Mohd Azizul Ramli

The panelists: CX - having Oasis, Hong Kong Express and numerous Chinese LCCs at its backyard. MH - sharing a backyard with the threatening AirAsia Group. NZ - Soon to see LCC Pacific Blue (an offshoot of DJ) to operate New Zealand's domestic routes. I rest my case.

If this is what Dato Seri IJ sets for MH's future path, I think it is acceptable but the outcome would be minimal both to MH and to KUL. And yes, although there are a few lone carriers which are very succesfull without joining any alliances like EK, MH is not in the position to become one. I think MH is desperately need to join an alliance. This is (perhaps) the only way to ensure MH's sustainability as a 'major' carrier. And believe it or not, the success of MH has high impact on the success of KUL as a hub. I think SIN becomes what it is today because it has SQ, an extremely powerful carrier operating it as a hub. Wasting 5 more years in pursuing SkyTeam application, I think MH can forget about getting into the alliance because Air France is eyeing a new candidate to cover the South East Asia/Australia region, Vietnam Airlines. VN is definitely going to be AF's choice over MH hands down. And after stupidly blew up the chance of becoming the founder member of OneWorld, MH can only hope to join Star Alliance after the 5 years period that Dato Seri IJ mentioned end, which is impossible because Star Alliance has already SQ and TG, MH's arch rivals whose hubs just next door as members. MH will end up being like GA. Scary but I think it is likely to become one. I could not stop thinking what a wonderful hub KUL will make if MH is a SkyTeam member. All passengers from Europe going to Australia/New Zealand will be ferried by MH at KUL. Imagine KUL becoming a transit hub like SIN and BKK. Imagine MH having multiple daily frequencies to AMS, CDG, FCO, SYD, MEL, BNE, PER, ADL, AKL. Imagine AF and AZ flying to KUL to ferry their passengers whom will later on connecting on MH's flights to Down Under. Imagine, how many new (regional) routes that MH can introduce and reintroduce as the sole carrier which cover South East Asia and Oceania. Christchurch, Darwin, Cairns, Papetee, Chiang Mai, Yogyakarta, Manado, Mataram, Da Nang, a number of Chinese and Indian destinations... all these exotic routes can become feasible because MH will have larger pool of customer to serve. A REAL SHAME! Sigh. The only hope for KUL now is a new shining star, AirAsia X. MH on the other hand, perhaps government support.

A bad propaganda against long haul LCCs. I think this is just a plain bad business tactic to influence customers not to go for competitors' product. As simple as that. I wish AirAsia X all the best in their business pursuit (and I am a die hard MH fan).

As much as I wanted to be onboard MH's first A380 commercial flight, I really doubt their economical benefit in MH's operation. I am hoping MH (through PMB) to cancel the 6 A380 orders but revert to A350 aircrafts instead, as I suggested in my previous reply. Currently, there are only two (2) destinations which I think deserving the A380, LHR and AMS. SYD would probably be getting it as well, but only because to challenge flight SQ 220. Having said that, I think it is better for MH to fly: 3 daily non stop flights to LHR on B773ER instead of 1 A380 and 1 B773ER daily. 2 daily non stop flights to AMS on B773ER instead of 1 A380 daily. 2 daily non stop flights to SYD on B773ER instead of 1 A380 and 1 B773ER (which will continue to BNE) daily. In other word, FREQUENCY. The above assumption is made having in mind that all current B744s will be replaced by B773ER and it is only my speculation. However, looking at the facilities in KUL, which scream so eagerly to accept A380s, I think the economical benefit aspect of purchasing the A380s will be (purposely) overlooked.

Several organizations and politicians. Remember the recent incident where the Senator Club's President demanded Dato Seri IJ to be sacked after a delay of a MH flight in TGG, which involved a minister? MH should have been doing this many years ago (couldn't blame them as they are in a shabby condition back then). Competitors have already started receiving their ordered aircrafts. MH on the other hand, still has yet to finalise its future fleets. Nevertheless, the announcement at the year end is something that I have been anticipating. My guess: B773ER to replace current B744 (up to 20 orders) A350 to replace current A332/3 (up to 30 orders) B738 to replace current B734 (up to 50 orders) No replacement for B772ER Assumption is made based on MH's last announcement about its intention to purchase 50 narrowbody and 50 widebody aircrafts. I am relieved to hear about the RM 4.6 billion cash in hand at the moment. Bravo MH!

