MAS Privatisation

[JuliusWong 0]

1 hour ago, kandiah k said:

Aerotrains continued to get further damage and eventually halted the service, terminal was and still a mess, staff have become more incompetent, bosses have increased their expectations to make up for losses and demand the sky and the moon from the staff with no proper remuneration, no retraining or reassessment post-pandemic, airlines have dived into a greed mode to milk everything from the customers and also their own staff to ensure that the top heavy are well fed. I think we should do something and this is a good opportunity to improve moving forward. Our other friends in Southeast Asia are rapidly moving and we are going to be left behind, far far behind because we are focusing on the wrong things. Tina Turner's concert in the 80's comes to mind. What a shame! 

Does anyone have contacts with the right decision makers to have a forum with us? Oh well, lethargy at its best!

Let's not forget Changi T2 is now opened again after massive renovation during pandemic, 18 months ahead of schedule.   Singapore well know that their carrier can no longer compete with big cash loaded airlines like EK, TK, and QR, upcoming RX and SV, hence they are focusing on pax transit markets and premium market. The LCC are fillers for Changi. Being a global financial and business hub, having strong consistent policies helps its standing in competitive world. Downsides you get pigeonhole home and less than ideal democracy, well you can't have the cake and eat it at the same time, same as any other countries.

[Riza 0]

Last 2 weeks i did both MH715 / MH714 & for both flights, around 90% pax are of Indian Subcontinent origin. And, OD flight to KUL which scheduled to depart around MH714 time also has loads of pax of the same origin. DPS is a hub to hop to many other islands in Indonesia to explore the aptly named Tourism Indonesia' tagline of 'Wonderful Indonesia'. 

[Alif A. F. 0]

8 hours ago, Chris Tan said:

 

https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2023/1/16/malaysia-tourism-recovery-lags-thailand-indonesia-vietnam

 

At least at sub-national level, there is continuous effort to attract tourists. Korean airlines have been mounting non-stop flights to BKI, and now China flights begin to resume too. 

And recently, there was a non-scheduled plane landing in Sandakan bringing high-end tourists: National Geographic wildlife experts, guests arrive in Sabah on private jet (theborneopost.com). Hopefully, more such flights in the future to Malaysia.

[JuliusWong 0]

1 hour ago, Alif A. F. said:

At least at sub-national level, there is continuous effort to attract tourists. Korean airlines have been mounting non-stop flights to BKI, and now China flights begin to resume too. 

And recently, there was a non-scheduled plane landing in Sandakan bringing high-end tourists: National Geographic wildlife experts, guests arrive in Sabah on private jet (theborneopost.com). Hopefully, more such flights in the future to Malaysia.

Not to rain on your parade, but the National Geographic chartered flight is only for those few very very wealthy individuals T1 group, and that is once a year thing. It has been done for the past few years, previously by TUI, but I do agree with you on the continuous effort, no matter how big or small effort, worth giving credit for. The main problem for Malaysia is China gomen is now subtly not allowing/ limit its citizens going abroad for holiday. Those days where hundreds and thousands of Mainland Chinese going overseas days are over. Even Thailand is facing hard times to return to pre-pandemic China tourists arrival number, but fortunately the whites (including Russians) are compensating.

[jahur 0]

3 hours ago, Alif A. F. said:

At least at sub-national level, there is continuous effort to attract tourists. Korean airlines have been mounting non-stop flights to BKI, and now China flights begin to resume too. 

And recently, there was a non-scheduled plane landing in Sandakan bringing high-end tourists: National Geographic wildlife experts, guests arrive in Sabah on private jet (theborneopost.com). Hopefully, more such flights in the future to Malaysia.

In the case of Sabah pre pandemic PRC and Koreans are only accessing west coast beach and semporna for the islands. Sepilok, Danum, Tabin, lok kawi wildlife park is not their pallate. Former target crowd for Sepilok were formerly Japanese and Australians the same for Sarawak's Mulu with small numbers of europeans occasionally coming over. There was talk about setting up a haunted attraction for dark tourism also resulted in nothing as we barely attracted those kind of tourist.

