MAS Teams Up With Tennis Star Nick Kyrgios

12th May 2015

It took time and a partner in the form of Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios to finally see Malaysia Airlines get back on the winning path in Australia.

Following the tragedies that befell two MAS flights last year, the disappearance of MH370 somewhere in the Southern Indian Ocean (presumably) on 8 March, and the shooting down of MH17 above war-torn Ukraine on 17 July, the carrier now celebrates a surge in passengers in The Sunburnt Land.

Regaining Lost Confidence after MH370 and MH17 Tragedies

This one-of-a-kind alliance started back in December as an attempt to restore lost confidence in the carrier. Some might say that it was a gamble, but the airline was willing to try just about anything if it would mean stopping people from putting pictures of empty cabins on Instagram.

Luckily, it seems that some of Kyrgios’ success on the pitch rubbed off.

PK Lee, Regional Senior Vice President of Malaysia Airlines said the carrier has a long way to go to increase growth in Australia, but it is good to see how the carrier is winning back the passengers’ lost fate.  

Mr. Lee said:                                     

This is our main market outside of Malaysia and connecting our continents is our ultimate goal. We have been flying in and out of Australia for more than 40 years and are committed to helping this region build closer ties with Asia for mutual benefits.

He further added that teaming up with Kyrgios and Malaysia-born actress and MasterChef runner-up Poh Ling Yeow was vital to revitalizing MAS in Australia.

Lee also said:

A competition being run offering anyone booking with the airline the chance to win a Business Class trip to the Wimbledon Men’s Grand Final has been very popular. We’ve seen a leap in bookings.

MH370 and MH17 Next of Kin Lawsuit Approaches

Of course, there is still a long way to go for MAS to improve its shaky financial position. The first things they will have to deal with are the lawsuits by MH370 and MH17 next of kin. These could cost the company several million dollars and probably bury its reputation for good.

Chief Executive Officer of MAS Christoph Mueller is hard at work developing a business plan for the carrier. The plan is to give the company a massive facelift and possibly even sell A380s, 747s and 777s.

MAS’ CEO said in a statement fleet option to “enhance viability of long haul sectors” was a possibility they are looking into.

He also said:

MAS needs to operate and use its fleet at an optimum level besides maximizing revenue on the route it flies. The market needs to give Malaysia Airlines room to explore various options in determining the most viable strategy.