22 July 2022
Malaysia Airlines Bhd (MAS) is in talks to purchase new aircraft and will be carrying out cabin refurbishments for its new and existing fleet.
MAS group chief marketing and customer experience officer Lau Yin May said the company planned to purchase new aircraft for the airline’s wide-body aircraft replacement programme.
“The new aircraft will be refurbished. Each will carry the iconic Malaysian batik motif and MAS colour scheme as well, because this is the identity of the company,” she told a press conference yesterday.
At present, the airline’s fleet utilisation is at 50% and it will increase to 70% by the end of this year.
Lau also said MAS has seen a surge in demand for in-flight bookings, especially in domestic travel due to pent-up demand.
“We see that the surge may be temporary, but what we are looking at is the current healthy forward booking that we have received.
“We will continue to support this by providing connectivity in travel to passengers,” said Lau.
The national carrier’s refurbishment plans will include lightweight leather-upholstered seats featuring the trademark batik motif, wireless in-flight entertainment that includes in-flight shopping and charging ports.
“The wireless in-flight entertainment, leaner seats and soft cabin dividers made of lightweight materials will contribute significantly to the airline’s ongoing sustainability efforts.
“The aircraft fuel burn per passenger will improve by 8%, resulting in a lower carbon footprint on the planet,” said the airline in a statement yesterday.
According to Lau, the airline has plans to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
“It is becoming increasingly important that we adopt plans with sustainability in mind. Sustainability is really at the core of everything that we select for our refurbishment exercise,” she said.
The cabin refurbishment exercise has been in the making since 2021.
It was initiated in response to the feedback and suggestions received through customer surveys and various focus group sessions held in 2020.
The group’s B737-800 NG aircraft, consisting of 39 planes, is the first fleet to undergo the exercise.
“This demonstrates MAS’ commitment to adapt to changing consumer needs in the post pandemic era.
“It promises the premium experience that MAS is known for and allows us to enhance the Malaysian hospitality that we provide to all our passengers,” Lau added.
Source: www.thestar.com.my
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