ft logistics warehouse at the Chinese airport to tap the rapid cargo movement in one of the fastest developing countries in the world.

Hangzhou, which is two hours' drive from Shanghai, will be MASkargo’s third secondary hub, after the ones in Dubai and Amsterdam. Located in the Zhejiang province, Hangzhou has major industries like textiles, chemicals, machinery tools and electric and electronics.

MASkargo senior general manager Datuk J J Ong said the warehouse, which will be operational by year-end, was expected to handle at least 100,000 tonnes of cargo over the next two years.

Traditionally, cargo from Hangzhou was sent to Shanghai for export because of inadequate cargo handling capacity there. With the new warehouse at Hangzhou Airport, MASkargo anticipates to handle some of the outbound cargo from Hangzhou.

“China is obviously a big market for us. We will take the advantage and hope to replicate our existing services there. Hangzhou is not far away from Shanghai. We can deploy our resources there (to handle the outbound cargo from Hangzhou),” Ong told reporters in Subang Jaya on Dec 2 after the launch of the enhanced MASkargo website, e-Sales facility and electronic billing, presentment and payment system.


MASkargo is set to operate a 32,000 sq ft logistics warehouse in Hangzhou, says MASkargo senior GM Datuk J J Ong (right). With him are Minister of Transport Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy (centre) and Malaysia Airlines MD Datuk Ahmad Fuaad Dahlan

On Sept 22, MASkargo started its three-times-weekly freighter services to Hangzhou and plans to double the frequency soon.

Ong added that MASkargo was currently negotiating with aircraft leasing companies for it to increase frequencies in Hangzhou while waiting for the delivery of its two new B747-400Fs in February and April 2006.

“We must conclude our discussions before the end of March,” he said, adding that MASkargo was currently planning its intra-Asia network route out of Hangzhou.

MAS to focus on strength and take on competition
BY LEE KAR YEAN IN SEATTLE

ARMED with a modern fleet of aircraft, top of the world standard pilots and in-flight services that had won numerous awards, Malaysia Airlines is poised to take on the challenges of the increasingly competitive air travel industry.

The national carrier had planned sweeping changes to its operations including raising its profile as well as concentrate on its strong selling points to be one level ahead of its competitors.

Although the general consensus is that the tourism and travel pie would eventually become bigger particularly in the Asia-Pacific market, full services airlines operators are quite concerned if their market share would also grow proportionately larger.

This is in view of the rising of number of the more aggressive and “affordable” no frills carriers not only in the region but in the world.

MAS chairman Datuk Dr Munir Majid is confident that the national carrier, which had turned in commendable set of financial results, has got what it takes to grow its market share as long as it remained focused on its strengths or uniqueness.

“We have the best human resources in terms of our pilots, cabin crew and our aircraft maintenance workers, and this is recognised by our peers,” he said.

The airline, he said, needed to be quick, reactive and proactive to capture the market particularly as opportunities have become more abundant in the China, India and the Asean markets.

“These markets will definitely grow but the question is how much of that share can MAS capture from its competitors?” he said in an interview onboard the new Boeing 777-200 extended range jetliner which MAS had taken delivery of from Boeing's factory in Seattle, the United States. The twin-aisle aircraft, which is the first in Asia-Pacific to be fitted with the Jeppesen Electronic Flight Bag (EFB), touched down at the KL International Airport on Nov 24.

The Class 3 EFB is an electronic system which will assist pilots in managing routine flight operations via electronic displays and information.

Munir said MAS could sell more of its front-end products namely its first and business class seats.

Although MAS' front-end products are comparable with other international players like Singapore Airlines and British Airways, the load capacity of its first and business classes is still below the industry’s average.

To promote its front-end products, Munir has suggested an international advertising blitz that would involve getting Hollywood and even Bollywood stars to come on board MAS’ first and business classes.

Munir said there were also other areas that MAS could improve upon. He said it was about time that MAS cabin crew uniform got a new design to refresh the airline's image, especially since the present garb has remained unchanged for nearly 11 years.

Also, the MAS' tagline “Going beyond expectations” might be a bit too long to digest.

“Expectations is a long word. We may need something a lot more catchy,” he said.

In the same token, the Malaysia Truly Asia adage might not go down well with the foreigners.

“Some foreigners may have a different perception of what Asia really is,” he said, adding that they often associated Asia with natural disasters in China and India, mass demonstrations in South Korea or more recently the social unrest in southern Thailand.

As for MAS market direction, Munir said the national carrier would be concentrating on China, India and Asean. The airline planned to tap on the large number of Chinese students in Malaysia as well as the latest fad in medical tourism.

“China and India offers a matrix of relationship in terms of tourists and students because of kindred and cultural ties with Malaysia. We have movement of people from China, many of them are parents who are visiting their children here.

“We hope to capture this market. There is also a new class of Chinese and Indian middle-class professionals who are travelling by air on their own expenses.”

The Star:11th. December 2004

PMB to buy Rolls-Royce engines for super jumbos

BY B.K. SIDHU

ROLLS-Royce Trent 900 engines will power the six Malaysia Airlines (MAS) A380 super jumbo aircraft that will take to the skies beginning 2007.

However, MAS and its parent, Penerbangan Malaysia Bhd (PMB), announcing this in a joint statement yesterday, did not disclose how much the engines cost.

But earlier reports suggest as much as US$170mil (RM646bil) for 12 engines, two for each aircraft.

PMB is buying the A380 from Airbus for a reported US$1.6bil. The first delivery is expected in early 2007. The aircraft will be leased to MAS.

The Trent 900 will enter service by the middle of next year, beginning with Singapore Airlines. Other airlines that have chosen this power unit are Qantas, Virgin Atlantic and Lufthansa.

According to the Rolls-Royce website, the fourth-generation Trent engine received its airworthiness certification on schedule in early November, less than 20 months after its first run.

The Rolls-Royce group won the bid over rivals Engine Alliance, which is made up of Pratt & Whitney, a unit of United Technologies Corp, and General Electric Co.

The A380 is a 555-seat aircraft that uses leading edge technology and is said to have 15% to 20% lower operating costs per seat kilometre and give 10% to 15% more range than the largest jets flying today.

With a full upper deck, 49% additional cabin space and around 35% more seats compared with existing offerings, the A380 is expected to raise the benchmark for customer experience and comfort in the future.

When the A380 eventually takes to the skies next year, it will be the biggest jet in the world.

On Thursday, Rolls-Royce announced that it is opening a regional office in Malaysia, to be headed by Arnaud Ayral.

MAS plans to start sixth direct route
Francis Fernandez

MALAYSIA Airlines (MAS) plans to start its sixth direct route between Ahmedabad and Kuala Lumpur, starting Dec 16.

Mail Money was told that this should push up the national carrier's total flight out of India from the current 22 flights a week.

It is also understood that MAS had added five direct flights from start of this month. The flights are to Mumbai, the Bangalore and Hyderabad. With this, the carrier will now have daily flights on the Mumbai-Kuala Lumpur route, while the Banglore-Kuala Lumpur route will now operate three times a week.

The Hyderabad-Kuala Lumpur route will be operated twice a week. It is believed that the flights between Mumbai and Kuala Lumpur will be handled by the airline's Boeing 772 aircraft, while for the other two routes, the carrier is expected to use its Airbus 330 plane.

