BC Tam 2 Report post Posted July 30, 2010 Another feather in Captain Nik's cap Malaysia Airlines Eyes 5 Per Cent Annual Growth Revenue From Charter Services KUALA LUMPUR, July 28 (Bernama) -- Malaysia Airlines (MAS) expects a five per cent annual growth in revenue from charter services due to high demand and the availability of resources, its Head of Hajj and Charter Department, Captain Nik Ahmad Huzlan Nik Hussain said. Last year, MAS recorded about RM200 million in revenue from its charter flights, including hajj services. "The charter flight business is very much a side business for MAS. We only pursue it whenever there is a request," he told reporters on the sidelines after a signing ceremony between MAS and travel agency, Apple Vacations & Conventions, here Wednesday. Under a RM2.0 million contract, Apple Vacations would use MAS' A330-300 aircraft to facilitate three direct charter flights between Kuala Lumpur and Hokkaido, Japan, in December this year. Nik Ahmad Huzlan said the national airline saw increasing demand for charter services, especially, for high-end travelers and special initiatives like peacekeeping missions and critical auto parts freight. "The charter services are not exclusive to any individual. We also cater to corporate customers. We have received a lot of applications from inviduals as well as organisations. "Our charter flights are especially for places that are difficult to get to and which other airlines refuse to service," he explained. He said MAS' charter services for both passenger and freight movement is well known and much sought after by the government, associations and world renowned sports bodies like the English Premier League (EPL) and Formula One (F1). MAS handles about 300 charter flights for hajj services annually and between 500 and 600 flights for the same period for other travellers and on special request. On the deal with Apple Vacations, Nik Ahmad Huzlan said MAS is looking forward to working closely with the company and hoped the relationship will continue into the future. "This is our first charter service with a travel agency and we are looking to collaborate with others as well," he added. He noted that the collaboration with Apple Vacations would enable MAS to attract tourists from Hokkaido to Malaysia, as currently there is no direct service between the city and Kuala Lumpur. The direct charter flights on MAS would help reduce travel time by a whopping 60 per cent. This leaves holiday-makers with more time to spend in Malaysia. -- BERNAMA Captain, If someone is to charter a cargo flight for ad hoc uplift of freight, say a few tonnes of kek lapis ex KCH to LHR, would that come under your purview or MasKargo ? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ignatius 4 Report post Posted July 30, 2010 I believe if it is mainly freight, then Maskargo it is, but if it is Charter from point A to B, then it is MasNick!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sharil Abdul Rahman 0 Report post Posted July 30, 2010 Oh cool! Apple travels working with Mas Charter. FYI, Apple Travel is one of the bigger agencies in Msia that handles muslim japan tours so this is a coup. congrats Capt Nik! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fitri Shukri 0 Report post Posted July 30, 2010 Oh cool! Apple travels working with Mas Charter. FYI, Apple Travel is one of the bigger agencies in Msia that handles muslim japan tours so this is a coup.congrats Capt Nik! Expect nothing less from Capt Nik and his team! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ruiz Razy 1 Report post Posted July 31, 2010 Would be fantastic if it develops into regular schedule 738 service!......with the arrivals of the 738s , it's about time to start aiming for every major cities in Japan. Not just Hokkaido ( I assume it's Sapporo) even reintroduction of NGO and FUK as well. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tamizi Hj Tamby 1 Report post Posted July 31, 2010 Heard that MAS is utilizing 2 B744s and a single B772ER for this year's Haj flight.Perhaps Capt Nik could explain about this news? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ashmil Abd Ghani 0 Report post Posted September 5, 2010 Capture this billboard at Bulatan Merdeka (before ramp Jalan Kinabalu, KL). Pardon for image quality, quick snap before light turn green. hehe More people getting know existing of MAS charter now... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nik H. 3 Report post Posted September 5, 2010 Heard that MAS is utilizing 2 B744s and a single B772ER for this year's Haj flight.Perhaps Capt Nik could explain about this news? The Hajj Contract was awarded to MH after a hard fought series of negotiations with Tabung Haji following a Tender Exercise. While there was a lower offer from an obvious competitor, TH wisely and thankfully chose MasCharter as the Air Transport provider. I'd like to think that our Track Record and Quality of Service Delivery was one of the main reason why we were chosen. The award is for two Hajj seasons. The plan is for two Jumbos and significant capacity blocked on the B777 scheduled flights to carry the Pilgrims, including third country Pilgrims. What can be of interest here is that one of the B744 will be reconfigured to Twin Class Layout, retaining the 12 First Class seats with the remainder as economy. Total capacity will be 454 seats. The two Jumbos dedicated to the route will be 9M-MPQ and MPK. This year TGG will get 10 flights, with the rest operated from BKI, KCH, JHB, PEN and KUL. Schedules are being finalised and awaiting final approval from GACA, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The first flight departs KLIA 9th October 2010 at 1100LT. The Hajj movement ends before XMas 2010. Cheers. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mohd Azizul Ramli 2 Report post Posted September 5, 2010 The award is for two Hajj seasons. What can be of interest here is that one of the B744 will be reconfigured to Twin Class Layout, retaining the 12 First Class seats with the remainder as economy. Total capacity will be 454 seats. The two Jumbos dedicated to the route will be 9M-MPQ and MPK. Capt. Nik, the 2 hajj seasons were last year's and this year, isn't it? There will be a new tender by Tabung Haji for hajj season 2011. Will the cabin reconfiguration be permanent? How will it effects the normal operation when the aircraft has to be used then since it will have no Business Class cabin? Or this aircraft will be solely used for MAS Charter operation? I'd assume the one which will be reconfigured is Johor Bahru, the ghost ship. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nik H. 3 Report post Posted September 6, 2010 Capt. Nik, the 2 hajj seasons were last year's and this year, isn't it? There will be a new tender by Tabung Haji for hajj season 2011. Will the cabin reconfiguration be permanent? How will it effects the normal operation when the aircraft has to be used then since it will have no Business Class cabin? Or this aircraft will be solely used for MAS Charter operation? I'd assume the one which will be reconfigured is Johor Bahru, the ghost ship. The contract is for this and next year's Hajj season. 2012 will be another chapter. The aircraft will be reconfigured permanently and there are no plans to revert to original config. The aircraft will be used by MasCharters exclusively, and we will be introducing tactical forays into LCC destinations as the capacity bump allows a lower cost base. Aerobridge, full service, IFE, no hidden costs and at a price 20-25% more than the LCCs. In my opinion, this is a real move towards the "5 Star Value Carrier" dream. Also watch out for lower cost Umrah packages coming your way soon. Then there will also be more 'lower cost' charter packages to exotic destinations. We are also planning for an Aviation Themed Charter to AirVenture Oshkosh 2011 where the aircraft will be parked at Wittman Field for 5 days. Prices start at USD2,350 per pax. Out and In dates will be announced soon. We expect Japanese, Australians, South Africans, Singaporeans and Malaysians to make up the numbers. Anyone from MWings for this pilgrimage on this once in a lifetime do.......? " God Help me from my friends, for I know what to expect from my enemies " Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Naim 6 Report post Posted September 6, 2010 ... Anyone from MWings for this pilgrimage on this once in a lifetime do.......? " God Help me from my friends, for I know what to expect from my enemies " Nik, Tierra del Fuego bila? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nik H. 3 Report post Posted September 6, 2010 Nik, Tierra del Fuego bila? That will be for the Hi End " Flight of Dreams ". Ushuaia, Iguazu, Copacabana, Machu Picchu, Grand Canyon, The Pyramids, Xian for the Terra Cotta and two more surprise Destinations. The B744 wil be limited to just 280 pax to ensure unoccupied seat next to every passenger. Prices start at USD21,000. Exclusivity and Service unmatched. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mohd Azizul Ramli 2 Report post Posted September 6, 2010 We are also planning for an Aviation Themed Charter to AirVenture Oshkosh 2011 where the aircraft will be parked at Wittman Field for 5 days. Prices start at USD2,350 per pax. Out and In dates will be announced soon. We expect Japanese, Australians, South Africans, Singaporeans and Malaysians to make up the numbers. Anyone from MWings for this pilgrimage on this once in a lifetime do.......? ME, IK, ICH, SAYA, ANA, GUE! (Subject to my availability though LOL). But so far the date for the 2011's edition (July 25 - July 31) looks perfect. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Alan B. 5 Report post Posted September 6, 2010 That will be for the Hi End " Flight of Dreams ". Ushuaia, Iguazu, Copacabana, Machu Picchu, Grand Canyon, The Pyramids, Xian for the Terra Cotta and two more surprise Destinations. The B744 wil be limited to just 280 pax to ensure unoccupied seat next to every passenger. Prices start at USD21,000. Exclusivity and Service unmatched. Since I can't afford the ticket, can I be a crew? LOL:yahoo: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Naim 6 Report post Posted September 6, 2010 That will be for the Hi End " Flight of Dreams ". Ushuaia, Iguazu, Copacabana, Machu Picchu, Grand Canyon, The Pyramids, Xian for the Terra Cotta and two more surprise Destinations. The B744 wil be limited to just 280 pax to ensure unoccupied seat next to every passenger. Prices start at USD21,000. Exclusivity and Service unmatched. I'll start saving! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BC Tam 2 Report post Posted September 6, 2010 I'll start identifying who I can extort money from Either that or which bank I can rob Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Norman 1 Report post Posted September 27, 2010 The contract is for this and next year's Hajj season. 