MAS implements measures to reduce flight disruptions

[Robin 0]

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Airlines will introduce a new schedule effective Aug 13 incorporating buffers to reduce flight delays, particularly consequential delays.

 

MAS has also moved some engineers from Subang to the KL International Airport to speed up aircraft repairs and reduce aircraft downtime.

 

These are some of the measures being taken by the national carrier to address recent flight disruption woes and improve its On-Time Performance (OTP).

 

MAS managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Idris Jala said in a statement yesterday that the airline was also working with the relevant regulatory authorities and Malaysia Airports Bhd to reduce aircraft queue at takeoffs and landings at the KLIA.

 

He said that MAB had requested its contractors to speed up the construction of the KLIA runway which is now expected to be completed in October, a month earlier than scheduled.

 

“The management team and I are totally focused on improving our OTP. I’m pleased to inform our customers that in the last few days, our OTP has moved to between 75% and 78%,” Idris said.

 

“In addition, we’ve also received approval from Penerbangan Malaysia Bhd on the activation of a long-term parking B747-400 aircraft, as a standby aircraft.”

 

Among those affected by recent flight delays were Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy, Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Dr Fong Chan Onn and Information Minister Datuk Seri Zainuddin Maidin. – Bernama

 

 

[Kenneth T 0]

Good news....seems like the management is taking initiative to improve the situation but the to solve the situation, they may have to come into the root of the problem, has they forgotten the MAS employees' welfare in this case?

 

“In addition, we’ve also received approval from Penerbangan Malaysia Bhd on the activation of a long-term parking B747-400 aircraft, as a standby aircraft.”

 

By the way,I wonder what they are trying to imply with these statement?

 

[Jerry Ang 0]

MAS has also moved some engineers from Subang to the KL International Airport to speed up aircraft repairs and reduce aircraft downtime.

 

Ohhh...patutlah...

 

The LAE i was working with suddenly got transfered to KLIA, was wondering why...hmmm...

[Kenneth T 0]

Ohhh...patutlah...

 

The LAE i was working with suddenly got transfered to KLIA, was wondering why...hmmm...

 

 

Hey Jerry, I wonder when u can offe me a pass to visit u at the MAS Subang hangar?..haha

[Mushrif A 3]

Good news....seems like the management is taking initiative to improve the situation but the to solve the situation, they may have to come into the root of the problem, has they forgotten the MAS employees' welfare in this case?

 

“In addition, we’ve also received approval from Penerbangan Malaysia Bhd on the activation of a long-term parking B747-400 aircraft, as a standby aircraft.”

 

By the way,I wonder what they are trying to imply with these statement?

 

Maybe Jala was way too aggressive shedding some fat, leaving little room for error. By removing practically all excess capacity, there just isn't enough planes to go around should a few go tech unplanned. (Is the 744 9M-MPK or MPM? These are the unrefurbished birds and one of the local papers did quote Jala saying that the said aircraft will be refitted with an engine (presumably removed earlier) and would be ready by late today.)

 

Also, I noticed that the 734 turnarounds are largely 35-40minutes tops, especially on domestic flights versus the schedule padding during those days when it was some 45-50 minutes turnaround, which would have absorbed the lengthy queues on rwy 14R/32L these days.

 

Jala was probably trying to do an Airasia (remember the low-cost full service airline mantra) but somewhat backfired here when the odds all go against him at one go.

 

 

 

[Kenneth T 0]

Maybe Jala was way too aggressive shedding some fat, leaving little room for error. By removing practically all excess capacity, there just isn't enough planes to go around should a few go tech unplanned. (Is the 744 9M-MPK or MPM? These are the unrefurbished birds and one of the local papers did quote Jala saying that the said aircraft will be refitted with an engine (presumably removed earlier) and would be ready by late today.)

 

Also, I noticed that the 734 turnarounds are largely 35-40minutes tops, especially on domestic flights versus the schedule padding during those days when it was some 45-50 minutes turnaround, which would have absorbed the lengthy queues on rwy 14R/32L these days.

 

Jala was probably trying to do an Airasia (remember the low-cost full service airline mantra) but somewhat backfired here when the odds all go against him at one go.

 

I would definitely hope that he is not trying to copy the Airasia system..otherwise Im sure staffs' grievances are for sure unavoidabe and may end up having further staffs' problems

[Rozhan 0]

*OT*, but I believe MH has implemented measures to increase its bank account balance as well. I just realised tax for flights within peninsular is now RM50 one way, as opposed to RM46 based on my ticket to TGG last July. To BKI is RM79. Thank you very much MH.

[Mushrif A 3]

*OT*, but I believe MH has implemented measures to increase its bank account balance as well. I just realised tax for flights within peninsular is now RM50 one way, as opposed to RM46 based on my ticket to TGG last July. To BKI is RM79. Thank you very much MH.

 

Not tax, as (airport) tax is charged by MAB and determined by the Gov. MH probably raised its so-called admin fee (which is a silly cost item, especially when it's an e-tkt). It is like charging the pax the cost of cleaners' fee (to keep the MH office neat & tidy) or maybe TNB fee (to partially pay the cost of electricity?)

 

[KK Lee 5]

*OT*, but I believe MH has implemented measures to increase its bank account balance as well. I just realised tax for flights within peninsular is now RM50 one way, as opposed to RM46 based on my ticket to TGG last July. To BKI is RM79. Thank you very much MH.

 

While advertising low fares and charging admin fees, fuel surcharge at the same time, find airline (MH, AK) misleading and abusive. Believe we need a strong and independent anti-monopoly commission for consumer protection.

 

[Rozhan 0]

I believe there is a loophole in law with regards to the admin fee at both AK and MH. Yes, airport tax and fuel surcharge need to get consent from the gov should the airport and airlines want to increase them. But to increase admin tax is at their own fancy and the authorities have no say on it. What a brilliant idea these airlines have, I suppose.

 

Mushrif is correct about the admin fee. What is it about admin that customers have to pay when it is already e-ticket. MH used to complain that paper tickets cost something like RM5 each, but now it is just a lousy piece of paper for domestic flights, if one buys at the ticket office.

 

I agree with KK Lee that we need consumer protection. At the moment I can't feel that we can depend on the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs. Even the minister's parliamentary constituency is in need of supervision. I found that a minimarket in Semporna town is openly selling expired snack products to the people (e.g. Cheezels...expired in Nov 2006, still being sold in July 2007). What a shame! The people deserve better.

 

BTW, now we have admin fee, fuel surcharge, insurance surcharge and airport tax. Wonder what will appear next. It is not that people have problems paying the admin fee, but some transparency as to what the money is meant for is something that is good to know.

Edited August 5, 2007 by Rozhan

[Radzi 2]

Personally I think airport tax is a necessity, fuel surcharge should be added to ticket price, insurance surcharge should be optional and administration fee is a scam by the airlines.

 

Ticket price should include everything except maybe fees that goes to the authorities.

[BC Tam 2]

If the airlines keep adding on new surcharges etc, perhaps they should consider an 'itemised billing' fee, much like telco's do nowadays !

[Mushrif A 3]

Maybe the increase in admin fee is to dish out bonuses to all MH staff ?

 

Somebody should complain to the Consumer Protection authorities to rein in the adhoc unilateral increases in admin fee, for no apparent reason.