The decision to fly into the three areas is because it has been targetted as a growth area for the airline. The average growth for the carrier in the three areas is estimated to be in the 14 per cent region a year.

MAS, Pemco formalise strategic tie-up
By KAMARUL YUNUS


THE Alabama-based Pemco Aviation Group has formalised its strategic alliance with Malaysia Airlines (MAS) to set up a 737-300 passenger-to-freighter conversion operation at the Subang airport.

The collaboration aims to convert at least two aircraft in its first year of operation.

The two companies signed an alliance agreement in Birmingham, Alabama, last Thursday.

An official at Pemco, which is listed on the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations, said the company and MAS plan to jointly market aircraft conversion services to other carriers, focusing on Asia and the conversion of Boeing 737 passenger jets into freighters.

The deal includes training MAS’ workers in Asia and at Pemco’s commercial services hangar in Dothan. Pemco also expects to send as many as a dozen employees to Malaysia, the official said.

Refitting a passenger jet into cargo use costs about US$2.5 million (US$1 = RM3.80) and can extend a plane’s life by as much as 20 years.

According to the official, Pemco and MAS have established a training and exchange programme for employees at their respective facilities, with Pemco providing the key technical supervision and training for the aircraft conversions.

MAS in turn will provide its engineering manpower and hangar space at the Subang airport.

The two companies are also cooperating to promote freighter conversions to aircraft operators in other areas of the world.

“The first conversions are expected to begin next year, and Pemco and MAS initially expect to convert two or three aircraft in the first year,” the official said.

The signing of the alliance contract formally approves the memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed by the two companies in February.

The Pemco-MAS strategic alliance was announced with the signing of the MOU at the 2004 Asian Aerospace Air Show in Singapore.

Over the course of the last five years, Pemco has become a leader in the conversion market, forging new relationships around the world.

With the signing of the agreement, Pemco is in a position to take advantage of additional business throughout Asia where the cargo-conversion market is growing rapidly.

“Our presence through MAS will allow us to better serve our current customers and provide maximum visibility with potential customers in South-East Asia as well as in West Asia,” the official said.

MAS’ experience as a B737 centre of excellence makes the national airline a strong partner for Pemco.

The airline is one of Asia’s largest commercial air carriers, flying more than 16 million passengers a year to over 100 destinations across six continents.

Operating over 100 aircraft, its fleet is one of the world’s youngest, dominated by Airbus A330s, Boeing 737s, Boeing 747s and Boeing 777s.

It holds a lengthy record of service excellence, having received more than 100 awards in the last 10 years.

Pemco has converted more aircraft from passenger to freighter than any other third- party conversion centre in the world. It has carried out nearly 300 conversions on 19 different types of aircraft since 1967, including 150 B727s, 29 BAe-146s and 43 B737s.

The company began its B737 conversion programme in 1992.

In 2001, it made the strategic decision to enhance its conversion business, making numerous design improvements to provide customers with the most reliable and competitive B737 conversion available.

It performs maintenance and modification of aircraft for the US Government and foreign and domestic commercial customers.

Pemco also provides aircraft parts, support and engineering services, and full-service overhaul and repair for a wide range of aircraft.

In addition, it develops and manufactures aircraft cargo systems, rocket vehicles and control systems, and precision components for the aviation industry

MasKargo may cut fuel surcharge
Rizalman Hammim

MALAYSIA Airlines Cargo Sdn Bhd (MasKargo), the cargo arm of the national carrier Malaysia Airlines, may reduce its oil surcharge as early as next month, industry sources said yesterday.
The move to cut fuel surcharge might be prompted by a fall in Brent crude oil futures and also a decline in the fuel index over the last few weeks.

Brent crude oil futures for February settlement fell 54 US cents to US$42.85 (RM162.83) a barrel on London’s International Petroleum Exchange early yesterday.

According to the methodology employed by MAS, if the fuel index falls below 240 for two consecutive weeks, the fuel surcharge shall be reduced to US$0.30/kg.

As at Dec 10, the airlines fuel index stood at 228, as opposed to Dec 3’s index of 258.

The national carrier is also expected to follow its peers in the industry, with regard to lowering its fuel surcharge, Mail Money was told.

MH's new First Class...

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MH's new Business Class...

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For more infos

NEW EXPERIENCE >>

New First Class and Business Class ( Golden Club Class )
Catch a glimpse of the most luxurious experience in the sky.

First Class

Beginning February 2005, the new Malaysia Airlines First Class cabin will be all about luxury. More spacious and comfortable, it brings on-ground luxuries to the air - from fine dining menus created by star-rated chefs and exquisite dinnerware to the comfort of a flat bed and a soothing mood lighting system. This upgrade will be carried out in stages onboard all our B747 aircrafts.

lie-flat seat

Presenting the centrepiece of the new First Class cabin. Designed by the renowned British industrial design firm Priestman Goode, the new seat offers an increase in pitch to allow more legroom and seat space to accommodate tall passengers better. It is electrically operated, allowing you to select any of its preset positions for comfort at the touch of a button. It reclines within its fixed shell to avoid intruding into the rear passenger’s personal space. The seat also folds out completely flat horizontally to give you the luxury of stretching out for a good night’s sleep.

creature comforts

Every detail has been thought out to offer the best in comfort. Stretch out your legs and put them up on your ottoman. Find useful storage spaces created around you to keep items accessible and within convenient reach. A sideboard or credenza keeps features like the fold-out table and monitor neatly out of sight until you need them. Find control at your fingertips – seat mounted buttons allow you to control your window shades and lights. Finally, the seat shell that envelops you offers the kind of privacy befitting a person of your stature.

VIP lavatory

The new VIP lavatories are spacious to give you the extra comfort you deserve. They are well appointed, featuring wood detailing to add a sense of luxury. There’s even a full-length mirror inside, allowing you to use the spacious lavatory as a changing room.

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business class

Comfort is the driving aspect behind Malaysia Airlines' business class cabin. Taking the special needs of business travellers into careful consideration, it offers a multitude of thoughtful features and creature comforts which the traveller will soon find indispensable come mid-December this year. These new features will be introduced progressively onboard all our B777 aircrafts.

angled lie-flat seat

Let the new seat cradle you in sheer comfort. This lie-flat electric seat slides out flat at an 8-degree angle for your sleeping pleasure, while a host of preset settings allow you to choose seat configurations. Or simply adjust the seat to your liking for the ultimate in relaxation. For added comfort, you also enjoy an adjustable leg rest, headrest and lumbar support.

working

Understanding the special needs of busy business travellers, our new business class cabin offers a work-friendly environment to help you make the most of your flying time. Your fold-out dining table will accommodate a laptop comfortably. Type away without running your laptop battery flat, thanks to a 115V power outlet that conveniently accepts multiple plug types. You also have access to business and financial news, plus e-mail and Livetext on your LCD touch screen monitor.

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on a number of airline forums, apparently, there are kudos for MAS new 1st and Business cabin updates...but a lot of people are dissapointed they chose that particular shell design (apparently similar to JAL cabin). Some issue with comfort I think....

A380 to play major role in MAS expansion plans
FROM RUPINDER SINGH


TOULOUSE (France), Tues: National carrier Malaysia Airlines (MAS) says the A380 double-deck aircraft will be its new flagship, playing a major role in its long-term route expansion plans into Europe and Australia.

