Malaysia Airlines facts for kids
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| Founded | 1 May 1947 (as Malayan Airways) |
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| Commenced operations |
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| Hubs | Kuala Lumpur International Airport |
| Secondary hubs | Kota Kinabalu International Airport |
| Focus cities | Kuching International Airport |
| Frequent-flyer program | Enrich |
| Alliance | Oneworld |
| Subsidiaries |
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| Fleet size | 76 |
| Destinations | 77 |
| Parent company | Khazanah Nasional Berhad |
| Headquarters | Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Sepang, Selangor, Malaysia |
| Key people | |
| Profit |
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| Employees | 12,000 |
Malaysia Airlines Berhad (MAB), also known as Malaysia Airlines, is the main airline of Malaysia. It is a member of the Oneworld airline alliance. The airline's main office is at Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
Malaysia Airlines owns two smaller airlines: Firefly and MASwings. Firefly flies from Penang International Airport and Subang International Airport to smaller cities. MASwings focuses on flights within Borneo. Malaysia Airlines also has a cargo division called MASkargo, which handles freight flights.
The airline started as Malayan Airways Limited in Singapore in the 1930s. Its first flight was in 1947. It later became Malaysian Airways in 1963 when Malaysia was formed. After Singapore separated from Malaysia in 1965, the airline was renamed Malaysia–Singapore Airlines (MSA). In 1972, MSA split into two separate airlines: Malaysian Airline System (MAS), which is now Malaysia Airlines, and Singapore Airlines (SIA).
Even though Malaysia Airlines won many awards in the 2000s, it faced challenges. It struggled to lower costs because of new, cheaper airlines. In 2014, the Malaysian government bought the airline completely to help it recover.
Contents
History
Early Years (1937–1963)
The airline's story began with Wearne's Air Service. This company was founded by Australian brothers Theodore and Charles Wearne. They started flying between Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Penang in 1937. Their first flight used a small, eight-seater plane. Services stopped during World War II.
After the war, a new company called Malayan Airways Limited (MAL) was formed in 1937. However, it only started flying passengers in 1947. Its first flight was a special trip from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur. Soon, MAL expanded its flights to other cities like Ipoh and Penang.
The airline grew throughout the 1940s and 1950s. Other British airlines helped MAL with technical support. By 1955, MAL had many planes, including Douglas DC-3s. It became a public company in 1957.
Growth and Changes (1963–1972)
The airline grew quickly in the 1960s as more people started flying. By 1960, it flew to new places like Hong Kong and Bangkok. It also increased flights to cities in British Borneo.
In 1960, the airline got a larger plane, the Bristol Britannia. This allowed it to start its first long-distance international flight to Hong Kong. When Malaysia was formed in 1963, the airline changed its name to "Malaysian Airways." It also took over another airline called Borneo Airways.
In 1966, after Singapore became a separate country, the airline's name changed again to Malaysia-Singapore Airlines (MSA). MSA quickly added more planes, including its first Boeing 707s and Boeing 737s.
Becoming Malaysian Airline System (1972–1997)
MSA split into two airlines in 1972 because the Malaysian and Singaporean governments had different goals. The Singapore government wanted to focus on international flights. The Malaysian government needed to build up its domestic flights first.
So, MSA's planes and routes were divided. Malaysian Airline System (MAS) took all the domestic routes within Malaysia. It also took international routes from Malaysia. Singapore Airlines (SIA) took most of the international routes from Singapore.
MAS started flying on 1 October 1972 with 19 aircraft. It quickly grew, adding flights from Kuala Lumpur to London. By 1976, MAS started flying to Europe, including Amsterdam, Paris, and Frankfurt.
In the 1980s, Malaysia's economy grew, and so did MAS. By the end of the decade, MAS flew to 47 international places. This included cities in Europe, Oceania, and the United States. In 1993, MAS became the first airline in Southeast Asia to fly to South America, with flights to Buenos Aires, Argentina.
MAS also updated its fleet in the 1990s. It replaced older planes with newer models like the Boeing 737-400 and Airbus A330-300. In 1997, the airline received its Boeing 777-200. One of these planes, nicknamed 'super ranger', set a world record by flying from Seattle to Kuala Lumpur in 21 hours and 23 minutes.
