Malaysia Aviation Group Cuts Network Capacity Amidst Shortages

Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) is reducing its network capacity by 20% this year due to shortages in planes, labor, and parts. This reduction affects both domestic and international flights. The group will collaborate with regulators and manufacturers to address these operational challenges and ensure timely delivery of spare parts.

Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), the parent company of Malaysia Airlines, announced on Thursday a 20% reduction in network capacity across its airlines for this year amid shortages of planes, labor, and parts. The group, which includes carriers such as Firefly and pilgrimage service provider Amal, stated that this cut would affect domestic flights as well as routes in Southeast Asia, North Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Greater China, South Asia, and the Middle East.

'While it is a difficult decision, our focus is to prioritize customers first, ensuring we can deliver credible flight schedules and the best possible customer experience moving forward,' MAG said. The decision comes after a series of service disruptions, leading to the group temporarily reducing flights across all its carriers until December.

Adding to its challenges, Malaysia's civil aviation regulator recently shortened Malaysia Airlines' air operator certificate duration from three years to one following a probe uncovering significant technical issues, including a shortage of skilled labor and mechanical parts. MAG is working closely with regulators and manufacturers to address these operational concerns and ensure the timely delivery of spare parts.

The global parts shortage has also delayed the delivery of new planes, impacting MAG's flight planning. The group received only four out of 13 expected Boeing 737-8 aircraft and anticipates receiving three out of four scheduled A330neo planes from Airbus by the end of 2024.

(With inputs from agencies.)