News
Cultural challenges emerge for MAB
January 8th 2016
Malaysia Airlines Berhad (MAB) was thrown another curveball this week. Malaysia’s The Star newspaper published comments by Islamic preacher and Perlis mufti, Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin, that read: Read More »
“I call upon all Malaysians to plead towards the government so that Muslim women that are MAS [new abbreviation is MAB] stewardesses are allowed to wear clothing that fulfils the criteria of a Muslim woman.”
Dr Zainul is assumed to be referring to traditional hijabs worn by crew at carriers such as Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAUDIA) and Kuwait Airways. Influential Dr Zainul did not leave it at that when he added: “In fact MAS [MAB] should not serve alcohol. There are so many flights [with other carriers] which do not serve alcohol, why must we serve it?”
MAB, under the leadership of Christoph Mueller, resisted the advances and said it was “the flag carrier for a diverse and multi-faith nation which is reflected in its products and services”.
Malaysian media reports indicate MAB is facing an uphill battle maintaining staff morale after downsizing its workforce from approximately 20,000 to 13,000 employees. Local news agency, Kosmo, claimed 250 MAB pilots would be forced to leave the carrier when its Paris and Amsterdam routes shut down on January 27.
MAB denied the report and said affected pilots have been offered alternatives which did not include sacking. “Malaysia Airlines’ network rationalisation exercise, which saw a reduction in capacity and suspension of flights to selected destinations, will have an impact on pilot requirements. The pilots will have a choice of career options, including voluntary secondment to other airlines in Asia or the Middle East, voluntary no-pay long-term leave to pursue other careers or remaining at Malaysia Airlines and await possible long-term vacancies on other aircraft types," the carrier said in a statement.
A pilot formerly with MAB told Malay Mail Online, on condition of anonymity, that “other airlines have come and scooped us up and they offer us much better pay and perks”. “Nobody wanted to leave because we love Malaysia Airlines, but it seems like they don't love us, so we might as well go some other place where others appreciate us,” he said.
MAB’s restructuring has slashed salaries and cut capacity by almost 40%. Sovereign wealth fund owner, Khazanah Nasional, has pledged six billion ringgit ($1.37 billion) to help restore MAB to profitability.
In Tuesday, in rather peculiar MAB news, the carrier abruptly applied a temporary suspension on all checked baggage on its flights to Europe because of strong head winds and safety concerns. “In the interest of safety, Malaysia Airlines currently operates a long route to Europe via Egypt airspace, which combined with strong head winds, is delaying flights and limiting the airline’s baggage capacity. This longer flight path consumes more jet fuel and for safety reasons, Malaysia Airlines has had to impose a temporary limitation on checked-in baggage,” MAB said. The airline added passengers could check in luggage, but it would be sent “later”.
MAB resumed normal baggage carrying on its Europe flights a day later, following passenger outrage and global astonishment at the decision. No other carrier operating services from Kuala Lumpur to Amsterdam, London and Paris has been reporting safety concerns and/or issued baggage restrictions.