Financial Challenges (1997–2005)
Around 1997, the airline faced financial difficulties. It lost a lot of money after making a record profit. To fix this, the airline tried to cut costs. It reduced its losses in 1999/2000.
However, the airline continued to lose money in the early 2000s. Because of these losses, it stopped flying to many places that were not profitable. These included Brussels, Darwin, and Madrid. The airline recovered and made a profit in 2004.
In 2005, Malaysia Airlines faced another period of financial difficulty, losing a lot of money. This was mainly due to rising fuel prices. The government then appointed a new CEO, Idris Jala, to help the airline.
Turning Things Around (2006–2010)
Under Idris Jala's leadership, Malaysia Airlines launched a plan in 2006 to become profitable again. The airline stopped flying on many domestic routes and unprofitable international routes. It also changed its flight timings and operations.
By 2007, the airline made a record profit of RM853 million (US$265 million). This was a huge success and ended a series of losses. The airline also started buying new planes, like the Boeing 737-800.
In 2007, Malaysia Airlines created two new smaller airlines. MASwings was launched to handle rural flights in East Malaysia. Firefly started flying from Subang Airport.
Recent History (2011–Present)
Malaysia Airlines faced its biggest loss in 2011 due to high fuel costs. A new CEO, Ahmad Jauhari Yahya, was appointed. The airline stopped services to some destinations to reduce losses.
In 2013, the airline showed some improvement, reporting a small profit for one quarter. This was due to its plan to reduce flights and costs. However, the airline continued to struggle financially.
In 2014, two major incidents affected the airline. Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 disappeared on 8 March 2014, and Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 was shot down on 17 July 2014. These events had a big impact on the airline's bookings and image.
To help the airline, the Malaysian government's investment fund, Khazanah Nasional, bought the remaining shares of the airline. This meant the government took full control. About 6,000 jobs were cut, and the airline's network was reduced to focus on regional flights.
In 2015, the airline was declared "technically bankrupt." It was then transferred to a new company called Malaysia Airlines Berhad (MAB). The airline also started a rebranding process. It began adding new Airbus A350-900 aircraft to its fleet.
In 2016, the airline stopped serving alcohol on flights shorter than three hours. This decision was made based on customer preferences. The CEO, Christoph Mueller, resigned in 2016 and was replaced by Peter Bellew, who later returned to Ryanair. Captain Izham Ismail became the new CEO.
In 2019, the airline launched Project Amal. This was a special charter service for Muslim pilgrims traveling for Hajj and Umrah, using its Airbus A380 fleet.
During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Malaysia Airlines faced more challenges. It had to ground most of its planes. The airline also decided to retire its Airbus A380 aircraft.
In 2022, the airline improved its financial situation. It used many of its passenger planes for cargo flights. It also helped with repatriation missions, bringing stranded citizens home. The airline reported a profit in the fourth quarter of 2022.
In 2023, the airline continued to improve. It started transferring some domestic flights to its subsidiary, Firefly. The airline also faced issues with its main food caterer, which led to a temporary halt in hot meal services on some flights. By November 2023, most hot meal services were restored.
Malaysia Airlines expects to be fully profitable for the entire year of 2023. This is due to its restructuring efforts and the return of global travel. In March 2024, Malaysia Aviation Group confirmed that Malaysia Airlines achieved a full net profit for 2023.
Head Office
Malaysia Airlines has its main office at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) in Sepang. Before this, its headquarters were at Subang Airport. The airline also used to own a tall building in Kuala Lumpur called Bangunan MAS, but it was sold in 2010.
Subsidiaries
Malaysia Airlines has several subsidiary companies that help with different parts of its business:
- Malaysia Airlines Cargo Sdn. Bhd: Handles cargo flights.
- MASwings Sdn. Bhd.: An airline that flies within Malaysia.
- Firefly Sdn. Bhd.: Another airline subsidiary.
- MAB Engineering: Provides aircraft maintenance and repair services.
- MAB Academy (MABA): A training center for airline staff.
- AeroDarat Services Sdn Bhd: Handles ground services for aircraft.
Branding
Malaysia Airlines has used different slogans over the years. From the late 1990s to 2007, it used "Going Beyond Expectations." In 2008, it changed to "More than just an airline code. MH is Malaysian Hospitality," to highlight its friendly cabin crew.