In the old days when i was working in a GA company they would talk how russians and european travelers would charter helicopter on on nearly daily basis for island hoping paying 10k per charter sheet most of them coming from MH and MI connecting flight and layang layang and sabah air would pick them up from the hotel all the way to the hangars. Some of them would be requesting for a direct flight towards danum valley or even all the way to semporna. Fast forward to today 90% of the bell 206 are sitting rotting and only remnants of the flying doctor as355 fleet are still active as the state has been targeting a different sub crowd.

All in all We just lack the effort to push in the variety to support the economy.  Even on youtube you would occasionally see youtubers on sponsored trip from thai and indonesia but Malaysia its mostly on self volunteer basis. Mark Wien's was invited to Singapore and Indonesia during the pandemic and his event was plastered all over discovery asia. 

 

 

[KK Lee 5]

On 6/9/2023 at 5:02 PM, jahur said:

In the case of Sabah pre pandemic PRC and Koreans are only accessing west coast beach and semporna for the islands. Sepilok, Danum, Tabin, lok kawi wildlife park is not their pallate. Former target crowd for Sepilok were formerly Japanese and Australians the same for Sarawak's Mulu with small numbers of europeans occasionally coming over. There was talk about setting up a haunted attraction for dark tourism also resulted in nothing as we barely attracted those kind of tourist.

In the old days when i was working in a GA company they would talk how russians and european travelers would charter helicopter on on nearly daily basis for island hoping paying 10k per charter sheet most of them coming from MH and MI connecting flight and layang layang and sabah air would pick them up from the hotel all the way to the hangars. Some of them would be requesting for a direct flight towards danum valley or even all the way to semporna. Fast forward to today 90% of the bell 206 are sitting rotting and only remnants of the flying doctor as355 fleet are still active as the state has been targeting a different sub crowd.

All in all We just lack the effort to push in the variety to support the economy.  Even on youtube you would occasionally see youtubers on sponsored trip from thai and indonesia but Malaysia its mostly on self volunteer basis. Mark Wien's was invited to Singapore and Indonesia during the pandemic and his event was plastered all over discovery asia. 

 

 

Most of tourism ministry staffs are more interested to attend travel fair and conference in overseas.

Russian, etc drinks and bring gf, models, etc. those holier than thou don't want to earn sinful money.

On another note;

LGBT tourists spend an estimated $200 billion worldwide a year, according to research conducted by Out Now Consulting, an agency that provides gay marketing services to big companies.

https://asia.nikkei.com/Economy/Open-minded-Thailand-banks-on-LGBT-tourists-boys-love-exports2

[JuliusWong 0]

Malaysia Airlines successfully implements full suite of Sabre Network Planning

https://www.traveldailymedia.com/malaysia-airlines-successfully-implements-full-suite-of-sabre-network-planning/

Sabre Corporation  announced the successful implementation of a full suite of Sabre Network Planning and Optimization solutions for Malaysia Airlines. The carrier has already started using these advanced Sabre solutions to optimize schedules, evaluate existing and future routes and partnerships, and make network planning decisions.

“We’re thrilled that we can now take full advantage of a wide range of Sabre solutions as we move forward with ambitious plan to capture, and create, growth in the Malaysian travel ecosystem and post pandemic travel recovery” said  Bryan Foong, Group Chief Strategy Officer, Malaysia Airlines.

This is the main PIC for MAG Group's overall strategy and fleet planning. Feel free to read up his profile: https://www.malaysiaairlines.com/my/en/about-us/leadership/senior-management/group-chief-strategy-officer-bryan-foong-chee-yeong.html

 

[JuliusWong 0]

Deputy Premier slams Malaysia Airlines’ magazine for Sarawak nickname error

https://thethaiger.com/news/world/malaysia/deputy-premier-slams-malaysia-airlines-magazine-for-sarawak-nickname-error

Deputy Premier Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian expressed his disappointment over the incorrect nickname for Sarawak featured in the Going Places traveller’s guide. In a recent Facebook post, Dr Sim shared his shock at discovering the error in the June 2023 edition of Malaysia Airlines’ magazine. He did not explicitly mention the mistake, but it was evident that he was referring to the nickname “the Land Below the Wind,” which the article incorrectly used to describe Sarawak.

