flee 5 Report post Posted May 16, 2016 (edited) MAS Appoints New MASwings CEO KUALA LUMPUR, May 16 (Bernama) -- Malaysia Airlines has appointed Captain Izham Ismail as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of its sister airline, MASwings, effective July 1. He takes over from the current CEO, Captain Ritzerwan Rashid, who will retire at end-August. Izham will focus on developing a comprehensive and sustainable plan to improve MASwings' operations, financial performance and customer service experience," Malaysia Airlines' CEO, Christoph Mueller said in a statement today. Izham has close to 36 years of experience in the aviation industry and thus, combines a valuable breadth of understanding in airline operations and business management. "I am proud that he is our own internal home grown talent and confident that he will be able to lead MASwings to new levels of excellence," Mueller said. Izham is currently Head of the Operations Programme Management Office overseeing more than 100 projects, key to the turnaround of Malaysia Airlines. He is also a Board of Director for various companies such as MAB Kargo and began his career with Malaysia Airlines as a trained pilot from the Philippines Airline Aviation School. As a pilot he achieved world aviation records when he flew Malaysia Airlines' first B777-200 eastward from Seattle to Kuala Lumpur and back, setting a new world longest flight and speed record for the fastest round-the-world flight by a commercial airliner with total flight time of 41 hours 59 minutes over a distance of 23, 310 miles. Mueller also thanked Ritzerwan for his contributions to MASwings as well as Malaysia Airlines. Under his tenure, the airline significantly expanded to become a recognised and designated "The East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) airline". Edited May 16, 2016 by flee Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RaymondT 0 Report post Posted May 16, 2016 http://www.nst.com.my/news/2016/05/145836/malaysia-airlines-sticks-strategies "He, however, expressed his disappointment on the two-year contract awarded by the Tourism and Culture Ministry to Singapore Airlines instead of the national carrier." http://marketingmagazine.com.my/breaking-news/singapore-airlines-collaborates-with-tourism-malaysia-on-marketing Sedihnya.... What an extremely odd thing to do, when we have a national Airline that could use all the help they could find. But then again, it is a smarter choice to go with a larger and more connected carrier, but still, confusing. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KK Lee 5 Report post Posted May 16, 2016 What an extremely odd thing to do, when we have a national Airline that could use all the help they could find. But then again, it is a smarter choice to go with a larger and more connected carrier, but still, confusing. If this contract is awarded to mh is as good as awarded to ek. It would be more confusing as the whole journey is on ek metal. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ja Singh 2 Report post Posted May 16, 2016 What a smart move by tourism Malaysia. Now we will see advertisement of Malaysia in countries where SQ flies and promote malaysia.All this to gain more passengers for themselves too.This will bring in more tourist. MH is not in the position to do this as itself is in the intensive care ward and until it gets well in 2 years time then maybe. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jani 0 Report post Posted May 17, 2016 Ridiculous by the Tourism ministry. Extremely. Could have easily worked with any ME carrier, with EK being the most obvious. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Alif A. F. 0 Report post Posted May 17, 2016 Ridiculous by the Tourism ministry. Extremely. Could have easily worked with any ME carrier, with EK being the most obvious. Those ME carriers only fly to KUL. SQ group flies to many points in Malaysia with only one-stop via SIN. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RaymondT 0 Report post Posted May 17, 2016 Those ME carriers only fly to KUL. SQ group flies to many points in Malaysia with only one-stop via SIN. That is a very good factor regarding SQ group having more entry points into Malaysia via more airports, would make it more attractive, not to mention the size of the Star Alliance group as well. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jani 0 Report post Posted May 17, 2016 Those ME carriers only fly to KUL. SQ group flies to many points in Malaysia with only one-stop via SIN. A partnership with EK (or even QR/Oneworld) is also a one-stop in KUL before connecting to MH. My main gripe is that it's Singapore Airlines. It's a very WTF move. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BC Tam 2 Report post Posted May 17, 2016 (edited) Perhaps at time when the Ministry people were negotiating with the airlines, MH was not in position yet to be able to commit to the EK codeshare deal and hence wasn't able to offer sufficient reach for purpose of the promotion campaign ? My main gripe is that it's Singapore Airlines. It's a very WTF move.Sad - but be that as it may, it's how things furl out sometimes (in reality) ..... Edited May 17, 2016 by BC Tam Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flee 5 Report post Posted May 17, 2016 http://www.nst.com.my/news/2016/05/145836/malaysia-airlines-sticks-strategies "He, however, expressed his disappointment on the two-year contract awarded by the Tourism and Culture Ministry to Singapore Airlines instead of the national carrier." http://marketingmagazine.com.my/breaking-news/singapore-airlines-collaborates-with-tourism-malaysia-on-marketing Sedihnya.... Its a good move - is it a sign that some Ministries are starting to award contracts on merit? Is it a sign that GLCs can no longer take the the government for granted and that all contracts should be competitive? I certainly hope so. That way, the government can claim that it is trying its best to get value for taxpayers' money! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mulyadir Fitri 0 Report post Posted May 17, 2016 SQ is a premium airline. Maybe the ministry is trying to attract premium tourists/big spenders. Our country is already popular among the backpackers and the average tourists due to our low currency Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flee 5 Report post Posted May 17, 2016 SQ is a premium airline. Maybe the ministry is trying to attract premium tourists/big spenders. Our country is already popular among the backpackers and the average tourists due to our low currency I think the ME3 airlines already bring in premium pax - perhaps, they are now trying to tap SQs premium pax. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jani 0 Report post Posted May 17, 2016 (edited) Its a good move - is it a sign that some Ministries are starting to award contracts on merit? Is it a sign that GLCs can no longer take the the government for granted and that all contracts should be competitive? I certainly hope so. That way, the government can claim that it is trying its best to get value for taxpayers' money! Whilst I agree, there are also certain sensitivities that must be considered. Can you imagine, if on the flipside, Singapore offered a contract to a Malaysian company, when there are tens of other companies around the world capable of delivering similar, it not better results without jeopardizing matters related to national interest? Doubtful. What's next, route all incoming traffic into KUL from SIN and make Changi Malaysia's main gateway? haha Edited May 17, 2016 by jani Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KK Lee 5 Report post Posted May 17, 2016 Whilst I agree, there are also certain sensitivities that must be considered. Can you imagine, if on the flipside, Singapore offered a contract to a Malaysian company, when there are tens of other companies around the world capable of delivering similar, it not better results without jeopardizing matters related to national interest? Doubtful. What's next, route all incoming traffic into KUL from SIN and make Changi Malaysia's main gateway? haha Dxb is effectively the gateway to kul. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
geoff.leo 0 Report post Posted May 17, 2016 (edited) Fact of matter is, Malaysia Airlines has never really been the top source for tourists coming into Malaysia. We may boast very high tourist numbers, but a good half of them are Singaporeans. And for the other half, a good part of them make Malaysia as a stop from their travels via Singapore or Bangkok. Has always been the case. In recent years, with air ticket prices coming down, more via the Middle East. But even in this area, KL pales in comparison with BKK and SIN in the number of frequencies and/or products being offered by the ME3. Malaysia isn't the in the same league as Thailand or Singapore. Thailand is Thailand - it sells by itself. The big international hotel chains have a better footprint in Phuket than KL. Don't even get started with Bangkok. Singapore has always, still is and will continue to be a hub for everything, like it or not. With MAS' small international footprint, you can't blame the Tourism Ministry. Edited May 17, 2016 by geoff.leo Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Izanee 0 Report post Posted May 17, 2016 Yeah that maybe true but if you look at European countries, most of their tourist arrivals are from their neighbours. What's important is that we still get the numbers in... Thailand is now on the up after stalling for a few years due to their political turmoil. Malaysia should get their act together but they are currently more concerned about how to cover up the 1MDB... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BC Tam 2 Report post Posted May 17, 2016 Can you imagine, if on the flipside, Singapore offered a contract to a Malaysian company, when there are tens of other companies around the world capable of delivering similar, it not better results without jeopardizing matters related to national interest? Doubtful. Now that MAB has more or less sub-contracted European routes to EK, do you feel similarly that national interest has been jeopardized ? Remember it was 'die die also must fly' for nation's interest (and pride) not too long ago for MH Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sandeep G 1 Report post Posted May 17, 2016 Whilst I agree, there are also certain sensitivities that must be considered What's next, route all incoming traffic into KUL from SIN and make Changi Malaysia's main gateway? haha Jani, sensitivities are only so If we are sensitive about them. Politically, there is indeed a lot of sensitive history between Malaysia and Singapore.. But now let's look at other factors like organisational makeup - you know how many Malaysians are in the SIA group from every level?? Would this not benefit them also, especially with potentially more connectivity to home. Plus this is a renewable deal - not a life term.. I'm a Malaysian in SIA, and I am proud to be able to be a part of an organisation that brings in tourists. On Singapore giving Malaysia contracts - a few years ago, did you know MAS won the Singapore MinDef contract to transport all NSmen and women to Queensland for defence exercise at Rockhampton? 2-3 MK* A330's were roped in for the job and plied between SIN and QLD for a month in aggregate total. How? There was some arrogant responses on this side of the fence - macam, why not SIA??!! Business is business, politics is politics. On the gateway to Malaysia.. Bring some positive changes into MAHB and KLIA... I know you keep saying there are plans etc but none of it is ever very impressing.. The airport facilities (pax) is poorly maintained, a lot of tiada-Apa attitude and too much cin-Cai decoration that clutters... A small but huge difference is adding more permanent greenery inside the terminal.. Take use of the natural light and open spaces... Kill some of the billboards.. My two cents. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BC Tam 2 Report post Posted May 18, 2016 What's next, route all incoming traffic into KUL from SIN and make Changi Malaysia's main gateway? haha Perhaps people will start to understand what we in this eastern half of the nation feel most time - heh heh Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Alif A. F. 0 Report post Posted May 18, 2016 Malaysia is more to than just Klang Valley. Ministry of Tourism has obligation to ensure other parts of the country can be accessed easier and at ease as well. While MH (and KUL hub) continues to do their part in attracting tourists, in the current economic scenario it is wiser not to put all eggs in one basket. ☺ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jani 0 Report post Posted May 18, 2016 It seems many of your replies don't quite understand where I am coming from. I agree with almost all your points. But my only gripe is "Why Singapore?". That's all. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mushrif A 3 Report post Posted May 19, 2016 Why not? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
leon t 0 Report post Posted May 19, 2016 yes exactly why not SIA? - if SIA offers a better product and more connections and potentially provide more passenger feed. Some things ought to be made based on commercial reasons. Besides now MAS do not even fly to Europe except to London and have very much frequencies to Asia. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mike P 0 Report post Posted May 19, 2016 SQ is still very expensive. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
S V Choong 4 Report post Posted May 19, 2016 If it is a win-win model. Why not? Sounds like a revert back to the Malaysia Singapore Airlines model? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites