Malaysia Aviation Group to cut flight capacity by 20 per cent this year, BA

Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), the parent of national carrier Malaysia Airlines, announced on Thursday that it would be reducing its network capacity by 20 percent across its airlines this year due to a shortage of planes, labor, and parts. The group, which includes carriers Firefly and Amal, a Muslim pilgrimage service provider, stated that the reduction would impact domestic flights as well as routes in various regions.

“While this decision was challenging, our primary focus is on prioritizing our customers by ensuring reliable flight schedules and delivering the best possible customer experience,” MAG stated.

MAG recently announced temporary flight reductions across all its carriers until December following several service disruptions. Malaysia’s civil aviation regulator also reduced Malaysia Airlines’ air operator certificate duration to one year from three years due to technical issues at the state carrier, including labor and parts shortages. MAG assured that it is working closely with regulators and manufacturers to address operational challenges and ensure timely delivery of spare parts. A global parts shortage has also impacted new plane deliveries, affecting the group’s flight planning.

Only four out of the expected 13 Boeing 737-8 aircraft have been received this year, and the delivery of four A330neo planes from Airbus has been delayed, with only three expected by year-end, according to MAG.