2012 will be another chapter. The aircraft will be reconfigured permanently and there are no plans to revert to original config. The aircraft will be used by MasCharters exclusively, and we will be introducing tactical forays into LCC destinations as the capacity bump allows a lower cost base. Aerobridge, full service, IFE, no hidden costs and at a price 20-25% more than the LCCs. In my opinion, this is a real move towards the "5 Star Value Carrier" dream. Also watch out for lower cost Umrah packages coming your way soon. Then there will also be more 'lower cost' charter packages to exotic destinations. We are also planning for an Aviation Themed Charter to AirVenture Oshkosh 2011 where the aircraft will be parked at Wittman Field for 5 days. Prices start at USD2,350 per pax. Out and In dates will be announced soon. We expect Japanese, Australians, South Africans, Singaporeans and Malaysians to make up the numbers. Anyone from MWings for this pilgrimage on this once in a lifetime do.......? " God Help me from my friends, for I know what to expect from my enemies " God Willing... was assigned to KT44 by THTravel... the Hajj, not to Oshkosh.. not sure if it's SV or MH.. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nik H. 3 Report post Posted September 29, 2010 9M-MPQ reconfig exercise completed and aircraft declared Ready for Service 2000hrs, 28/09/2010. It has been a long ardous journey. We hope to do RM300 Million for 2011. Not bad for a department set up and run by an MCE graduate supported by 18 loyal hardworking staff with 170 Stewardesses and 30 Stewards. Norman is coming for the aircraft launch in "official" MW capacity, to be held at KLIA at 1000 hrs 5th October 2010. I am open to two more interested members. Just PM me. Cheers Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mohd Azizul Ramli 2 Report post Posted September 29, 2010 9M-MPQ reconfig exercise completed and aircraft declared Ready for Service 2000hrs, 28/09/2010. Capt. Nik, would you mind telling why MPQ was reconfigured instead of MPK? MPQ is the youngest B744 in the fleet. What is the final spec, 12F, 450Y? How many Y seats on the upper deck? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flee 5 Report post Posted September 29, 2010 9M-MPQ reconfig exercise completed and aircraft declared Ready for Service 2000hrs, 28/09/2010. It has been a long ardous journey. We hope to do RM300 Million for 2011. Not bad for a department set up and run by an MCE graduate supported by 18 loyal hardworking staff with 170 Stewardesses and 30 Stewards. Norman is coming for the aircraft launch in "official" MW capacity, to be held at KLIA at 1000 hrs 5th October 2010. I am open to two more interested members. Just PM me. Cheers Congratulations and here is wishing you and MAS Charters a great 2011 ahead! It is always a proud moment to see our national flag carrier achieve success and I am sure that everyone in your team is looking forward to the upcoming challenges. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jani 0 Report post Posted September 29, 2010 Capt. Nik, would you mind telling why MPQ was reconfigured instead of MPK? MPQ is the youngest B744 in the fleet. What is the final spec, 12F, 450Y? How many Y seats on the upper deck? I would guess because this plane is destined to stay in the fleet for a longer time still while the others are going to be retired. That way, it makes sense to take the newest one so it'll have a longer life. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BC Tam 2 Report post Posted September 29, 2010 (edited) Congratulations and here is wishing you and MAS Charters a great 2011 ahead! Hear hear Couldn't have been easy convincing the big wigs to let you have have your own specially adapted toy (err ... I meant tool for the trade ) Edited September 29, 2010 by BC Tam Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tamizi Hj Tamby 1 Report post Posted October 5, 2010 I've heard about the launching of the 744s via Uncle Norman's FB today,and also from what i've seen on tv that 3 744s will be utilized. Let's all of us wait for Uncle Norman's photos,as he was there during the launching ceremony at MAS Hangar 6 at KLIA. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Norman 1 Report post Posted October 5, 2010 I've heard about the launching of the 744s via Uncle Norman's FB today,and also from what i've seen on tv that 3 744s will be utilized. Let's all of us wait for Uncle Norman's photos,as he was there during the launching ceremony at MAS Hangar 6 at KLIA. If not mistaken, 2 x B744 (one MasCharter's newly configured 454pax 9M-MPQ and another the fleet's normal 386pax config) and a B772 will be utilised for this year's Hajj operations... Thanks to Capt Nik for inviting me to the launching ceremony of the "Kuala Lumpur" as MasCharter's dedicated aircraft. Let the photos tell the story... Guests arrived and welcomed by the chief and his gang.. Luckily there's an aircond room for us to cool down while waiting for the VVIPs... Arrival of MAS MD, Tengku Dato' Azmil Zahrudin, greeted by Capt Nik Tabung Haji's Group MD/CEO Datuk Ismee Ismail, being escorted by Tengku Dato' Azmil... VVIP proceed to hangar with Charter Crew in Hajj uniform line-up to welcome them Proceed to Papa Quebec in MAS Hangar 06 Admiring the aircraft... ....to be continued... Capt Nik giving initial briefing to the VVIPs regarding the aircraft The crew and MAS Kompang group.. Amin... after prayer being said... Capt Nik giving his speech... It was hot inside the hangar... VVIPs visiting/inspecting the aircraft... A short press conference was conducted in the first class cabin... and the reporters still wanted more from Capt Nik, after the conference and finally... the mandatory group photos... .... next... the interior of 'Kuala Lumpur'.. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tamizi Hj Tamby 1 Report post Posted October 5, 2010 Thanks for the coverage,Uncle Norman; Can't wait to see more pictures! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites