4 July 2016
I REFER to the report “Bellew wants MAB to regain its rightful place” (NST, July 1).
This should be Malaysia Airlines Bhd (MAB) management’s goal. To achieve this, the carrier has to first improve its inflight product offerings, especially its food.
The report states that MAB will also focus on providing better services to its customers as well as work together with its 14,000 employees to build a successful airline.
Providing better service to customers is long overdue.
The carrier must do this as part of its aim to regain its position and restore the public’s confidence in MAB.
It must be noted that on regional flights, even a plastic teaspoon for hot drinks is not available in the cutlery pack, or even on request.
I first highlighted this problem in 2014, and again on May 27 this year after experiencing the situation twice on KL-Manila-KL flights.
On MAB’s plan to operate leisure flights from klia2 next year as part of its cost-cutting measures, the airline should rethink the idea as the facility is a hub for low-cos t airlines (LCCs).
Operating some flights from the main terminal (KLIA) and some from klia2 will only confuse passengers.
It could lead to passengers even going to the wrong terminal for their flights.
I have seen passengers even going to the wrong departure gate at KLIA to board their flights, subsequently missing their flights.
The MAB brand should not be used to operate regional or domestic flights from klia2.
Doing so could damage the brand again and possibly see its product offering sliding further.
MAB should look at relaunch ing Firefly’s jet operations should it harbour hopes of offering cheap flights from klia2.
Operating there with the MAB brand would mean trying to compete with low fares with the likes of AirAsia, Cebu Pacific and Tiger Air.
It could mean only more trouble for MAB.
The carrier should take a cue from Thai Airways International if it decides to go ahead with its plan.
As a full-service carrier, Thai Airways operates from Suvarnabhumi Airport, while its LCC offers cheap flights from Don Muang Airport.
The immediate goal for MAB should be for the flag carrier to turn around and regain its position in the market.
MAB surely has capable managers to lead the carrier.
WILLIAM DENNIS
Subang Jaya, Selangor
Original Source: www.nst.com.my
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