MAS overhaul: travel trade reaction mixed

Malaysian travel experts whom TTG Asia e-Daily spoke to offered differing opinions on Malaysia Airlines’ (MAS) strategy to rebuild its loss-making operations.

 

The flag carrier is attempting to turn around a RM1.25 billion (US$392 million) loss for the first three quarters of 2011, by streamlining its network, spinning off a new premium Asian carrier, and winning back customers through the gradual revamp of its fleet.

 

GrandLotus Travel Agencies director, K. Thangavelu, said: “There is a war out there and in such a situation there is a need to fight. What we are seeing (with MAS’ plan) is a withdrawal.” Thangavelu added: “Regular top management changes – four in the last five years – have been a disaster for the airline. None of them had indepth knowledge on managing an airline. The (MAS) strategy is to bring in a new person, test him and hope he can do a good job.” With regards to the new premium Asian carrier, Thangavelu said MAS already had MASwings, Firefly and a partnership with AirAsia. “What exactly is a new airline going to offer?” he questioned.

 

In contrast, Travecheq Travel managing director Jenny L Shahbudin fully supported MAS’s decision to pull out from loss-making routes and concentrate on profitable alternatives, especially in Asia. “Asia-Pacific is the region of the 21^st century,” she said. When asked if new aircraft would drive more of her customers to fly with MAS, Shahbudin explained that travellers were hesitant to splurge at the moment. She added: “Sometime the cheapest travel deal may not be the best. If they can afford it, they will look for quality.”

 

In a related development, Malaysian Association of Tour & Travel Agents (MATTA) deputy president John Tan welcomed MAS group CEO Ahmad Jauhari Yahya’s promise that he would meet with MATTA representatives on a regular basis. “I hope (Ahmad Jauhari) keeps his word. We would like him to meet us at least two to three times a year,” said Tan. “Matters we would like to discuss are ticketing issues including procedures and problems, direction for the airline and progress being made, and service-related issues.”

-TTG Asia.

Photo: Pelancongan Kini