Malaysia Airlines Faces Uncertainty with Reduced Air Operator Certificate Duration

Malaysia's civil aviation regulator has slashed Malaysia Airlines' air operator certificate duration to one year following an investigation into technical and maintenance issues. The airline plans to reduce flights and focus on internal maintenance. This decision follows a decade of challenges, including two aviation disasters in 2014, and recent financial gains in 2023.

Malaysia's civil aviation regulator has reduced the duration of Malaysia Airlines' air operator certificate from three years to one year, following a comprehensive probe into the airline's technical issues, announced Transport Minister Anthony Loke on Wednesday.

In a June investigation, the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia identified significant safety and maintenance issues, including a shortage of skilled workers and mechanical components. In response, Malaysia Airlines disclosed plans for an aggressive labor recruitment drive while reducing third-party maintenance services to concentrate on its own aircraft.

Loke emphasized the airline's need to comply with a new mitigation plan, requiring monthly status reports and an annual audit for certificate renewal. These revised operations come amid a backdrop of financial recovery as Malaysia Aviation Group, the airline's parent company, reported its first net profit since its formation in 2015.

(With inputs from agencies.)