SEPANG: The government is confident that Malaysia Airlines Bhd (MAB) will obtain a five star rating by Skytrax by next year.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said this is based on MAB's five-year recovery plan which is on track.
"In the first phase, our focus was to stabilise the airline’s financial. I was informed by MAB chief executive officer Peter Bellew that the airline company is expected to be back in the black by next year.
"For the second phase, our target is to add 11 routes from China and focus on the product differentiation such as the onboard cuisine and flight entertainment.
"I was informed that we are on our way to achieve the second phase of the revival. With these measures, I believe that MAB will obtain the five star rating by Skytrax by 2018" he said at the launch of Negaraku livery on the MAB's B737-800 aircraft, today.
He said 78 percent of 6,000 MAB former employees who were laid off in MAB’s retrenchment exercise have registered for new job opportunities.
Of these, 98 percent of them have secured jobs and were also offered other opportunities.
"The MAB management must be committed and dedicated. Without such qualities, MAB can never be one of the leading airlines.
"We don't just look at MAB as an ordinary airline. It is about our nation, icon, pride and joy" he said.
In August 2014, the government investment arm unveiled its RM6 billion MAB Recovery Plan in the quest to return airline to sustained profitability and revive the Malaysian flag carrier.
The plan included cutting 30 per cent of its workforce of 20,000 employees.
The livery launched today is part of Negaraku initiative, a nationwide movement to foster unity among Malaysians and inspiring spirit of patriotism.
The national carrier’s B737-800 aircraft, the first of several in its stable to display the national flag, will be flown across international routes of seven hour flight duration or less such as Shanghai and Perth.
Bellew said the company was proud to display the Negaraku livery across the globe.
"We at MAB are working hard to rebuild this great airline, making it once again the pride of the nation. This livery is an important symbol of that pride.
"As the national carrier, we proudly bear the Negaraku logo on behalf of each and every Malaysian whose flag we represent worldwide," said Bellew.
MAB also organised Hari Raya gathering with management and staff of Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG).
The airline will also display the Negaraku livery on its ATR-72-500 and its new Airbus A350 plane expected by year end as well as in its subsidiaries of MASwings and Firefly.
Also present were Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Ab Aziz Kaprawi and MAG chairman Tan Sri Md Nor Yusof.