The world’s newest and largest airliner and the most technologically advanced commercial aircraft will be deployed in MAS’ operations into London and Amsterdam in Europe and Sydney in Australia, MAS managing director Datuk Ahmad Fuaad Dahalan told reporters on the sidelines of the A380 unveiling ceremony at the Airbus headquarters here.

Penerbangan Malaysia Bhd, the parent company of MAS, has ordered six A380s at a cost of US$1.6 billion (US$1 = RM3.80).

MAS will be the fourth airline to receive the double-deck aircraft. It is expected to take delivery of two A380 jets in early 2007, one in late 2007 and the remaining three in the second half of 2008.

Ahmad Fuaad said that with many large airports around the world facing congestion, MAS hopes the deployment of the large-capacity A380 will enable it to maximise airport slot usage.

He said, however, that MAS has no plans to phase out the older and smaller- capacity B747 in favour of the A380.

He said the B747, a long-time workhorse, will continue to serve the carrier.

“We may consider using two A380s and one B747 for the KLIA (KL International Airport) to London flights,” he said.

MAS recently spent RM700 million to reconfigure and upgrade the cabins in First Class and Business Class of the B747 and the B777.

Currently, MAS operates three daily flights into London’s Heathrow Airport from the KLIA.

Ahmad Fuaad also said that the airline will place passenger comfort as priority in designing the passenger seating layout of the A380.

“Although the Airbus layout for the A380 is designed to carry 555 seats (in a three-class configuation), we may consider reducing the number of seats in our A380 to provide more space for our passengers,” he said.

He added that MAS will be “organisationally ready” in terms of infrastructure upgrading, pilot training and engineering, among other things, by the time the first A380 is delivered.

The flashy unveiling ceremony was witnessed by French President Jacques Chirac, British Prime Minister Tony Blair, German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder and Spainish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero.

Airbus currently has 149 orders and commitments in hand from 14 customers, of which 122 are for A380-800 and 27 for A380-800F .

Also unveiled at the ceremony was Airbus’ new livery for its family of aircraft, starting with the A380.

The new livery will be gradually introduced across the entire Airbus fleet over the next few years.

But they still haven't announce which airlines alliance they gonna join...

MASKargo Comes To Rescue Of "Phantom Of The Opera" In Shanghai
From Nor Faridah Rashid

SHANGHAI, Jan 21 (Bernama) -- Shanghai, China's commercial hub, could not have staged the grand opening of the "Phantom of the Opera" as scheduled on Dec 18 if not for MASKargo coming to its rescue.

Cass Jones, director of the production house for "Phantom of the Opera", said the original shipment of equipment and props for the epic musical was delayed due to weather problems in South Africa.

"Due to rough weather, the vessel was delayed and we missed the connecting boat (at Cape Town). That was when we heard of MASkargo's sea-air transhipment. We consider ourselves to be very lucky as they came to our rescue," he said.

Known as i-Port, the innovative sea-air transhipment service by MASkargo, the cargo arm of Malaysia Airlines, is also the world's first "airport within a seaport" service.

It allows for the seamless movement of cargo from regional destinations to Malaysian ports via sea, and then delivered to worldwide destinations by air, through the MASkargo's Advanced Cargo Centre (ACC) at the KL International Airport in Sepang.

Shippers using i-Port can also expect cost savings of up to 40 percent and speedier Customs processing with simplified documentation.

After MASKargo was alerted more than a month ago, a shipment of 84 pallets from Cape Town was re-docked into two MASkargo B747-200 freighters which flew to Shanghai on Dec 2.

"The theatre equipment weighed some 200,000 tonnes," said MASKargo Senior Manager, Corporate Affairs (Cargo), Rosli Md Yasin.

The uplifting saw the cargo operator handling its largest ever i-Port shipment since the service was launched in 2000.

Malaysia Airlines is also the official airline for the "Phantom of the Opera" show in China, South Africa and South Korea.

As the world's longest running theatre production plays at almost full house nightly at the Shanghai Grand Theatre, Malaysians can take pride that a Malaysian company had come to the rescue of one of the world's best-known musicals, which "transports" audiences back to the setting of the Paris Opera House in the last quarter of the 19th century.

The show in Shanghai runs until March 2005.

-- BERNAMA

MAS signs deal with Eurostar to cross sell tickets for train services

BY HONG BOON HOW IN LONDON
MALAYSIA Airlines (MAS) has signed an agreement with Eurostar to cross sell tickets for high-speed train services between Britain and France.

MAS Europe-bound passengers can now include reservations for the rail service in their flight tickets. Eurostar operates high-speed rail services between London’s Waterloo/Ashford international station and France’s Paris Gare du Nord and Disneyland stations and Belgium’s Brussels Midi station.

The rail service links Britain with continental Europe via the undersea tunnel that runs under the English Channel. Eurostar’s service brings passengers directly into the city centre. But air travellers still need to use other land transport to reach the city centre.

The Eurostar tie-up is the third fly/rail facility MAS is offering its passengers. Its other tie-ups are with Express Rail Services in Kuala Lumpur and Germany’s Deutsche Bahn.

Eurostar airline partnership manager Karen Johnson said travel between London and Paris was cheaper and more convenient by train than by air.

ELAINE ANG adds from Kuala Lumpu that OSK Research senior analyst Chris Eng sees the tie-up between MAS and Eurostar as a venture that would benefit the national carrier.

“London is a big destination for MAS, so the cross-selling of tickets should have a positive impact on the airline. The agreement will also provide MAS with a greater marketing presence,” he said.

Eng expects the cross-selling of tickets with Eurostar to be targeted especially at the northern hemisphere summer holiday season.

“We should see some impact on MAS' results by the second quarter ending Sept 30, which coincides with the northern hemisphere summer holiday season,” he said.

Thursday January 20, 2005

MAS to use A380s for long-haul flights

By HONG BOON HOW in Toulouse, France

MALAYSIA Airlines (MAS) plans to use the Airbus A380 super jumbo jetliner for its long-haul and high-passenger capacity flights to Europe and Australia.

Managing director Datuk Ahmad Fuaad Dahlan said the national carrier would use the A380 for services to London, Amsterdam and Sydney.

“As many large airports around the world are facing congestion, we hope the deployment of the large-capacity A380 will enable us to maximise our airport slot usage,” he told reporters at the unveiling of the A380 in Toulouse on Tuesday.

The A380 is the only airliner with double decks. It will be the largest passenger aircraft in the world once it enters service next year.

The plane has the capacity to carry 555 passengers in three classes. It can accommodate about 20% to 25% more passenger seats than the Boeing 747, currently the largest passenger airliner in service.

MAS' parent company, Penerbangan Malaysia Bhd, signed a memorandum of agreement with Airbus in 2003 to buy six A380 aircraft for a total of US$1.6bil.

MAS is expected to take delivery of two A380s in early 2007, a third in late 2007 and the remaining three in the second half of 2008.

At present, MAS uses the Boeing 747, which has a passenger capacity of about 400, for its long-haul flights to Europe and Australia.

Ahmad Fuaad said MAS did not plan to phase out the older and smaller capacity Boeing 747 in favour of the A380. “We will continue to use the Boeing 747s as they are our long-haul workhorses,” he said.

At present, MAS operates three daily flights to London from KL International Airport. “We may consider using two A380s and one Boeing 747 for the job,” he added.

