‘Top execs must be flight ops experts’

SUBANG JAYA: Top executives at Malaysia Airlines Bhd (MAS) must be experts on flight operations to help the airline maximise profit and minimise losses in a competitive industry.

“They have to cross-subsidise and monitor flight routes on a daily basis. They have to make sure that their marketing people are on top of the game. We are living in a competitive world,” said Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Abdul Rahman, former Malaysian Airline Systems Bhd managing director and chief executive officer.

He said airlines needed to monitor the load factor of each flight and quickly take proactive measures if needed.

“They should monitor the situation and services that the airline is doing, reduce the flights that are losing money and maintain the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) operations,” said Aziz, adding that airlines must recruit sufficient numbers of engineers and pilots.

The 83-year-old aviation expert was speaking at MH Friends Night, an annual gathering of former MAS employees, on Saturday, here.

Aziz also recalled the airline’s early days following its separation from Malaysia Singapore Airlines (MSA) in 1971.

“The budget was not that big. We had to depend on a government grant and it was not easy to get it. In fact, we received assistance from Qantas and British Airways in the beginning,” he said.

Aziz said in order to expand and become Malaysia’s national carrier, the airline needed the right experts and expertise, especially in engineering, pilots, cabin crew and commercial activities.