Errrr, pretty sure Sarawak is not called "Land Below the Wind". I do think the DPM went tad bit overboard by saying "it is difficult for Sarawakians to feel united with West Malaysia when such mistakes are made." but this is a very silly mistake which should not have happened at the first place. The foreign editors at INK Publishing need to be more attentive.

[JuliusWong 0]

10 hours ago, KK Lee said:

Most of tourism ministry staffs are more interested to attend travel fair and conference in overseas.

Russian, etc drinks and bring gf, models, etc. those holier than thou don't want to earn sinful money.

On another note;

LGBT tourists spend an estimated $200 billion worldwide a year, according to research conducted by Out Now Consulting, an agency that provides gay marketing services to big companies.

https://asia.nikkei.com/Economy/Open-minded-Thailand-banks-on-LGBT-tourists-boys-love-exports2

No, cannot! Haram for Malaysia. Here we are all holy, we don't need concert, alcohol, no LGTVHD, best if casino is also closed along with cinemas. Malaysia numba #1! LOLx!

 

[Sandeep G 1]

On 6/9/2023 at 9:23 AM, JuliusWong said:

Let's not forget Changi T2 is now opened again after massive renovation during pandemic, 18 months ahead of schedule.   Singapore well know that their carrier can no longer compete with big cash loaded airlines like EK, TK, and QR, upcoming RX and SV, hence they are focusing on pax transit markets and premium market. The LCC are fillers for Changi. Being a global financial and business hub, having strong consistent policies helps its standing in competitive world. Downsides you get pigeonhole home and less than ideal democracy, well you can't have the cake and eat it at the same time, same as any other countries.

Just flew out of T2... apart from the departure hall and arrival hall... the Airside duty-free and amenity level is still very much the same as before - ZERO CHANGE - probably why they opening 18 months "ahead of schedule" as I recall the ENTIRE terminal was supposed to be refreshed in phases originally... Lots of hoardings around the shops with some outlet refreshing for sure. Ceiling panels in some areas changed, others not. Carpet change in some areas, mainly not. All lounges are the same as pre-pandemic... The McDonalds and Food-Court on upper level airside area identical.

The F52-F60 Pier was IDENTICAL to before the closure.. all gate lounges have the same tired chairs, slightly damp smell and poor natural lighting along the travellators. Notably, F60 (CIP/VIP gate) has a lick of paint and fresh new carpeting plus some pot plants along the connecting pier.

I did notice at the walkway towards F31-F47, there is a new structure built - not sure if this is ahead of possible demolition of the F42-F47 (& similarly E Finger Pier) gates to permit a double parallel taxiway, which is currently missing from T2 side. 

[JuliusWong 0]

Was digging around the history behind Malaysia Airlines marketing campaign over the past six years, especially after MH17 and MH370 incidents, I found this article from 2016.

Malaysia Airlines refreshes agency roster

https://www.campaignasia.com/article/malaysia-airlines-refreshes-agency-roster/424761

MALAYSIA - Malaysia Airlines Berhad has refreshed its agency roster, appointing GroupM, Rally Worldwide and Mirum Singapore to support the national carrier’s global marketing and branding strategy.

The incumbent media agency was IPG Mediabrands' UM. It is less clear which creative agencies who are on the airline's roster. Last year, M&C Saatchi was appointed to manage a proposed rebrand while Loka Labs created a long-form video commercial for the brand in May 2015. The last global campaign run on behalf of the brand was "Journeys" by Ogilvy Malaysia in 2013. 

No wonder the branding was so messy over the years, there were so many ads/marcomm agencies involved.