Ahmad Fuaad also said MAS would make passenger comfort a priority in designing the seating layout of the A380.

“Although the A380 is designed for 555 seats, we may consider reducing the number in our A380s to provide more space to our passengers,” he said.

Ahmad Fuaad said MAS had started pilot training and Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd had begun upgrading infrastructure at KLIA to accommodate the new plane.

Among those present at the unveiling of the A380 were French President Jacques Chirac, British Prime Minister Tony Blair, German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder and Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero.

Airbus has secured 149 orders for the A380, of which 122 are for passenger airliners and the remaining 27 for freighters.

MAS builds on China growth
BY JOSEPH RAJ IN KUNMING

MALAYSIA Airlines (MAS) sees Kunming – its latest destination in China – as a strategic expansion into a high growth market.

Senior general manager of sales, distribution and marketing, Datuk Rashid Khan, said there had been a 54% growth in passengers ex-China between 1999 and 2003.

“And Malaysia-China operations’ total uplift of passengers registered an increase of 78% during the same period.

“Therefore, MAS’ strategy is to expand into existing destinations and develop new destinations and markets in China by increasing frequency and capacity,” he said during the opening of the MAS Kunming city office last week.

Rashid led a trade delegation comprising senior Government and MAS officials and those in the travel industry during MAS’ inaugural flight to the Chinese city, which is renowned for its cool clime and numerous golf courses of international standard.

Effective Jan 15, MAS will operate a thrice-weekly direct flight between Kuala Lumpur and Kunming – departing KLIA at 9.10am every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, and arriving in Kunming at 12.35pm the same day. The turnaround flight departs Kunming at 1.55pm on the same days and arrives in Kuala Lumpur at 5.30pm.

Rashid said China was a high-growth market for MAS, with the World Tourism Organisation projecting that outbound tourists from the country would exceed 100 million by 2020.

“The Kunming operation is part of MAS’ strategy to strengthen our presence in China’s growing market.

“MAS has operated many chartered flights to Kunming in the past due to market demand and it is timely for a scheduled operation to be introduced to Kunming,” he added.

Kunming is MAS’ seventh destination in China after Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Beijing, Shanghai, Xiamen and Chengdu. The national air carrier now operates 63 weekly frequencies between Malaysia and China, providing 31,388 seats in both directions.

In conjunction with the launch, MAS is offering various Golden Holidays packages from Kuala Lumpur to Kunming – 4 days/3 nights Discover Kunming, 5 days/4 nights Mysteries of Kunming Tour, 8 days/7 nights Kunming Heritage Tour/Kunming Amazing Tour, and 4 days/3 nights Kunming Exclusive/Free & Easy. Prices start from RM1,356 per person on twin-share basis.

MAS Looking At Eight New Destinations In India


LANGKAWI, Jan 26 (Bernama) -- Malaysia Airlines (MAS) aims to fly to eight new destinations in India in the next three years, four of which have been identified, its Senior General Manager for Sales Distribution and Marketing Datuk Rashid Khan said Wednesday.

He said the four destinations identified are Cochin, Trivendrumpuram, Amritsar and Trichy, and they are part of the 15 destinations that MAS planned to operate within that time frame.

"Out of the 15 destinations, regular flights are being made to Madras, New Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Mumbai while the service to Ahmedabad has been inaugurated and the maiden flight to Kolkata is scheduled on Jan 28," he told reporters at a media briefing at the Asean Tourism Forum (ATF) 2005 here.

Rashid said there are 27 flights weekly to India, of which MAS operated daily flights to Madras.

"To improve the MAS services, we are looking at a few strategies including fleet replacement and upgrading the first and business class seats in the Boeing 777 aircraft," he said.

Meanwhile, Tourism Malaysia Director General Kamaruddin Siaraf said Malaysia will maintain its "Malaysia - Truly Asia" tagline in its tourism promotion campaign.

"We target a 6.7 per cent increase in tourist arrivals in the country this year from about 15 million tourists last year," he said.

Meanwhile, Singapore Tourism Board (STB) said its target in 2005 was to attract 8.9 million visitors to Singapore and generate S$10.4 billion (RM24 billion) in tourism receipts.

These targets represent a 6.9 per cent and 8.3 per cent increase in visitor arrivals and tourism receipts respectively over the tourism industry's record performance in 2004.

Last year, Singapore welcomed a record 8.3 million visitors, close to 10 per cent above STB's target of 7.6 million visitors and close to 36 per cent over 2003's arrivals.

-- BERNAMA

Long-haul routes to power MAS growth


BY HONG BOON HOW



MALAYSIA Airlines (MAS) is banking on its lucrative long-haul and high-density international routes to power the national carrier's growth.

Managing director Datuk Ahmad Fuaad Dahlan said the long-haul routes, especially the Kangaroo route between Australia/New Zealand and Europe, were the biggest contributors to the national carrier's coffers.

“The Kangaroo route contributed RM4.3bil, representing 55.8% of MAS' revenue for the 2003/2004 financial year,” he said, adding that the route had a passenger load factor of 70%.

Ahmad Fuaad said Malaysia was well positioned in South-East Asia as a central hub between Europe and Australia/New Zealand.

MAS would bank on Airbus' A380 super jumbo jet to strengthen its intercontinental long-haul operations and maintain its position as a premier brand in the commercial aviation industry.

“On routes where we are facing challenges in getting additional frequency slots, we will be able to deploy this aircraft, thus carrying more passengers at one time using existing frequencies,” he said.






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Datuk Ahmad Fuaad Dahlan







The London route is serviced by 18 flights per week from Kuala Lumpur, while the Amsterdam and Frankfurt routes by seven flights per week each and the Paris route by five flights per week.

The Sydney and Melbourne routes are each serviced by 14 weekly flights, and the Auckland and Perth routes by seven weekly flights each.

Ahmad Fuaad said the A380 was the right aircraft to respond to market needs and future developments.

“The A380's cost effectiveness is reflected by an estimated 15% to 20% lower operating cost per kilometre and 10% to 15% more range than any existing large aircraft, which are the strong commercial reasons for our decision to welcome it into our fleet.” MAS will operate six A380 aircraft, with the first three to be delivered in 2007 and the remaining three in 2008.

“This aircraft will further enhance our home base, KL International Airport, as a premier aviation hub in the Asian region,” he said.

He said that although it would be two more years before the A380s would join MAS’ fleet, the national carrier had already embarked on a campaign to promote the aircraft's importance to its flight operations.

“We are the first airline to advertise this revolutionary double-decker commercial passenger aircraft globally,” he said.

Ahmad Fuaad said MAS had run its first-ever 16-page advertising, demonstrating the national carrier's continued commitment to the latest air travel marvel and superior technology.

“It appeared in the Dec 20, 2004 issue of Time Asian edition and in the Jan 24 issue of Time in Europe and South West Pacific.






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“Our TV advertisements featuring the A380 are being regularly watched from Dec 16, 2004 on Malaysian television networks, CNN Asia, BBC World, Discovery Channel, Shanghai Television and also the Beijing TV in China,” he said.

The campaign, Ahmad Fuaad said, affirmed MAS’ quantum leap into the future with the purchase of the Airbus A380 and its partnership with a world leader in aircraft technology.