Nik H., May I know what are the other 3 carriers that were granted the right to operate in MED? All discussion is incomplete without asking about the future business plan (for an entity). In MAS Charter's haj department case, how do you see the operation? Is it just a temporarily formed department, which will be dissolved should MAS Charter not being awarded with the contract in the next tendering round? Or will the department do something to strenghten its business portfolio? What is the prospect of MAS Charter's haj department in securing the same job in other ASEAN countries like Singapore, Thailand or Indonesia? I am aware about each countries' protectionism policy over their own charter provider but can it be done in any way? I am imagining MAS Charter's haj department (MAYBE) to be incorporated into a Sendirian Berhad entity thus, can pursue businesses abroad. I don't know about how the process is being done in other (neighbouring) countries, but as for Singapore and Thailand, given the nature that both countries and their flag carriers, which are 'non Islamic', and given the chance that both countries will treat the whole process as 'just another business opportunity' (thus a fair selection process can be envisaged), given the expertise and experiences that MAS Charter's haj department possessed, I think the department stands a great chance in getting the contract in these countries. Care to elaborate in details?

I see. So there are normal passengers who will be assigned with these premium seats. I guess if the seats' allocation is based on the actual price each pilgrim paid, the F and J cabins would be NOT full in each flight. So that's how it works. By any chance, can someone like Maarof Kassim for instance, upon knowing that he will be on a SV coded flight, make a plea to MAS Charter to be reassigned into MH coded flights? How is the segregation on which KT will be flown in MH and SV flights being done? I guess it must be on random basis? Some other questions arise. As a proceed from the fact about Malaysian pilgrims preference of MH flights over SV flights due to the 'world's apart' inflight products and services, , you mentioned that the Saudi government has nodded on something about it. Is this relates to the 50-50 split ferrying agreement? Does it means for next year's haj flights, all Malaysian pilgrims will be flown to MED and JED and back on an all MH fleets? If yes, will it be permanent or subject to review after several years? Does the nod that the Saudi government granted only applies to 'MH' or 'Malaysia' (as a country)? I understand that haj charter is subject to annual 'tendering' process, which will be decided by Lembaga Tabung Haji. If the Saudi government's nod is only applies to MH, what will happened if in any years in the future, MH couldn't secure the haj charter tender? Or will the nod secures MAS Charter position as the sole haj charter provider for Malaysian pilgrims? Curiosity kills the cat.

This thread is something so insightful and comprehensive that even A.Net has failed to achieve throughout the years. And as a bonus, the insight is on the operation of THE BEST haj handling operator in the world (Tabung Haji, MAS Charter). Some replies from several forumers uncovered the other side of them behind their names. (My) Perception may changes towards some. Having been to the Holy land myself at the tender age of 13, the trip (although) was not a haj flight, was of utmost monumental for me as of today. I have a few questions which I hope Nik H. can answers: 2 B744 and 1 B772 are used by MAS Charter. May I know their registration (other than 9M-MPK)? Will the utilisation of these 3 aircrafts disrupt MH's normal operation or are these aircrafts in 'idle' mode? 9M-MPK Johor Bahru is the only B744 which has yet to be refurbished (as 9M-MPM Melaka is confirmed to has been refurbished). It can accommodate 18F, 50J and 316Y with a total of 384 passengers. My question is, who will occupy the F and J seats? Is it those who paid premium haj packages or the seats are being assigned to normal haj passengers randomly (or by luck)? The second B744. Since the rest of MH's B744 have been refurbished with 12F, 41J and 306Y with a total of 359 passengers, how can this aircraft carries 380 passengers per trip as you suggested? Or is the second B744 is the SV aircraft that our fellow MW member Maarof Kassim will fly tomorrow (16 Nov)? The SV aircraft. Why is the aircraft being involved (for KT17 and some more I suppose) in this year haj operation? Does it has anything to do with MAS Charter? Your feedback is highly appreciated.

Seeing from business point of view, MH can really adopt a LCC cost structures IF they have firmed up on what they would like to become in a macro level. In my opinion, at the moment, MH still doesn't have a solid objective on what it would like to become in the future. Quoting an example, EK is adopting LCC cost structures, especially when involving staffing cost. The airline has a lean workforce, which can be compared to low-cost carriers rather than traditional flag carriers (it also helps that all forms of strikes are banned in the UAE). However, something that set the world apart between MH and EK in this sense is that EK has a simple organizational structure, that allows the airline to maintain low overhead costs. MH on the other hand... I read somewhere that read some industry analysts believe EK is second only to Ryanair on a cash cost per seat basis due to the low operating costs at its base in DXB.

