MALAYSIA Airlines (MH) says it plans to add additional capacity from Australia following the positive reinstatement of its Brisbane to Kuala Lumpur services this week (TD yesterday).
Speaking to TD at a re-launch event last night, MH chief commercial officer Arved von zur Muehlen referred to the airline as “bullish”, and said it would look to soon boost Melbourne weekly services from 14 to 17, and Adelaide from four to five flights.
Additionally there are plans for the A330-300 to return to Perth next year and Brisbane flight frequency to increase to five weekly, and possibly daily once demand picks up.
“Australia is a key market for us but we want to be careful with our growth plans – we want to have sustainable growth, and believe we have good longevity here”, said von zur Muehlen.
Following the carrier’s loss of flights MH17 and MH370 in 2014, Malaysia Airlines has mounted a concerted effort to help regain passengers’ esteem.
The recent rollout of its latest rebrand campaign dubbed “Malaysian Hospitality Begins With Us” had been “very positive”, von zur Muehlen said.
The brand refresh was designed to encompass all aspects of customer experience and “bring out the DNA of Malaysian Hospitality”, he added.
This was reflected in the airline’s products and services including the newly refurbished lounges with live cooking in Kuala Lumpur International Airport, digital innovations focusing on smartphone technology and in-flight entertainment, new wide-body aircraft and the introduction of the latest Best of Malaysia menu on board.
“We have embarked on full service training for all MH staff to bring the Malaysian Hospitality because it’s at the forefront of our thinking and everything we’ve been known for,” said von zur Muehlen.
Locally, the Sydney-based MH office has also recently undergone a restructure in its management team; with von zur Muehlen saying there will be more emphasis on working closely with the Australian travel trade – more on page six.
Source: traveldaily