Newly formed Malaysia Airlines Berhad is making plans to offer between 100 and 120 of its 737-8 pilots to other airlines for secondment. If nothing comes out of that plan, MAB will offer pilots either to work half month at 50 per cent of salary or a 2-year leave without pay.
Secondment is Necessary, Says MAB Official
Malaysia Airline’s official at Sepang, near KIA, said the possible secondment is a part of the bigger exercise that started in August. According to him, these reductions “where necessary”.
According to the official, MAB will have a clear picture about how many of its pilots would be offered for secondment by the end of this year. A number of pilots have already served the notice to resign and the carrier is now waiting how many of their colleagues will follow their example before it can proceed with the plan.
The official didn’t say which and if any airlines were chosen for the secondment, or if there are any interested parties.
He said:
The airline is facing stiff competition on domestic and regional routes from low cost carriers Malindo Air, AirAsia and full-service carriers.
MAB's partner airines and possible destination for pilots include Etihad Aiways, Jet Airways, Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines among others.
Plans for Secondment to Air Korea Already Failed for Malaysia Airlines
Malaysia Airlines already tried to offer 50 to 70 of its Boeing 737-800 pilots for secondment to Korean Air in August. Unfortunately, although the deal was ready for closing, opposition from Korean Air’s pilots union put a stop to it.
Right now, MAB has 56 Boeing 737-800s at its disposal. 41 of them are leased. Further plans for the carrier are to get the fleet down to 35 planes (that should happen by the end of 2016). The airline also had options for 10 Boeing 737-800NGs, but canceled it. This is all a part of MAB’s big plan to cut operating costs.
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