As I mentioned earlier, there are center overhead compartments throughout the entire Economy class cabin. I was onboard that aircraft on 2 sectors. Maybe some photographs from another angle will let you see them. XL Class - No Center Overhead Compartment First Section of the Economy Class - With Center Overhead Compartments Second Section of the Economy Class - With Center Overhead Compartments Aha, many that come across: Bring along your best friend Bring along your favourite books Bring along your Ipod Bring along your notebook computer and some DVDs Study or finish your college assignments (perhaps?) ... amongst other.

I just returned from OOL and safely arrived in Indonesia on 12 November 2007. The gathering (which I want to initiate)... was not quite a MalaysianWings gathering because only myself and Terry Magee participated. We had a sightseeing tour from OOL to Tweed Heads, in New South Wales. Despite that, I had a blasting time with him and Airpearl of A.Net while onboard the inaugural flight D7 2702. I also managed to spend some wonderful hours at BNE with another fellow A.Netter, BPS3458. Liew Hon Kit and V Wong were somewhere around Gold Coast and Brisbane but they couldn't make the planned gathering at the last minutes. To Azri, the services onboard my AirAsia X's flights were wonderful. On the outbound trip, considering it was an inaugural flight, I guess the cream of the cream of an all female AirAsia's cabin staff were assigned on that flight, lead by LS Laila. The team worked very hard but struggled a bit, which was exhibited by the serving of dinner at 00:30 (Malaysian time), around 3 hours after departure. On the inbound trip, the male majority cabin staff, although seemed a bit laid back, managed to deliver their task satisfactorily. The seat pitch is reasonable for an average 5' 8/9" Asian like me. There are center overhead compartments throughout the entire Economy class cabin. Although the photo on the preview event showed otherwise, I think the management has managed to fit it in before the inaugural flight. The center overhead compartment is only not available in the XL class. Only one cabin luggage is allowed for each passenger and it must be within the prescribed regulations (size wise, LAGs free etc). The cabin luggage requirements are stricter in OOL as compared to KUL LCCT. Seat 31 A/B/H/K have wonderful legroom but they come with a price tag of MYR 100 on each sector. I think there is no difference between the window seats of a row of 2-4-2 abreast with a row of 2-3-2 abreast. The only difference is for those who sit at seat 43D and 43G, where they will have extra legrooms at the (slightly) side of their seat. But the pitch will be the same as any other rows (31"). Being seated at seat 43G on the outbound trip and 44K on the inbound trip, I would say the window seat is better. I hope you had a great time flying AirAsia X. I have only praises for them. Mind you, I never flew with AirAsia group before the trip.

Guys, LIVE telecast from KUL LCCT! http://picasaweb.google.com/azizulzul/AirAsiaX02 I wanted to upload it into my photobucket account but it is currently under maintenance. Therefore a web album as a temporary solution.

Guys, I have ask for apologies before hand. So I am not guilty. The sentence should be read in a 'joking' kind of manner. What I emphasised is the impact that MW should have come out with, which is really showing with this snackbox issue. I am not 'yet another Commander (or was it Commando?)' as Imran Khan pointed out. I am entitle to express my opinion and so do you guys. Well, and since I am sort of like in a situation 'Terlajak Kata' - I respect your honesty and if I am a grown up guy, then I need to hear that. Looking on the bright side, at least it spices up this thread a little. Ok, was just disembarked MH 2513 and still in KUL at the moment, snackbox remains elusive to me. This is the second time I hunt for it but failed. Are they serving it in flights ex-KUL only? The flight was also being assigned with 5 crews, not 4 as hope. The only thing that goes as per expectation is the male crew in the flight didn't wear his songket lapel jacket while inflight, as the new uniform's rumour thread suggested.

Yes. L & V are awarded with 30% Enrich Miles of the actual miles flown. They must have not been updating their *'Enrich Bible', because I quoted it exactly as it is. *Enrich Bible - a small booklet in a size of a slightly larger 555 book, which listed all the destinations, award charts and all you need to know about Enrich FFP. It is a booklet with 14 pages. I got it from Enrich Customer Service Center. So, what's in store for us in the new newsletter? Looks like only ASEAN destinations are being discounted (and that's only 30%). Brilliant! Just brilliant! *sarcastically* On the bright side, it is great to know that Australia's Virgin Blue is now an Enrich partner airline.