Shame that the "Journeys" campaign by Ogilvy was shortlived, although they could have gone deeper and be more detailed on the "journey and people"......English language aside.

https://campaignbriefasia.com/2013/07/03/ogilvy-malaysia-launched-malay/

Edited June 12, 2023 by JuliusWong

[JuliusWong 0]

17 minutes ago, Sandeep G said:

Just flew out of T2... apart from the departure hall and arrival hall... the Airside duty-free and amenity level is still very much the same as before - ZERO CHANGE - probably why they opening 18 months "ahead of schedule" as I recall the ENTIRE terminal was supposed to be refreshed in phases originally... Lots of hoardings around the shops with some outlet refreshing for sure. Ceiling panels in some areas changed, others not. Carpet change in some areas, mainly not. All lounges are the same as pre-pandemic... The McDonalds and Food-Court on upper level airside area identical.

The F52-F60 Pier was IDENTICAL to before the closure.. all gate lounges have the same tired chairs, slightly damp smell and poor natural lighting along the travellators. Notably, F60 (CIP/VIP gate) has a lick of paint and fresh new carpeting plus some pot plants along the connecting pier.

I did notice at the walkway towards F31-F47, there is a new structure built - not sure if this is ahead of possible demolition of the F42-F47 (& similarly E Finger Pier) gates to permit a double parallel taxiway, which is currently missing from T2 side. 

The main aim of the recent renovation was to add another 5 million passengers to the overall pre-pandemic capacity of 85 million. Therefore there won't be major hacking and building of new structure.  This news article gives an overall information https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/changi-airport-terminal-2-to-reopen-fully-in-october-months-ahead-of-schedule

"T2 had reopened in phases from May 2022, starting with key touchpoints such as arrival immigration, baggage claim belts and contact gates at the southern wing of the terminal. By October 2022, the entire southern wing was reopened.

While the upgrading of the northern wing of the terminal was slated to be completed in 2024, there have been signs that the work was progressing at a faster pace than expected, with some Singapore Airlines flights departing from Gates E1, E2 and E3 – part of T2’s northern wing – in late March.

The full reopening of T2 comes amid anticipation of a full travel recovery in 2024 or earlier."

And they are already planning the next phase of expansion: 

"Mr Lee added that capacity at Changi Airport will be tight until the opening of Terminal 5 in the mid-2030s.

Tenders for the construction of T5 will be called in 2024, with ground-breaking slated for 2025.

“We will need to explore new ways to unlock more capacity now and invest in our next phase of growth,” he said.

To that end, plans are afoot to give the two arrival immigration halls at Terminal 1 a facelift so that passengers landing in Singapore will be able to clear immigration more quickly and in more spacious surroundings.

The number of automated lanes at each immigration hall will be increased from 12 to more than 40.

When completed in 2025, the expanded arrival halls in T1 will have 60 per cent more capacity and 40 per cent more throughput, said Mr Lee.

T1, which can handle 24 million passengers a year, was last upgraded in September 2019 at a cost of $323 million."

 

[Adam Lawrence 0]

Malaysia Airlines CEO reveals new business class seats and free wifi

Read more about this here: https://www.headforpoints.com/2023/06/12/malaysia-airlines-ceo-reveals-new-business-class-seats/

Boeing 737 MAX, A330neos and additional A350 are coming

Also from the same article, it seems that MH is interested in getting smaller regional planes such as the A220 or Embraer E2s to be based in SZB.

[Robert 0]

2 hours ago, JuliusWong said:

The main aim of the recent renovation was to add another 5 million passengers to the overall pre-pandemic capacity of 85 million. Therefore there won't be major hacking and building of new structure.  This news article gives an overall information https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/changi-airport-terminal-2-to-reopen-fully-in-october-months-ahead-of-schedule

"T2 had reopened in phases from May 2022, starting with key touchpoints such as arrival immigration, baggage claim belts and contact gates at the southern wing of the terminal. By October 2022, the entire southern wing was reopened.

While the upgrading of the northern wing of the terminal was slated to be completed in 2024, there have been signs that the work was progressing at a faster pace than expected, with some Singapore Airlines flights departing from Gates E1, E2 and E3 – part of T2’s northern wing – in late March.

The full reopening of T2 comes amid anticipation of a full travel recovery in 2024 or earlier."

And they are already planning the next phase of expansion: 

"Mr Lee added that capacity at Changi Airport will be tight until the opening of Terminal 5 in the mid-2030s.

Tenders for the construction of T5 will be called in 2024, with ground-breaking slated for 2025.

