Malaysia Airlines’ recent change in leadership will result in stronger ties with trade, new routes and new technology, according to the airline’s new CEO.
Peter Bellew stepped into the head role late last week, to replace outgoing Group Managing Director and Chief Executive, Christoph Mueller, who resigned on 10 March. Mueller gave a notice period until 9 September 2016, but has taken leave from 1 July 2016. He will remain available to the company until the end of his notice period.
In a statement, the new head honcho said he plans to renew focus on the company’s ‘Going Forward’ plan to rebuild the carrier’s business and reputation, which have struggled since 2014’s two aircraft incidents (MH370 and MH17).
Turnaround initiatives have so far contributed to a 23.4 percent increase in yield during the first quarter of 2016, while costs dropped 32.9 percent compared to the same period the prior year.
Hoping to deliver stronger returns, Bellew said he plans to take a more ‘aggressive’ approach to rebuilding the business to “keep the momentum for a strong, sustainable future”.
The plan will see the carrier continue to “stop doing things that lose money” and focus on things that do such as relationships with travel trade globally, worldwide marketing campaigns to promote Malaysia plus new routes from various Malaysia airports to new unserved ASEAN (Southeast Asia) destinations.
Over the next year, the airline will also roll out new technology such as a new website, mobile app, trade reservation system and airport equipment.
In the air, Bellew said the airline’s guests want great service, on time operations, great food and generous baggage allowances, which is what the airline “will do”.
“We need to raise the bar to ensure that our commitment towards meeting customers’ expectations is met by all staff across the Group.”
Peter Bellew, Malaysia Airlines CEO
“A lot has been done, the profit seen in the last quarter shows that the financial gap between revenue and cost has significantly closed, which tells us that we are on the right trajectory.