MH's New ASEAN Destinations

[Mohd Azizul Ramli 2]

There was an article in The Star on 22 December 2007, about MH's plan to add new ASEAN destinations:

 

MAS aims to strengthen its position in Asean region

By LOONG TSE MIN

 

PETALING JAYA: Malaysian Airline System Bhd (MAS) is expected to announce one or two new routes in the Asean region, possibly as early as next week.

 

StarBiz learnt that MAS was in the process of finalising government approvals as well as organising fleet management for the new routes.

 

OSK Investment Bank senior vice-president Chris Eng told StarBiz: “MAS wants to strengthen its position in the region.”

 

MAS is “pretty strong” in the Asean region, more so than rivals Singapore Airlines Ltd and Thai Airways International, Eng said.

 

Among the regional full-frill carriers, MAS has one of the largest narrow body fleets that will put it ahead in capitalising on regional routes.

 

MAS may also want to strengthen its position before the start of the Asean Open Sky agreement that will see a liberalisation of regional capital-to-capital routes effective from Jan 1, 2009.

 

MAS, already flying such routes, would not see much benefit from the liberalisation, except for some routes to Indochina capitals, Eng said.

 

Full liberalisation of air routes to all cities in Asean would only be expected to take place in 2015.

 

The tentative announcement of new routes comes hot on the heels of MAS reopening its Macau route at the start of this month.

 

If Eng is right, it would seem that MAS would be on a roll and more routes could be in the offing in 2008, especially under the stewardship of managing director Datuk Seri Idris Jala, who had overseen a recent third-quarter turnaround.

 

For the third quarter ended Sept 30, the airline’s net profit grew a whopping 52% to RM364mil against RM241mil in the previous corresponding period.

 

Turnover in the quarter reached RM4.23bil, 15% higher than RM3.68bil recorded a year earlier. Its nine-month net profit of RM610mil exceeded the best annual profit in the airline’s 60-year history.

 

Together with its India and China strategy, as well as its business turnaround strategies spelt out in Projects Omega and Alpha, MAS looks set to securing its viability and even capitalise on its strengths to deliver further gains to its bottom line.

 

Apart from Macau and Hong Kong, MAS flies to Guangzhou, Beijing, Shanghai, Kunming and Xiamen in China.

 

It has five destinations in India – Chennai, New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Hyderabad.

 

Project Omega was initiated in 2006 to improve the company’s network and revenue management, while Alpha is focused on improving sales and distribution.

 

* * * * *

 

Well guess what, the first new ASEAN destination is Yogyakarta in Indonesia (JOG), which will start on 1 February 2008 as flight MH 856/857. It is not a new destination, more of a reinstatement actually as MH did flew to JOG sometimes ago. Booking can be made online. JOG has been incorporated in the online booking system. Anyone going on the inaugural flight?

 

And what will be the next new ASEAN destinations? My bet is all ASEAN destinations that AK is currently serving/planning to serve. JOG has been on AK's list for quite sometimes, it is just that MH announced theirs first.

 

Will MH return to Vientiane, Chiang Mai, Haadyai, Balikpapan, Padang or Pontianak? How about Bandung, Davao, Da Nang, Palembang or Pekanbaru? These are my bet.

[Nuriman Ahmad 2]

 

Checked online..and the return fares was as follows:

 

Fare: RM198

Tax: RM299

 

Total: RM497

 

[Radzi 2]

From a company email.

 

JOGJAKARTA - MALAYSIA AIRLINES' LATEST DESTINATION IN INDONESIA

 

One Way Fares From As Low As RM99.00---------------------------------------------------------------

 

Malaysia Airlines is pleased to announce the introduction of yet anotherroute to its Indonesian network with the commencement of 3 times weeklydirect services between Kuala Lumpur and Jogjakarta effective 1 February2008.

 

From this date, flight MH857 departs Kuala Lumpur at 0920 hours on Tuesday,Friday and Sunday to arrive Jogjakarta at 1050 hours the same day. Thereturn flight MH856 departs Jogjakarta at 1140 hours to arrive Kuala Lumpurthe same day at 1505 hours.