“We will need to explore new ways to unlock more capacity now and invest in our next phase of growth,” he said.

To that end, plans are afoot to give the two arrival immigration halls at Terminal 1 a facelift so that passengers landing in Singapore will be able to clear immigration more quickly and in more spacious surroundings.

The number of automated lanes at each immigration hall will be increased from 12 to more than 40.

When completed in 2025, the expanded arrival halls in T1 will have 60 per cent more capacity and 40 per cent more throughput, said Mr Lee.

T1, which can handle 24 million passengers a year, was last upgraded in September 2019 at a cost of $323 million."

 

I still don’t get why they didn’t leave MH in T1 (one world) and move TG to T2 especially now that TG doesn’t have a lounge anymore. 

T2 check-in is different with less counters and a strong push for self serve check in. 

The new carpet makes it a little harder to pull cases around haha

A word of warning after a goof up on my part. A few weeks ago I went over to T1 to use the QF First lounge. When returning I had just missed the train to T2 so decided to walk because its just as quick to E1. After a brisk walk I found that here was a temporary wall built after E20 with way of getting to T2 so I had no choice but to walk all the back and catch the train. When I wes nearing the end (E28) I saw the train pass and had to run owing to a shortage of time. Was one of the last boarding but in a hot sweaty mess… silly me

[Robert 0]

25 minutes ago, Adam Lawrence said:

Malaysia Airlines CEO reveals new business class seats and free wifi

Read more about this here: https://www.headforpoints.com/2023/06/12/malaysia-airlines-ceo-reveals-new-business-class-seats/

Boeing 737 MAX, A330neos and additional A350 are coming

Also from the same article, it seems that MH is interested in getting smaller regional planes such as the A220 or Embraer E2s to be based in SZB.

Thanks I had missed this and found it very informative.

Wonder if they scrap the F lounge at KLIA if the Suites go.

Looks like they will be at Subang but will it be MH or FY?

The free Wifi fir J passengers s a good thing but I hope they also extend to Enrich gold or platinum.

[Adam Lawrence 0]

11 minutes ago, Robert said:

Thanks I had missed this and found it very informative.

Wonder if they scrap the F lounge at KLIA if the Suites go.

Looks like they will be at Subang but will it be MH or FY?

The free Wifi fir J passengers s a good thing but I hope they also extend to Enrich gold or platinum.

You are welcome. I also came across this wonderful article while searching something else on Google.

From the article, it seems that MH mainline will be operating the regional jet from SZB. No mentioned anything about FY.

So I guess if the plan materialized, MH will be based several regional jets in SZB while FY retaining its turboprop operations there.

 

[Chris Tan 0]

1 hour ago, Robert said:

I still don’t get why they didn’t leave MH in T1 (one world) and move TG to T2 especially now that TG doesn’t have a lounge anymore. 

Yup. Would also be good lounge-wise as TG pax can more easily access the SKL, which as it stands is quite underused. Ditto for MH with its OW partners and their lovely lounges.

[jahur 0]

1 hour ago, Adam Lawrence said:

Malaysia Airlines CEO reveals new business class seats and free wifi

Read more about this here: https://www.headforpoints.com/2023/06/12/malaysia-airlines-ceo-reveals-new-business-class-seats/

Boeing 737 MAX, A330neos and additional A350 are coming

Also from the same article, it seems that MH is interested in getting smaller regional planes such as the A220 or Embraer E2s to be based in SZB.

Interesting its the Collins Aerospace Super Diamond selected for business class wonder whats the seat for economy.

[Robert 0]

12 minutes ago, jahur said:

Interesting its the Collins Aerospace Super Diamond selected for business class wonder whats the seat for economy.

probably something with as much comfort as Barbantia ironing board 

[Lim Kar Yong 0]

49 minutes ago, jahur said:

Interesting its the Collins Aerospace Super Diamond selected for business class wonder whats the seat for economy.

and the max will have the same seats as the refurbished NG ....

[Robert 0]

51 minutes ago, Lim Kar Yong said:

and the max will have the same seats as the refurbished NG ....

Depressing....