That was the idea when I first heard the rumour. MH will change all inflight meals with snackbox in phases and ultimately, ALL flights under 3.5 hours will be served with snackbox network wide in Economy class. BUT, looking at present condition where the snackbox idea is receiving heavy critism and MalaysianWings members have been very vocal about it, some even went straight to the media to voice it out (Dennis, Izanee, Georg), I think MH will really consider whether to make it permanent or will terminate it after the so called 'trial period' ended. I am so sure they will. Guys, actually I am so proud of you. This is what MalaysianWings should have been doing since the last 2 years. Keep on monitoring the local scene in a serious manner and come up with constructive critism for the benefit of Malaysia's aviation in general. Not some stupid aircraft spotting or flight simulation craps (sorry if offended).

No, it isn't. From 'Enrich Bible': Enrich Miles will NOT be awarded on these tickets: Rural Air Services (T Class) Industry Discounts (R, I, N Class) Agent Discounts (AD100, AD75, AD50) Group Fares (sub class G) Special promotion fares (sub class L, V) Free redemption/Award tickets Kuala Lumpur - Singapore shuttle service Charter flights (MH4000 flight number series) Joint services Clearly KUL-DOH although MH coded but is serviced by QR will not entitle for any Enrich Miles. Enrich miles can only be earned on partner carriers (KLM, Air France, ANA, Virgin Atlantic, Northwest and SWISS).

Today, 1 Nov 2007, a new World of Riches newsletter (for period 1 Nov 07 - 31 Jan 08) should have been uploaded in MH's website. But as always... even this puny IT matter can't be handled on time. MH has the WORST IT team among all airlines ever! I wonder whether the e-copy has reached our emails or not?

I agreed with Jessnor and adriancs. Lets treat this tread seriously. In my opinion, first of all, MH has to set its long term goal on a macro level. This goal should not be changed even though there is a change in MH's top management and all business decisions and strategies must derived from this goal. Currently, MH is not having a specific direction of what it wanted to become (although much have been lauded about being A Five Star Carrier with LCC Costs), but strategically MH is not making any drastic changes. Running an airline, I think the major business decision is about the routes being served, not about changing inflight meals with snackbox. MH should in the first place cut all routes that never made any profit. From the information I gathered (from a few informers in the industry), MH has never made money on the EZE station but still fly there because of national pride, being 'The Only South East Asian Carrier that Serves All 6 Continents'. ARN-EWR is also the same. Being 'reinstated' after being cancelled by the management due to an order from the government to support Visit Malaysia Year 2007 campaign is simply unacceptable. MH also has proven to serve too may points, which are located near to each other (even more in the past). In Europe for instance, from the same sources (informers), only 2 routes are making money (AMS and CDG) while LHR is barely break even. The rest (FCO, FRA, ARN, IST, ZRH) are not profitable. I welcome the termination of ZRH and the reallignment of IST to be via DXB rather than non stop is hopefully will improve the route's performance. If MH is certain about joining SkyTeam, maybe they should drop FRA and ARN altogether, leaving only all 3 SkyTeam hubs (AMS, CDG, FCO) and the flagship route, LHR as their European destinations.

Amazing efforts there! Datuk Seri IJ sounds like a nice man.

Hon Kit, I will be on the inaugural flight, D72702 KUL-OOL Fri 2 Nov 2140 hours and will return on D72703 OOL-KUL Sun 11 Nov 1835 hours. I will be sitting at seat 43D on both flights. Airpearl of A.Net (Mr. Kwan) will be on the same (outbound) flight. He will be sitting at seat 31B.

I am sorry to hear about the experience Georg. First of all, the quality of service to premium passengers are of utmost important. I would be equally mad if I received such treatments as well. Since when an extra cup of coffee should be served during 'a standard meal' time (if such timing ever exist in MH's front cabin)? Based on the description, I think the inflight bad experince was caused by the flight attendant. I hope you still remember her name so that appropriate action can be taken against her. I would suggest you lodge a complain to MH's Customer Service at this link: http://www.malaysiaairlines.com/getdoc/3dd...tomer-Care.aspx You can also send the complain to Malaysia's local newspapers, The Star or The New Straits Times , since there have been a pouring complaint letters about MH in the last few weeks. If I were you, I would have snapped a photo of the female flight attendant to support my complain. I NEVER TOLERATE BAD CUSTOMER SERVICE.

Looks inviting. Anyone going?

Today is 30 October 2007 and still no eticket for international routes! What happened? This is the 3rd delay! When is the new date? So slow!

Isaac, one thing that caught my attention from your analysis is how stingy MH with their Enrich miles compared to the other 2 carriers.

4 more days guys!