“It is an initiative that reinforces MAS as an innovative global player in supporting the growing needs of commercial air travel in the years to come,” he said.

MAS’ own workforce will be retrained for the operations of the A380.

“This will be useful to secure more business for the company in terms of ground handling, engineering and cargo support for other A380 aircraft operators who will eventually operate into and out of KLIA,” he said.

OSK Research senior analyst Chris Eng said MAS would be able to obtain better available seat per kilometre with the usage of the A380 on high capacity routes.

He said the Boeing 747 aircraft which would be gradually be replaced by the A380s, might be redeployed to the Kuala Lumpur to China sector.

“MAS is currently using smaller aircraft for the KL to China sector. The deployment of the higher capacity Boeing 747 will enable the company to also improve its available seat per kilometre for that sector,” he said.

For the time being, Eng said, the uncertainties over the fuel price might have an effect on the national carrier's bottom line.

Another analyst said the huge interest for the A380 from 14 airline companies and air cargo carriers showed that cost efficiency was an important factor in fleet operations now. ”By reducing their operating costs through the usage of more advanced technology, airlines are hoping to use the cost savings as a buffer against any sudden rise in fuel prices,” he said.

He said obtaining optimum operating efficiency was crucial for airlines' survival amid global aviation and tourism industry slowdown brought upon by the Sept 11 terrorist attacks. He said the newer generation of jet engines were also becoming more fuel efficient and environmentally friendly.

“However, the majority of newer generation of engines are usually developed together with new airframe designs. Airline operators will have to replace their aircraft if they want fuel-efficient planes,” he said.

MAS to expand fleet by 78 planes



MALAYSIA Airlines System Bhd (MAS) plans to expand its fleet with an order for up to 78 new aircraft this year, a Dow Jones newswire report said, citing the airline’s chief financial officer Low Chee Teng.

The order - likely worth over US$3 billion (RM11.4 billion) based on catalog prices - would add to the national carrier’s passenger plane fleet, which is already South-East Asia’s biggest with about 100 aircraft.

“We have sent a RFP (request for proposal) to manufacturers for replacement of our (Boeing) 737-400 (planes), as well as our Fokker 50 (aircraft),” Low was cited in the report.

Boeing Co and Airbus SA will have to submit by Feb 15 their proposals to supply 45 to 60 new planes to replace MAS’ existing 39 Boeing 737-400 planes, Low said.

MAS will likely place firm orders for 45 planes and “the balance can be on option,” he added.

The national carrier’s narrow-body 737-400 planes are about 10 years old.

Last year, the airline said it wants new aircraft to reduce fuel and maintenance costs.

A likely replacement for these planes are Airbus’ A320 and Boeing’s 737 family of planes.

Also due by Feb15 are proposals from three other manufacturers for another 10 to 18 aircraft to replace MAS’ 10 Fokker 50 planes, Low said.

The three companies are France-based ATR, Brazil’s Embraer and Canada’s Bombardier Inc.

MAS’ board will likely decide on which planes to buy, and in what quantity by June.

Delivery of the 737-400 replacement planes will likely start in the year ending March 2008, while aircraft replacing the smaller Fokker 50 will likely begin arriving in Malaysia in the year ending March 2007.

MAS’ latest plan to buy new single-aisle planes follows a December 2003 deal to lease six new Airbus A380 planes.

The A380s will be the world’s biggest passenger aircraft accommodating 555 passengers each when they begin commercial flights in 2006.

MAS will take delivery of its first A380 in 2007

First Flight From Kolkata Arrives
January 29, 2005



SEPANG, Jan 29 (Bernama) -- The first Malaysian airline flight from Kolkata, India to Kuala Lumpur with 157 passengers arrived at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), here Saturday.

The introduction of the Kolkata-Kuala Lumpur route was inline with Malaysia Airlines' focus on building its strategy to expand its network in India and to reaffirm its position as a global carrier.

The national carrier currently flies to six destinations in India -- New Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Ahmedabad.

Kolkata is the seventh destination, Malaysian Airlines Public Affairs (Corporate Communications) manager, Mohd Shah Khalid said.

He said the thrice-weekly direct flights between Kuala Lumpur and Kolkata will utilise a two-class configured Airbus A330-300 passenger aircraft.

Malaysia Airlines began air links between Malaysia and India on July 1, 1974 with its inaugural flight from Kuala Lumpur to Chennai.

-- BERNAMA

Prizes Await Mastercard Cardholders At MAS Travel Fair 2005


KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 17 (Bernama) -- Visitors who use their MasterCard branded cards during the Malaysia Airline Travel Fair 2005 will stand the chance to win more than RM200,000 worth in exclusive MasterCard merchandise and prizes.

The fair will be held at the Mines International Exhibition & Convention Centre, Kuala Lumpur for two days from Feb 19 from 10am to 10 pm daily.

In a statement Thursday, MasterCard International said it returned as the official card of the successful Travel Fair for the second consecutive year, and had lined up a range of exciting gifts and prizes.

Held for the first time last year, the fair attracted more than 120,000 visitors who made purchases worth almost RM70 million.

MasterCard said throughout the event, visitors who used their MasterCard branded cards (accumulated receipts accepted) would be able to enjoy hefty offers and gifts.

Purchases between RM1,000 to RM2,499 would entitle the cardholder to an exclusive MasterCard Travel Pouch and purchases of RM2,500 and above would entitle the cardholder to receive an exclusive MasterCard Travel Organizer.

Cardholders who purchase a MAS Golden Holidays Package with their MasterCard card would be entitled to enter a contest to win another MAS Golden Holidays 3 Day/2 Night Free & Easy Package for two to Kota Kinabalu, Kuantan, Kuching, Langkawi, Penang or Terengganu, plus spending money in the form of a pre-paid MasterCard Electronic card valued at RM250.

MasterCard cardholders who spend RM5,000 and above (accumulated receipts) on their card will also get a chance to participate in a game to win up to RM20,000 in cash at the Kuala Lumpur location.

The travel fair this year will be held concurrently at three other locations -- the International Sports Arena (PISA), Penang; Permata Exhibition Centre, Kuching; and at the Sabah Trade Centre, Kota Kinabalu.

-- BERNAMA

MAS to offer 161,700 packages at 2005 travel fair
By Joan Ng


Malaysia Airlines (MAS) is offering 21,000 domestic and 140,700 international packages to 85 destinations at the MAS Travel Fair 2005 in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu on Feb 19 and 20.

The fair was expected to draw 180,000 shoppers and with packages as low as RM1,476 for a four-day three-night trip to Perth, demand for last year’s most popular destination Australia was expected to pick up, said MAS general manager of sales Phang Pow Ing in statement on Feb 18.

He said travellers keen on exploring Asia could expect Orient, Indian and Sri Lankan packages like the RM1,155 four-day three-night package to Kunming or the RM2,398 five-day three-night trip to Kolkata.

Last year, MAS attracted 120,000 visitors and generated RM68 million sales from its travel fair in Kuala Lumpur.

Phang said apart from attractive tour packages, MAS would be offering May 2005 special fares, promotional fares for specific dates between March and July, and advance purchase fares for tickets to China and India from August to October.

He also highlighted the extended validity of the flights and packages. "The travel dates, which are from February to October 31, 2005 covers three key school holiday periods," he said.

The fair will be held concurrently at Mines International Exhibition and Convention Centre, KL; International Sports Arena (PISA), Penang; Permata Exhibition Centre, Kuching; and Sabah Trade Centre, KK. Entrance fee is RM 2 and a portion of it will be donated to the Tsunami Relief Fund and other charities.

MAS spending up to RM270mil to improve children’s menu
Wednesday February 16, 2005



BY SHILING WOON

MALAYSIA Airline System Bhd (MAS) expects to increase its investment in children's in-flight meals under its food and beverages division to as much as RM270mil this year.

The main intent was to enhance service experience for customers, especially children, a market segment that required special attention, MAS senior general manager (sales, marketing and distribution) Datuk Rashid Khan told reporters after launching the children's meal menu in Kelana Jaya yesterday.

He added that the children's menu was a long-term investment which would not generate returns, but serve as a value-added service to customers.



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Datuk Rashid Khan (second from left) serving the newly-launched children's meat at the MAS Training Centre in Kelana Jaya.



The new children's meal is available for young passengers aged four to 11 on international flights out of Kuala Lumpur International Airport and out of some selected destinations on the return journey.

The meals, of which there are six varieties, comprise protein and carbohydrates, as well as snacks that appeal to children. Fruit juices are provided as refreshment for the dry conditions on board.

MAS has also improved its in-flight entertainment system by including children's programmes, such as cartoons, animation and classic literature.

In addition, children will also receive toys and accessories according to the cartoons aired.

MAS expects higher revenue from China and India flights
Tuesday February 15, 2005



BY YEOW POOI LING

MALAYSIAN Airline System Bhd (MAS) expects a 15% to 30% increase in the combined revenue from flights to China and India for financial year ending March 2006.

This is due to the higher flight frequency and the introduction of new routes, said sales general manager Nick Phang Pow Ing.

“China and India are seen as high economic growth areas. These two regions are expected to collectively contribute about RM600mil in revenue for the 2005 financial year,” he said in an interview.

“For 2005, we plan to open more points in India, such as Amritsar, Trichi and Trivandrum. We are still evaluating one or two points in China for possible opening,” he said.

MAS also plans to increase the frequency to some existing destinations such as Hyderabad, Bangalore and Bombay.

In the last six months, the airline has launched four new destinations – Kunming and Chengdu in China, and Ahmedabad and Kolkata in India. Direct flights to Xian, China, are expected to begin next month.

He said MAS would continue to review the passenger load of its existing routes and destinations, but had no plans to cancel any flight this year.

On the Malaysia Airlines Travel Fair 2005 to be held this weekend, Phang said it was expected to generate a higher revenue of over RM100mil from last year's RM68mil.



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Nick Phang Pow Ing



The event will be held concurrently in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu, and he said more than 180,000 visitors were expected.

Last year, the inaugural fair was only held in Kuala Lumpur and attracted some 120,000 visitors.

Consumers can look forward to airfare discounts of between 30% and 50% on select destinations.

“For example, our free and easy tour package for four days and three nights at Kunming, China will cost only RM1,155 per person,” he said, adding that consumers could choose to travel between Feb 19 and Oct 31.

The exhibition in Kuala Lumpur would have the biggest number of booths (700), followed by Penang at 140. Kota Kinabalu and Kuching would have 70 booths each.

The discounted airfares could also be booked online.

Besides bargain hunting for tour packages and airfares, visitors can also apply for the Enrich frequent flyer programme or MAS GRADS plan for undergraduates, and will be entertained by cultural performances organised by national tourist organisations.

Those seeking career opportunities would also have a chance to find out about vacancies at MAS, Phang said.

Thousands at MAS travel fair
Minderjeet Kaur



The rush to get value deals for travel and vacations saw some 60,000 people from all ages heading to the two-day Malaysia Airlines Travel Fair 2005 which opened here today.
Most of them began queuing up at the entrance of the Malaysia International Exhibition and Convention Centre at The Mines as early as 7.30am.

The event, organised by MAS in conjunction with the airline's ongoing worldwide campaign - "Going Beyond Expectations"- opened its doors at 10am.

The early visitors, about 10,000 of them, quickly poured in heading for the 700 booths offering domestic and international flights.

Malaysia Airlines general manager (sales) Phang Pow Ing, in his welcoming speech, said the airline was offering an unprecedented range of special deals, allocating about 4.4 million seats for travel from now till Oct 31.

"This may attract first-time travellers by putting air travel within their reach," he said.

The tickets were going at discounted rates of 30 to 60 per cent from the normal fare.

Special offers included flights to Jakarta, Denpasar and Surabaya at RM318, Taipei, Kaohsiung and Seoul at RM738, Phuket and Medan at RM218, Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and Fukuoka at RM848, Ahmedabad, Kolkata and Dhaka at RM638, and Cairo, Beirut, Dubai and Istanbul at RM1,478.

Phang said in addition to these lower fares, discounts were also available for children, senior citizens and "Grads Card" holders.

He added that destinations like Australia, Britain, China, India and the special umrah package were expected to be a hit among the visitors.

On offer are 300 umrah packages, and 21,000 domestic and 140,700 international packages, covering 85 destinations.

"I wait for such opportunities. Some of the ticket prices are cheap," said Zulkifli Hashim, 40, who will be travelling to London in May. The tickets are going 40 per cent cheaper at RM1,478.

Another visitor, Ronnie Teh, who will be going to Perth with his wife and three other couples in the middle of the year, said: "The ticket prices are cheap and it is really value for money."

Datin Paduka Sharifah Mazlina Syed Abdul Kadir, who recently returned from an expedition to the Antarctica, also set up a booth to give tips on ways to handle the cold weather and to encourage teenagers to take part in future expeditions.

Phang said the participation of travel agents and tour operators this time around had tripled, from 75 last year to 225.

He added that the event, meant to reward the airline's loyal customers and supporters, was expected to make about RM100 million in sales. Last year, it recorded sales of RM70 million with 120,000 people visiting the travel fair.

The two-day event, which ends tomorrow, is also being held at three other venues - Penang, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu - and is expected to attract 180,000 visitors.

MAS Records RM91 Mln Sales And Extends Its Travel Fair Till Tuesday

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 20 (Bernama) -- Malaysia Airlines (MAS) recorded RM91 million sales at its two-day travel fair, which exceeded last year's collection of RM68 million, and following the overwhelming response from the public, it is extending the fair by another two days.

Its sales general manager, Nick Phang said: "By 6pm, the travel fair recorded more than RM91 million in sales at all the four locations, namely, Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu with 71,000 visitors.

"At the request of the participating agents and the response that we have received, we are extending this fantastic opportunity for another two days to Tuesday," he told reporters at the closing of the travel fair at the Mines International Exhibition and Convention Centre in Seri Kembangan, near here Sunday.

He said the extended booking facilities were available exclusively at the offices of the participating travel agents, to provide convenience to customers.

However, the special airfare rates would still apply to purchases made at the MAS ticketing offices nationwide. he said.

Phang said among the most popular holiday destinations at this year's fair were London, Perth, Auckland, Sydney, Seoul, Padang, Bangkok and Denpasar.

On a glitch which caused a system breakdown for a period of time on the first day of the fair, Phang said MAS had successfully overcome the problem and encountered no other hiccups since.

He urged those who missed the fair to grab the opportunity to make their purchases at the 225 participating travel agents nationwide.

-- BERNAMA

Ada udang di sebalik mee la ni!

MAS Facility To Be First Winglet Modification Centre In SE Asia

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 21 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's aviation industry is about to get a double boost from American airplane maker Boeing as it is close to announcing a Malaysia Airlines-run maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility in Subang as the first blended winglet modification centre in South East Asia.

In addition, Boeing is also encouraging Asian Composites Manufacturing (ACM), its local joint venture with Hexcel Corporation, Naluri Bhd and Sime Darby Bhd in Bukit Kayu Hitam, to bid for the manufacture of these winglets.

Winglets help to move some of the resistance away from the airplane and provide them with better lift and thus reduce fuel costs in the process. The winglets have been designed by Aviation Partners in Seattle, a company consisting of retired Boeing aerodynamicists, who later formed a joint venture with Boeing called Aviation Partners Boeing.

Carl Brandenburg, The Boeing Company's commercial airplanes customer support vice president, said: "We are really close to announcing MAS (Malaysia Airlines) as an authorised winglet modification centre. We hope to have that done within the next two weeks.

"We believe the market is in excess of about 1,000 airplanes for just the 757 and 767, globally. This does not mean MAS will get all the business, but they will have a good shot at getting a portion of it."

Brandenburg said MAS has an opportunity to grab the market for winglet modification, "but it is up to them to prove to the customers."

"MAS has the infrastructure and the skills. What they do not have is intellectual property which belongs to us. We will sign an agreement with MAS to transfer that technology to them," he said.

Citing potential clients such as India's Jet Airways, which has 40 of the 737-Next Generation waiting to be fitted with the fin-like looking wings, Brandenburg said Boeing would also assist MAS in marketing the latter's capability in winglet modification.

"Globally there are several (winglet) modification centres. But there is none in South East Asia," he said, adding that since MAS was the first authorised centre in this region, it would have the opportunity to grab the market share.

On the other hand, Brandenburg said Boeing also planned to move its aileron (wing parts) manufacturing operations from its Hawker de Havilland facility in Australia to ACM this year.

He said the announcement would be made probably in the first week of April when the first article or product inspection would be carried out at ACM.

Brandenburg said production at ACM would increase by as much as 15 percent with the inclusion of the aileron production line.

"The reason we are doing it is because ACM is a lower cost producer but with a higher quality. So we are putting other businesses in Australia and we are expanding ACM," he added.

Saying that 28 of the latest 737-Next Generation (800 and 900 Series) airplanes would be ready by the middle of next year, Brandenburg said: "That is a lot of airplanes and ailerons, and a lot of business (for ACM)."

"I do not know the cost of it. But we would not have done it if it did not make sense to our partners," he said.

ACM currently manufactures aircraft composite parts not only for Boeing but also other manufacturers as well.

-- BERNAMA

Betul tak ?

Boeing Hopeful Of Favourable Response From MAS


KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 21 (Bernama) -- Boeing Company is hopeful that Malaysian Airlines will consider its proposal to replace 39 of the latters ageing Boeing 737-400.

The Boeing Company's international sales director, Paul Dubeck said the company had responded favourably to the deadline proposal on Feb 15.

Speaking to reporters here Monday, Dubeck said: "I am hopeful we will hear something from MAS in the next two weeks. But I think its decision making process could take a little longer until the middle of the year".

Dubeck said Boeing was right in the middle of the 737-Next Generation campaign and they had proposed to supply 45 to 60 of the 737-800 NG to MAS, which would carry more passengers, fly further, burn less fuel, cost less in maintenance.

"In 1995, it took us all year to get MAS' response to our 777 campaign. So this is a big decision for MAS. The value of the 45 to 60 of the 737-800 NG is about US$4 billion," he said.

"Once we get this sorted out, then we are going to talk about the 787, because MAS has a large fleet of the medium size airplanes that needed replacement," he said.

"There are the A320s that are ageing, some 737 which in four to five years needed to be replaced as well. So the 787 would really take care of this need which will enable MAS to fly non-stop to Europe or North America," he said.

Priced at about US$70 million per plane for the 737-800, Dubeck said Boeing was also promoting the 737-900 which cost between US$64.5 million and US$74 million, and also the 737-900X -- the price of this aircraft had yet to be disclosed.

Fresh from the recent AirAsia-Airbus saga, Dubeck said Boeing was not going to compete on the price factor, but instead on the value added service it could provide.

"We think we would bring more value to MAS, than what we were able to achieve with AirAsia," he added.

Dubeck said he viewed South East Asia as an important region as sales in this region was about 15 percent to 20 percent of Asia's 50 percent sales of Boeing.

-- BERNAMA

http://foto.bernama.com/foto/Photo/mas.jpg


MAS ATTRACTION… Mohd Razali Paimin, 30, with his son, Mohd Irfan, 2, being briefed by Malaysian Airlines (MAS) stewardess, Shireen Tan while trying the business class seat during the MAS Travel Fair at the Mines International Exhibition and Convention Centre in Kuala Lumpur, Saturday. Pix: Arjasneh Ahmad

Malaysia Airlines Signs Code Sharing Agreement With Singapore Airlines

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 24 (Bernama) -- Malaysia Airlines, Singapore Airlines and SilkAir seek greater commercial cooperation by signing a tripartite code share agreement Thursday.

Under the agreement, four states namely Sabah, Sarawak, Penang and Kedah would gain significantly from high tourist arrivals.

Malaysia Airlines is also exploring the possibility of code share for Kuantan to meet similar request from the Pahang State Government.

Singapore Airlines and its subsidiary SilkAir will start code share flights between Singapore and Kuching and Singapore and Kota Kinabalu from March 27, which is the start of the northern summer 2005 schedule.

The Singapore-Penang sector will be code share between Malaysia Airlines and Singapore Airlines.

At the signing Thursday, Malaysia Airlines was represented by Datuk Ahmad Fuaad Dahlan and Singapore Airlines by its chief executive officer, Chew Choon Seng.

SilkAir was represented by its chief executive Mike Barclay.

-- BERNAMA

MAS order 60 Boeing 737-800

I'm not sure if it official or not. Latest news from German aviation sites..

skyliner-aviation.de

MAS order 60 Boeing 737-800

I'm not sure if it official or not. Latest news from German aviation sites..

www.skyliner-aviation.de

MAS/SIA/Silkair code share may lead to lower fares
By Jimmy Yeow


Malaysia Airlines (MAS), Singapore Airlines (SIA) and its subsidiary Silkair on Feb 24 signed a tripartite code share agreement for flights between Malaysia and Singapore that could lead to lower fares.

MAS managing director Datuk Ahmad Fuaad Dahlan said: “Yes, this (lower fares) is the idea the airlines want to discuss further. We want the consumers to benefit from code share agreements.

“There are some sectors such as Singapore-Kota Kinabalu where Malaysia Airlines could only generate 20% and 30% load factor. In this situation, it is not viable for all airlines to operate on a stand-alone basis.”

Speaking after the signing of the code share agreements, he said the agreement would enable the airlines to synergise their marketing and development efforts that would benefit all of them.

“The tripartite agreement would also enhance their competitiveness and benefit consumers as Asean moved towards open skies policy,” Ahmad Fuaad said.

He said the airlines needs to generate lower costs and give flexible fares to consumers and also a win-win situation for the airlines rather than competing against each other on these sectors.

