Kuala Lumpur-based oneworld carrier Malaysia Airlines is significantly curtailing its operations from now through the end of December 2024 because it has not got enough aircraft to meet its previous schedule obligations.
The airline is primarily assigning blame to Boeing after the US aircraft manufacturer failed to deliver several 737 Max 8 aircraft to Malaysia Airlines over recent months, leaving it with just four 737 Max aircraft at the moment.
Also, several of the carrier’s A330 aircraft have to undergo maintenance, which is further complicating matters, although the flag carrier is due to take delivery of its first A330neo aircraft in the coming weeks, unless this is also delayed of course.
In the coming months, Malaysia Airlines is reducing flights from Kuala Lumpur to destinations including Osaka and Tokyo, as well as Seoul Incheon. Moreover, there will be significant reductions on routes including KL-Bangkok, as well as Denpasar, Yangon, Medan and Jeddah.
The flag carrier also has removed previous schedule filings for the resumption of flights to Brisbane.
Last week, however, Malaysia Airlines resumed service to Chiang Mai, and earlier this month it also resumed service to Male in the Maldives, both with 737s.
“As committed before, we are taking immediate steps to address the root causes of these significant issues that contribute to operational difficulties including supply chain constraints, manpower challenges, and other external factors as part of the continuing normalisation of global aviation operations post-pandemic.
MAG has also been affected by the delayed deliveries of new aircraft this year, leading to less aircraft being made available for operations than planned. We are working closely with our aircraft and engine manufacturers, and a wide range of suppliers to comprehensively address supply chain and technical issues,” the airline said on 24 August 2024.
Malaysia Airlines says that affected customers will receive an email notification related to the cancellation of their flight followed by an updated itinerary.