[JuliusWong 0]

2 hours ago, Robert said:

I still don’t get why they didn’t leave MH in T1 (one world) and move TG to T2 especially now that TG doesn’t have a lounge anymore. 

T2 check-in is different with less counters and a strong push for self serve check in. 

The new carpet makes it a little harder to pull cases around haha

A word of warning after a goof up on my part. A few weeks ago I went over to T1 to use the QF First lounge. When returning I had just missed the train to T2 so decided to walk because its just as quick to E1. After a brisk walk I found that here was a temporary wall built after E20 with way of getting to T2 so I had no choice but to walk all the back and catch the train. When I wes nearing the end (E28) I saw the train pass and had to run owing to a shortage of time. Was one of the last boarding but in a hot sweaty mess… silly me

I think it is because SQ is in codesharing with MH for many South East Asia flights hence MH was moved to T2, but I maybe wrong. As far as I know Changi does not practise alliance terminals. All the airlines are being spread throughout the four terminals. KE is Skyteam but in T4, CX in OW but in T4 too, LH is in T2, 6E, QG, TW and TR are in T1 even though they are all LCCs, SV Skyteam but in T3, UL OW but in T3 and Lion Air Group in T3, even though they are LCCs. I guess it is based on many factors how they allocate the gate space and also who is willing to pay more for facilities and services.

[JuliusWong 0]

4 minutes ago, Robert said:

Depressing....

If they are going for Super Diamond for widebody J, I don't see why they can go for Diamond for short-medium haul J. https://www.collinsaerospace.com/what-we-do/industries/commercial-aviation/cabin/seating/business-class/diamond-family

SQ has flat bed, we shall see what TG will put on their new A321neos. If TG also puts flat bed, MH is doomed to fail for the 1001945th time. 

[JuliusWong 0]

Malaysia Airlines' parent edges closer to first annual profit in years, Q1 earnings at RM450mil

https://www.nst.com.my/business/2023/06/919056/malaysia-airlines-parent-edges-closer-first-annual-profit-years-q1-earnings

By BILQIS BAHARI - June 12, 2023 @ 9:34am

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Airlines Bhd's parent Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) is on track to post its first annual profit in years after registering a net profit of RM450 million in the first quarter ended March 31 2023.

MAG group managing director Datuk Captain Izham Ismail said the first quarter results, to be officially released soon, would be the third consecutive quarter where the group had turned in profit.

"For the year-end projection, it looks strong. Our Quarter 1 2023 (Q1 2023) numbers have been approved by the auditors and the (MAG) board.

"Q2 2023 is looking very strong. I cannot declare the numbers (yet) because the quarter is still running," he told the New Straits Times after attending the International Air Transport Association's 79th annual general meeting and World Air Transport Summit in Instanbul last week.

Ok, Captain, since we managed to eke out a bit bit profit, can we have a better and more presentable airport lounges at KUL, onboard catering and better services for elite members? We are neither asking for B787/ B77X.......nor we are asking you to buy 30 A321LR/XLR and 25 A350 to return to CDG, AMS, FRA, FCO, EZE, CPT, JNB, YVR, LAX and JFK. (We all know these are dreams, some dreams should always be remain as dreams).😞

[JuliusWong 0]

3 hours ago, Robert said:

The new carpet makes it a little harder to pull cases around haha

A word of warning after a goof up on my part. A few weeks ago I went over to T1 to use the QF First lounge. When returning I had just missed the train to T2 so decided to walk because its just as quick to E1. After a brisk walk I found that here was a temporary wall built after E20 with way of getting to T2 so I had no choice but to walk all the back and catch the train. When I wes nearing the end (E28) I saw the train pass and had to run owing to a shortage of time. Was one of the last boarding but in a hot sweaty mess… silly me

Haha on the carpet part, yes I agree with you on this. The Changi's previous philosophy was thick carpet will reduce the luggage wheel noise, seems like they are doing away from that. 

To give others an idea what you are talking about regarding the hoarded area (in purple-ish box): https://www.changiairport.com/en/maps.html#t2.l2

And yes, T2 are still undergoing renovation as we speak. All the grey areas are undergoing renovation.