Malaysia Airlines has licence reduced, faces monthly audits after technical issues

Malaysia’s civil aviation regulator has cut the duration of Malaysia Airlines’ air operator certificate from three years to one, following a probe into technical issues faced by the state carrier, the transport minister said on Wednesday.

The airline’s parent, Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), had said on Saturday it plans to temporarily reduce its flights and routes across its carriers until December, after service disruptions earlier this month.

Following the investigation by the Civil Aviation Authority Malaysia (CAAM), Malaysia Airlines has prepared a mitigation plan, minister Anthony Loke said.

Malaysia Airlines will also have to provide monthly reports to CAAM, Loke said.

MAG, which also operates carrier Firefly and Muslim pilgrimage service provider Amal, has said it would take immediate steps to address significant issues that had led to operational difficulties including supply chain, technical and manpower constraints, and other post-pandemic challenges.

It also said it had been affected by delayed deliveries of new aircraft, leading to fewer planes being available for operations.

Based on the findings, Loke said among the significant issues that caused the recent technical disruptions are mechanical components and a lack of skilled workers to carry out aircraft maintenance.

“Recruitment programmes will also be carried out aggressively by the airline,” he said.

Sixty-three of the 411 skilled workers at the Malaysia Airlines engineering department had also left the company since January.

He added that the national carrier will also have to source sufficient aircraft spare parts from its original equipment manufacturer.

Loke said CAAM will continue to monitor and carry out special audits on airlines operating in Malaysia to