Since 2013, the slogan has been "Journeys are made by people you travel with." After the 2014 incidents, it used slogans like "#keepflying." In 2018, a new slogan, "Malaysian Hospitality Begins With Us," was introduced.
Uniforms
Malaysia Airlines introduced its special Sarong Kebaya uniform for female flight attendants in 1986. It was designed by the Mara Institute of Technology. The fabric has a "kelarai" motif, which is a bamboo weave pattern. It also features Malaysian flowers like the cempaka, jasmine, and hibiscus leaves. Male flight attendants wear grey jackets.
Logos
The airline's first aircraft had a winged tiger symbol. When Malaysia-Singapore Airlines was formed in 1966, its logo featured the initials "MSA."
In 1971, after the split, Malaysian Airline System (MAS) adopted a new logo. This logo was based on the wau bulan, which is a traditional Malaysian moon kite. The name "MAS" also means "gold" in Malay, symbolizing quality service.
A new version of the logo was introduced in 1987. It kept the moon kite design but made it look more modern and sleek. It was painted in red (top) and blue (bottom). The airline's name, MALAYSIA, was written in italics to show speed.
Since 2010, newer planes have a refreshed look. They feature two strips of red and blue on the bottom of the plane. The moon kite on the tail was also updated.
In 2017, the airline introduced a special 'Negaraku' (My Country) paint scheme. This design features the Malaysian flag on the back of the plane. It shows Malaysia's rich culture. This design is now becoming the standard look for the entire fleet.
In 2023, an updated version of the 'Negaraku' livery was revealed. It includes a songket motif (a traditional Malaysian textile pattern) on the moon kite logo. The airline also updated its name font and the angle of the moon kite.
Alliance
On 1 February 2013, Malaysia Airlines joined the Oneworld alliance. This allows its passengers to fly to over 842 destinations in 156 countries through partner airlines.
As of December 2020, Malaysia Airlines flies to 59 destinations. These include places in Malaysia, Southeast Asia, China, North Asia, South Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.
Destinations
Before 2006, Malaysia Airlines flew to many domestic and international places. To improve its finances, the airline cut many routes that were not profitable. These included flights to Manchester, Vienna, and Fukuoka.
Malaysia Airlines was the first Southeast Asian airline to fly to South Africa after apartheid. It was also the only airline in Southeast Asia to serve South America until 2012. After 2014, it stopped flying to more destinations like Cape Town, Rome, and Los Angeles. Now, London (Heathrow) is its only remaining European destination.
Malaysia Airlines also offers special charter flights to various places around the world. It has also been the official airline for the Manchester United Asian Tour. It also has a large operation for Hajj pilgrims.
In 2023, Malaysia Airlines started transferring some of its domestic flights to its subsidiary, Firefly.
Malaysia Airlines shares flights with many other airlines. This means you can book a flight with Malaysia Airlines, but actually fly on a partner airline's plane.
- Air Mauritius
- American Airlines
- Bangkok Airways
- British Airways
- Cathay Pacific
- China Airlines
- China Southern Airlines
- Emirates
- Ethiopian Airlines
- Finnair
- Firefly (subsidiary)
- Garuda Indonesia
- IndiGo
- Japan Airlines
- KLM
- Korean Air
- LATAM Chile
- MASWings (subsidiary)
- Myanmar Airways International
- Oman Air
- Philippine Airlines
- Qatar Airways
- Royal Brunei Airlines
- Royal Jordanian
- Saudia
- Singapore Airlines
- SriLankan Airlines
- Thai Airways International
- Turkish Airlines
- Uzbekistan Airways
- XiamenAir
Fleet
As of January 2024, Malaysia Airlines has 72 aircraft. Its fleet includes Boeing 737-800, Boeing 737 MAX 8, Airbus A330-200, Airbus A330-300, and Airbus A350-900 planes. Its cargo subsidiary, Maskargo, also operates three A330-200 Freighter planes.
In 2022, Malaysia Airlines confirmed it would get 20 new Airbus A330neo aircraft. These planes will replace its older A330-200 and A330-300 planes between 2023 and 2028. The airline also plans to get 4 more A350-900 planes and 25 Boeing 737 MAX 8 planes.
Services
The Golden Lounge is a special area at the airport for Malaysia Airlines' Business Suite Class and Business Class passengers. It is also for members of its loyalty program, