Malaysia’s national carrier Malaysia Airlines has failed to position within the top 20 airlines in the annual Skytrax World Top 100 Airlines ratings for five years running. Back in 2014 it achieved 18th position but it has fallen year on year since then and now ranks way down at 36th.
Call for change in management
Several parties have made a call for a change in management for Malaysia Airlines in order to turn around this decline. Those airing their opinion include a former CEO of the airline, a form adviser to the Malaysia Airlines Employees Union and representatives from the National Union of Flight Attendants (Nufam). Nufam and former adviser Mohd Jabarullah Abdul Kadir are in agreement that new management should understand the industry and believe mistakes have been made in hiring outsiders and in closing down maintenance and engineering facilities.
Airline staff show little faith
It is clear that the airline’s own staff are also not happy as many of them have left the company to work for competitors. Many Malaysia Airlines employees have now found employment at AirAsia, Malindo and other alternative airlines. Valuable skills and knowledge are being lost from within the airline, knowledge that could ultimately be used to turn the business around, if only staff were consulted and offered a chance to put forward their views and ideas.
Changes have little effect
But despite changes in management, there are many other problems with the airline that need addressing. Caution needs to be be taken to ensure that the correct route is followed, as further downturn could have drastic effects with debts spiraling out of control.
Bad press isn’t helping
The reputation of Malaysia Airlines hasn’t been helped by a recent complaint put forward by Minister of Defence Mohamad Sabu when his flight with the carrier was delayed and he missed an important meeting in London.
The past still haunts the airline
It’s not just recent issues that have contributed to the decline of the airline’s reputation. With the disappearance of flight MH370 in March 2014, and flight MH17 being shot down just 3 months later, public distrust of the airline grew and regaining trust, when it involves such serious tragic incidents is very tough.
Will Malaysia Airlines go bust?
There have been many discussions about the best route forward for the airline, with proposals to close it down, refinance or sell it. Currently the Malaysian government is keen to sell the airline, but retain the identity of the business as Malaysia’s national carrier. Simply closing down the business would have a knock on effect on many other businesses that provide products and services to the airline, and so this would adversely affect the Malaysian economy and would not be the best all round solution.
Emily is an avid writer with a passion for the travel industry. She also loves learning and writing about nutrition and healthy living. Emily is based in the UK.
