Malaysian regulators have reportedly drastically reduced the validity period of Malaysia Airlines’ Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC). Slaughter There has been an operational breakdown in recent weeks.
According to local media reports citing Transport Minister Anthony Loke, the Oneworld airline’s AOC will now be valid for one year instead of the usual three years.
A “surprise audit” conducted in June also revealed that the airline had “significant” safety and maintenance problems as well as a shortage of components and qualified MRO staff, Loke said at a press conference on August 28.
To this end, he instructed the airline to draw up a plan to resolve the problems, including hiring more maintenance workers. The plan must be submitted to the ministry on a monthly basis, Loke added.
Malaysia Airlines has not yet responded to FlightGlobal’s request for comment. A statement on its website said that flight cancellations have been completed until September and no further changes are expected.
Malaysia Aviation Group – the airline’s parent company – has drastically slashed its operating plans through the end of the year amid a series of high-profile operational problems.
On August 19, an Airbus A330-300 en route from Melbourne to Kuala Lumpur had to be diverted to Alice Springs due to engine problems.
Just one day later, another A330 bound for Shanghai returned to Kuala Lumpur due to a possible cabin pressure problem.
On August 22, a flight bound for Medina returned to the Malaysian capital because of problems with cabin pressure.
The airline is also struggling with delivery delays for new Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft: so far it has only received four of the 25 Max 8s it ordered – a slower delivery rate than expected.
