SEPANG: Malaysia Airlines Bhd chief executive officer Christoph Mueller yesterday paid tribute to all Malaysia Airline System Bhd (MAS) employees who had contributed to the impressive track record and achievements of the national carrier over its years of service.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank those employees of MAS who have contributed to the airline’s reputation in Malaysia and globally, for the tremendous work they have done,” he said at a briefing on the way forward for the new entity, Malaysia Airlines Bhd.
The new Malaysia Airlines started its first day of business by offering 14,000 jobs in the new company to existing MAS employees, while retrenching 6,000 others as it sought to address a staff surplus and better manage costs.
Mueller said MAS pilots were renowned worldwide for their skills, and, while some may not be retained in the new structure, he said he was confident that they would find jobs in other airlines.
“We hope that they will return when we return to our growth path. The quality of our pilots is a success story in itself,” he said.
Malaysia Airlines has also won Skytrax 5-star rating for world’s best cabin crew in 2001-2004, 2007, 2009 and 2012.
“Having served in many airlines, this (accomplishment) is unachievable for many airlines, because it is the soft factor.
“You cannot buy Skytrax 5-star, you can only deliver it.
“Our maintenance repair and overhaul (MRO) business is serving more than 100 customers worldwide.
“It is also one of the largest in the region.
“I could go on and on about each constituency, but it is clear that the people have made all the difference,” he said.
Asked about the total allocation set aside for the retrenchment and offer exercise, Mueller said the process was still ongoing, as the employees would have about two weeks to respond, and there could be a second round, depending on the acceptance rate.
The benefits also differed according to department and seniority.
On whether additional staff would be hired on top of the 14,000 who received offer letters, he said it depended on the response.
“We are a very attractive employer and we will also contribute to the economy if we employ people from outside.
“It is too early to say, but we are open to the idea,” Mueller said.