 

A two-class configured Boeing 737-400 aircraft with 128 economy class seatsand 16 business class seats will be used for this new service, providing atotal weekly capacity of 864 seats in both directions.

 

Malaysia Airlines is already operating flights to Jakarta, Medan, Denpasarand Surabaya. Together with the 3 times weekly flights to Jogjakarta,Malaysia Airlines will operate 80 weekly frequencies between Malaysia andthe 5 cities in Indonesia offering a total capacity of 27710 seats in bothdirections.

 

Commercial Director, Dato' Rashid Khan said, "With the continued success ofour Business Turnaround Plan (BTP) initiatives, we have revised ourinternational network for the Northern Winter 2007 operations to optimizefurther potential that can contribute towards the profitability of thecompany. We started with 3 times weekly services to Macau last month."

 

"With our fleet utilization further streamlined, we are now ready tooperate to new regional destinations with the same fleet size andJogjakarta is next on our network expansion," he added.

 

In conjunction with the introduction of this new route, Malaysia Airlinesis currently offering one way promotional fares from as low as RM99(excluding taxes and other charges). Return promotional fares start fromRM198.

 

These offers are available through Malaysia Airlines' websitewww.malaysiaairlines.com, its nationwide ticket offices and 24-hours toll-free Call Centre at 1-300-88-3000.

 

In addition, Malaysia Airlines is offering promotional Golden holidaypackages from Malaysia to this Indonesian city valid for travel from 1February 2008 until 24 December 2008. Two types of packages are offered,namely the 3 days/2 nights 'Free and Easy' as well as 'Full board andTours' for 4 days/3 nights.

 

The 'Free and Easy' package comprising return economy class airfare,airport to hotel and return transfers and daily breakfast start from as lowas RM1060.00 per person on sharetwin basis and is also complemented by 7optional tours with prices ranging from RM93 to RM263 per adult forpassengers to customise their tours whilst in this city.

 

The 'Full Board and Tour' package, also comprising return economy classairfare, airport transfers to hotel and back with daily breakfast, lunchand dinner starts from as low as RM1610.00 per person on sharetwin basis.The ground itinerary covers tours to the Prabanam Temple, the scenic DiengPlateau at 6,000 feet above sea level, the Borobodur Temple, a city tourcovering the Sultan's Royal Palace, Ngasem Bird Market, Water Castle, BatikHome Industry and Kotagede Silverwork factory.

 

Both package types are available at all Malaysia Airlines ticketing officesin Malaysia, Malaysia Airlines Call Centre at toll-free number 1-300-88-3000, all Malaysia Airlines appointed agents in Malaysia and GoldenHolidays consortium agents.

 

From a crew POV, better than MFM.

 

It is not a new destination, more of a reinstatement actually as MH did flew to JOG sometimes ago.

 

Not that I remember. They were talking about it but never did the flight due to some reasons which I didn't know.

Edited December 28, 2007 by Radzi

[S. Huang 0]

Malaysia Airlines has reportedly allocated up to 30% of its seats on Southeast Asian routes for “very low fares” and plans to offer one million free domestic seats (excluding taxes and surcharges), as part of its competitive response to LCCs (Bloomberg, 05-May-08).

 

Can we expect RM1 fares on MH soon? If yes, it'll definitely be better than flying LCCs since the latter does not offer free snekboks!

 

[Mohd Azizul Ramli 2]

This thread has been hibernating for more than 18 months waiting for its next news.

 

Finally, just a few hours ago, amidst the sensational fuel hedging loss news for Q1 2009, the Rumour Department within MH HQ in Subang leaked a news about the launching of a 3rd daily flight KUL-DPS using a B734 using the code MH 850/851.

 

MH at present serve DPS twice daily using a A333 (MH 714/715) and a B738 (MH 852/853).

[Sing Yew 1]

This thread has been hibernating for more than 18 months waiting for its next news.

 

Finally, just a few hours ago, amidst the sensational fuel hedging loss news for Q1 2009, the Rumour Department within MH HQ in Subang leaked a news about the launching of a 3rd daily flight KUL-DPS using a B734 using the code MH 850/851.

 

MH at present serve DPS twice daily using a A333 (MH 714/715) and a B738 (MH 852/853).

 

Yields must be pretty decent out of DPS to justify the additional daily service to DPS ?

[Mohd Azizul Ramli 2]

MH Rumour Department delivers their first recent rumour - MH's 3rd daily KUL-DPS service has been added into the booking engine at the airline's website.

 

 

The schedule for the new flights:

 

MH851 KUL-DPS Dep 12:05 Arr 15:05

MH850 DPS-KUL Dep 16:05 Arr 19:00

 

No press release of some sort from MH regarding the new service and the online timetable was also not updated with the new flights, as usual.

[Mohd Azizul Ramli 2]

BREAKING NEWS!

 

Probably the biggest news ever leaked from the MH Rumour Department of recent, the glorious 5 star airline will break up one of its daily service to MEL with a stopever in Jakarta with the introduction of a new service KUL-CGK-MEL (Kuala Lumpur to Melbourne via Jakarta) vv wef 15 September 2009. The initial service will be 3 weekly, every Tue, Thu and Sat as flight MH 146/147 with B772. MH 148/149 KUL-MEL vv B772 will be 4 weekly every Mon, Wed, Fri and Sun from the current daily.

 

MH 128/129 KUL-MEL vv B772 will remain daily.

 

Looks like MEL is being given the NRT and KIX treatment (both of which being paired with BKI on some flights). I wonder whether MH got a 5th freedom right to carry passengers from CGK to MEL or not?

 

On the other hand, is this mean we can now fly to CGK with a B772? That's great!

[KK Lee 5]

BREAKING NEWS!

 

Probably the biggest news ever leaked from the MH Rumour Department of recent, the glorious 5 star airline will break up one of its daily service to MEL with a stopever in Jakarta with the introduction of a new service KUL-CGK-MEL (Kuala Lumpur to Melbourne via Jakarta) vv wef 15 September 2009. The initial service will be 3 weekly, every Tue, Thu and Sat as flight MH 146/147 with B772. MH 148/149 KUL-MEL vv B772 will be 4 weekly every Mon, Wed, Fri and Sun from the current daily.

 

MH 128/129 KUL-MEL vv B772 will remain daily.

 

If MH has fifth freedom right between CGK and MEL, believe MH should treat KUL/CGK/MEL as new service. With stiff competition from SQ, EK, EY on Kangaroo routes, by adding a CGK stopover on KUL/MEL will almost certain to drive down both yield and load between MEL/Europe.

 

[Albin And 0]

BREAKING NEWS!

 

Probably the biggest news ever leaked from the MH Rumour Department of recent, the glorious 5 star airline will break up one of its daily service to MEL with a stopever in Jakarta with the introduction of a new service KUL-CGK-MEL (Kuala Lumpur to Melbourne via Jakarta) vv wef 15 September 2009. The initial service will be 3 weekly, every Tue, Thu and Sat as flight MH 146/147 with B772. MH 148/149 KUL-MEL vv B772 will be 4 weekly every Mon, Wed, Fri and Sun from the current daily.

 

MH 128/129 KUL-MEL vv B772 will remain daily.

 

Looks like MEL is being given the NRT and KIX treatment (both of which being paired with BKI on some flights). I wonder whether MH got a 5th freedom right to carry passengers from CGK to MEL or not?

 

On the other hand, is this mean we can now fly to CGK with a B772? That's great!

 

I did some dummy bookings on MH's website and CGK-MEL-CGK can be booked on MH 146/147, I assume this means this means that they have 5th freedom rights, anyone that can look it up more closely?

 

I read somewhere I think that MEL was probably MH strongest destination in Australia, I dont see why making one of their daily via CGK on some weekdays..

[Izanee 0]

what the hell? good for CGK pax but certainly fatal for long haul transit pax to MEL

[Ja Singh 2]

"Among the regional full-frill carriers, MAS has one of the largest narrow body fleets that will put it ahead in capitalising on regional routes."