SIA and Silkair will start code share flights with MAS between Singapore, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu from March 27 while the Singapore-Penang sector will be between MAS and SIA.

For Silkair that is operating the Singapore-Kuching sector, the code share with MAS would start from July 1.

MAS teams up with SIA and SilkAir




By B.K. SIDHU


Malaysia Airlines (MAS) has entered into a code-share agreement with Singapore Airlines (SIA) and its subsidiary SilkAir with the aim of increasing tourist traffic and reducing costs, which could lead to cheaper fares for travellers.

With the tripartite agreement, SilkAir will become the first Singapore carrier in many years to ply the Singapore-Kuching and Singapore-Kota Kinabalu routes which are currently dominated by MAS.

At the same time, MAS will, for the first time, ply the Singapore-Penang route on a code-share basis with SIA. This will result in 32 weekly flights on that route. Currently, MAS operates 18 flights a week on the route and SIA, 14.

It is understood that under the code-share agreement, passengers of SIA and MAS for flights on the same date and time may be brought together on a single aircraft – either SIA's or MAS' – so that there will be cost savings for both airlines.

News of this code-share agreement was flashed on StarBiz News Alerts, a short messaging service (SMS) yesterday afternoon.

“It is a commercial agreement which opens up a lot of opportunities for us. Four states – Sabah, Sarawak, Penang and Kedah – will gain from higher tourist arrivals under the code-share arrangement,’’ MAS managing director Datuk Ahmad Fuaad Dahlan said after the agreement signing ceremony in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

Added SIA chief executive officer Chew Choon Seng: “We consider it a privilege to sign the agreement and usher in a new phase of co-operation between MAS and SIA and, by extension, with SilkAir.’’

Fuaad is of the view that collaboration between the carriers will lead to better utilisation of resources and cost effectiveness, and that this could be passed on to passengers in the form of cheaper fares.

“We are not a low-cost carrier but we would look at lowering fares for consumers,’’ Fuaad said, but declined to say how low they would be.






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From left: Chew Choon Seng, Datuk Ahmad Fuaad Dahlan and Mike Barclay after the signing in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday.
Chew added that the fares “will be more affordable because we want to actively promote (the sectors)’’.







SIA and SilkAir will begin code-share flights with MAS between Singapore and Kuching and between Singapore and Kota Kinabalu from March 27, the start of the 2005 northern summer schedule.

But it would only be on July 1 that SilkAir starts operating its flights from Singapore to Kuching on a code-share basis with MAS.

As for the SilkAir-operated Singapore-Kota Kinabalu service, the carrier's chief executive Mike Barclay said it would begin at a later date but SilkAir would continue to support MAS on that route. The current load factor enjoyed by MAS on this route is about 20%–30%.

“We will be launching four weekly afternoon services to Kuching which will complement the daily morning services already operated by MAS,’’ Barclay said.

SilkAir currently flies a single route into Malaysia: Singapore-Langkawi. It used to ply the Singapore-Kuantan route but stopped the service in 1997 due to a low load factor.

Fuaad said MAS was also exploring the possibility of a code-share arrangement for the Kuantan-Singapore sector to meet a request from the Pahang Government.

Asked if the accord would eventually see SilkAir plying the lucrative KL-Singapore sector that is now dominated by MAS and SIA, Fuaad said: “There are areas of opportunity but we do not know ... this route is now restricted to MAS and SIA.’’

And on whether the code-share agreement would be extended beyond Malaysia’s shores to routes that SilkAir currently plies within the region, he said: “We will partner anyone who can bring in value.’’

Ties that bind MAS and SIA




By B.K. SIDHU



It was a sentimental occasion. That was how Singapore Airlines (SIA) chief executive officer Chew Choon Seng described the signing of the code-share agreement with Malaysia Airlines (MAS).

To him it was an effort of cooperation between two carriers that have “common roots’’.

Even when Malaysia and Singapore had become separate sovereign nations, they operated a common airline – Malaysia-Singapore Airlines or MSA. It was not until 1972 that they went their separate ways with the formation of MAS and SIA.

After they parted ways, they slugged it out in regional and global markets, like archrivals, all with a view to gain greater market share.

Both operate in more than 100 countries, have established their own identities and have respectively won many awards over the years.

Now, the two airlines are coming together again to help each other as globalisation and freed trade will bring heightened competition from other airlines over the next few years.

The code-share accord also points to an appreciation between the two countries that cooperation in various sectors can be mutually beneficial.

The body language of both the CEOs (Chew and MAS managing director Datuk Ahmad Fuaad Dahlan) at the signing showed a picture of cordiality in their relationship and both are committed to making this new relationship bloom.

Some MAS senior officials at the signing call it the “enhancing of ties’’.

The one sector that both MAS and SIA can take pride in is the KL-Singapore sector. This is Asia’s most protected and fourth busiest where more than two million passengers ply the route in a year.

Although operating as rivals, both airlines have managed to make good profits on this route for the past two decades. But this sector is likely to open up in 2008 in line with the open-skies policy.

Sabah and Sarawak have also often been seen as a lucrative route as there are limited flights to the two big states. Although SIA had flown to Kota Kinabalu sometime ago, that was ceased due to low load factors.

To share means there will be a lot more marketing activity by all the three parties that signed the accord. Perhaps the Sabah and Sarawak routes from Singapore can emulate the successes of the KL-Singapore one.

The beneficiaries to this success are many. Not just the airlines but also the tourism and retail industries. The airport operators would collect more airport taxes as SilkAir gets new rights to fly into Kuching and Kota Kinabalu. This are early days as there could be more routes for it. Kuantan is an option.

SIA and its unit SilkAir help bring more tourists into Malaysia. Singaporeans or even international passengers now have wider options and more connectivity when flying between the two countries.

SIA and SilkAir also get a headstart into newer markets before the playground gets crowded when open skies is implemented in Asean.

The agreement potentially means more business for all the parties involved. It may also lead to better services, greater connectivity and cheaper airfare for consumers.

oh please let it be much cheaper this time! :master:

oh please let it be much cheaper this time! :master:


I dun think it would go down to AirAsia's price........but I do hope so! :D

BTW, where was JB's airport before Senai? Senai is faaar lah man..even you missed your flight!

Malaysia Cabins interior (http://www.airlinequality.com/Product/MAS-cabin-2.htm)
Cabin:Business Class - "new" seats
Aircraft:Boeing 777
Date:24-02-05
© Skytrax All rights reserved


http://www.airlinequality.com/images/MAS-J-newseat-2.jpg

http://www.airlinequality.com/images/MAS-J-newseat-1.jpg

ANA ALL NIPPON AIRWAYS (http://www.airlinequality.com/Product/ana-cabin-7.htm)
Cabin:First Class Seat
Aircraft:Boeing 747-400
Date:2005
© Skytrax All rights reserved


http://www.airlinequality.com/images/ana-f-seat-24.jpg

http://www.airlinequality.com/images/ANA_F_New.jpg

http://www.airlinequality.com/images/nh-744-c-ife.jpg

http://www.airlinequality.com/images/nh-744-f-ife.jpg

BTW, where was JB's airport before Senai? Senai is faaar lah man..even you missed your flight!

Actually Senai is not that far......it is because of the stoopid traffic jam that I missed my flight :rant: