Malaysia Airlines is said to have closed the doors to two of its lounges, including one in Perth, as part of its operations overhaul to become more financially viable.
Despite singling Australia out as one of the few destinations unlikely to be impacted by its ‘new beginnings’, the airline shut its Western Australia and Singapore Business Class spaces, ABT reported.
The news source says business class passengers as well as frequent flyers are being redirected to the lounge owned by its Oneworld partner, Qantas.
KarryOn has contacted Malaysia Airlines for confirmation.
The move follows the recent termination of flights between Brisbane and Kuala Lumpur.
The airline’s Chief Executive, Christoph Mueller, admitted earlier this year that Malaysia Airlines is ‘technically bankrupt’ and a ‘hard reset’ was needed to become competitive again.
Malaysia Airlines’ senior staff celebrate a new beginning with a special walkabout at KL.
So far, the ‘hard reset’ or ‘new beginning’ has included staff cuts, a reduction in aircraft, fewer lounges and a smaller network.
It has also seen Malaysia Airlines upgrade lounges in Kuala Lumpur and London and announce staff changes such as the appointment of Mr Lee Poh Kait to head up operations in Australia, New Zealand, the South West Pacific and ASEAN.
Malaysia Airlines makes staff changes to its local team.
With effect from this week, Mr Lee will oversea local marketing and sales initiatives and move the company forward.
Malaysia Airlines also announced Bennet Michael Stephens as Country Manager for Australia, New Zealand and the South West Pacific. Mr Stephens was formerly Commercial Route Manager for Australia, New Zealand, the Americas and North Asia and has over 28 years of experience with airlines such as KLM, Gulf Air, Oman Air and Kenya Airways.