 

He for got to add the largest and the oldest narrow body fleet.............

 

 

Think about it , if you were heading for melbourne would you like to be on the plane for 7 odd hours or almost 10? If it was a brand new plane also can consider, A380,777 300er or a newish bus.Because that will be a pulling factor for the masses.

 

MH has nevr been able to make up their mind about Aussie routes.

 

First it was KUL- MEL- SYD

Ten it was KUL-MEL and another flight KUL-SYD

Then it was a transit in MEL/SYD (either one) to BNE

Now it is KUL-CGK-MEL

Edited July 1, 2009 by jadivindra

[Mohd Azizul Ramli 2]

As Albin mentioned, the flights can now be booked from MH's website. Looks like the new flight, MH 146/147 will also replace flight MH 726/727 KUL-CGK-KUL B734 (the last MH flight out of KUL to CGK and the earliest MH flight out of CGK to KUL currently being operated daily with the involved B734 spending a night in CGK) on the day of its operation. The schedule are as follows:

 

MH 147 KUL-CGK Dep 21:35 Arr 22:35

MH 147 CGK-MEL Dep 23:35 Arr 08:50 (+1 day)

 

MH 146 MEL-CGK Dep 00:01 Arr 04:00

MH 146 CGK-KUL Dep 05:00 Arr 08:00

 

Flight every Tue, Thu and Sat (ex KUL) and every Wed, Fri and Sun (ex MEL)

[Ryan Soh 3]

Great... Another awesome addition of materials to the sitcom that is MAS. Perhaps they are trying to eeke out high yielding pax from Jakarta? And the largest international carrier operating out of CGK is non other than SQ. So good luck to MH, I say.

 

To look at things from a larger perspective, you need to take the Kangaroo route into account. It seems like they have learnt nothing from the long haul to KUL via Langkawi/Penang fiasco.

[Sing Yew 1]

As Albin mentioned, the flights can now be booked from MH's website. Looks like the new flight, MH 146/147 will also replace flight MH 726/727 KUL-CGK-KUL B734 (the last MH flight out of KUL to CGK and the earliest MH flight out of CGK to KUL currently being operated daily with the involved B734 spending a night in CGK) on the day of its operation. The schedule are as follows:

 

MH 147 KUL-CGK Dep 21:35 Arr 22:35

MH 147 CGK-MEL Dep 23:35 Arr 08:50 (+1 day)

 

MH 146 MEL-CGK Dep 00:01 Arr 04:00

MH 146 CGK-KUL Dep 05:00 Arr 08:00

 

Flight every Tue, Thu and Sat (ex KUL) and every Wed, Fri and Sun (ex MEL)

 

And now we have 2 flights departing from MEL within 30 minutes on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays ? Since MH 129 departs MEL to KUL daily at 00:15.

Sounds like a no brainer. And for those 3 days there would be no mid-afternoon flight (MH 148 usually departs 3pm) to KUL which is usually packed with Europe and India bound passengers.

Edited July 2, 2009 by Sing Yew

[KK Lee 5]

MH 146 CGK-KUL Dep 05:00 Arr 08:00

every Wed, Fri and Sun (ex MEL)

 

Wonder how many high yield CGK pax are keen to take the 0500 hours departure?

 

Hope CGK/MEL pax are high yield and more than enough to compensate for the expected losses from MEL to/from Europe. However, MH experience on 5th freedom right has not been rosy e.g. TPE/LAX, DBX/EWR so hope they will have aggressive marketing for MEL/CGK.

 

Edited July 2, 2009 by KK Lee

[KC Sim 2]

I hope MH has done its sums right . . . making KUL-MEL operate with a stop in CGK is certainly going to erode its attractiveness as a carrier on the Kangaroo Route with a similar effect on KLIA's hub aspiration.

 

I am also doubtful that passengers travelling from MEL to CGK would relish arrivingat 0400hrs, be at the mercy of taxi drivers and still pay a night's stay in a hotel if one intends to grab some sleep. And how attractive is a CGK-KUL flight departing at 0500hrs?

 

In comparing MH's ASEAN coverage with SQ's, I think it is more objective to compare the combined network of SQ and MI as the former has been using MI to operate an increasingly larger share of its regional network.

 

KC Sim

[Ryan Soh 3]

Wonder how many high yield CGK pax are keen to take the 0500 hours departure?

 

Hope CGK/MEL pax are high yield and more than enough to compensate for the expected losses from MEL to/from Europe. However, MH experience on 5th freedom right has not been rosy e.g. TPE/LAX, DBX/EWR so hope they will have aggressive marketing for MEL/CGK.

 

Hmm... are those timings Zulu? 0400H departure from CGK?

 

One of the LARGEST weak links in MH's structure would be their marketing efforts. If they cannot even get their act together on "MH... More than just and airline code...", what's more is it is just a small little market like CGK-MEL?

 

I am sorry guys, but I give this route a year to survive, much like KUL-SYD-MEL-KUL, KUL-BNE-SYD-KUL, and may other strange routings on their Aussie sectors which never survived.

[flee 5]

Well I do think that a lot of what MH is doing is just flag flying for the government.

 

For example, AK's flights to Macau have gone from strength to strength - it has 4 flghts a day on some days. MH thought that AK did it easily and re-opened flights there. But very soon, they found out that it takes more than just to fly there - they need to market the route.

 

Unfortunately for MH, the route was a failure - I know that on one particular flight that my friend took, there were only 20+ pax on board! They have now stopped Macau flghts again.

 

Doesn't this show that MH does not do any market research and/or invest in marketing their products?

[Pieter C. 5]

Doesn't this show that MH does not do any market research and/or invest in marketing their products?

 

Bang on, Flee: exactly what I was thinking !!!

 

Like K C said, who want to fly KUL-MEL with a stop @ CGK at God forsaking hours

 

(or do they wanna grab some of the KLM KUL-CGK-KUL traffic ?)

[Azri M. 0]

It is now confirmed that the 3 weekly KUL-MEL via CGK will replace the existing direct KUL-MEL on Tue, Thu and Sat (ex KUL) and every Wed, Fri and Sun (ex MEL) beginning 15 September. Therefore, no increase in frequency in this route. So those who have booked the flights on those days will have a pleasant surprise.

Edited July 10, 2009 by Azri M.

[C.Foo 3]

It's via sydney for brisbane Although MH planning deparment is stupid first you wreck SYD and BNE now MEL What next Adelade then PER How can any market for the Kangaroo Route when the consumer can go quicker with CX,SQ,QF,VS/VA or NZ. MH needs to have better connections and not stopovers. Customers don't want to be still in the air when they could have been at their hotel. You do not need to be a 3year old.

 

 

"Among the regional full-frill carriers, MAS has one of the largest narrow body fleets that will put it ahead in capitalising on regional routes."

 

He for got to add the largest and the oldest narrow body fleet.............

 

 

Think about it , if you were heading for melbourne would you like to be on the plane for 7 odd hours or almost 10? If it was a brand new plane also can consider, A380,777 300er or a newish bus.Because that will be a pulling factor for the masses.

 

MH has nevr been able to make up their mind about Aussie routes.

 

First it was KUL- MEL- SYD

Ten it was KUL-MEL and another flight KUL-SYD

Then it was a transit in MEL/SYD (either one) to BNE

Now it is KUL-CGK-MEL

[Sandeep G 1]

Anyone know what the crew allocations are gonna be????? Looks like they'll at minimum require a 3-man crew for these flights now..

[Ruiz Razy 1]

I think this topic should now be rephrased as "MAS Chopping list, Where next?" So any predictions after EWR and ARN folks?

[Sing Yew 1]

I think this topic should now be rephrased as "MAS Chopping list, Where next?" So any predictions after EWR and ARN folks?

 

ADL perhaps ? I did recall reading from somewhere that ADL was potentially on of the destinations that may be canned. Loads were usually very good whenever I flew on MH 139/138, including GCCL.

 

CX flies into ADL daily but goes via MEL on the way back to HKG, SQ flies into ADL daily as well. Whilst MH does 4x weekly.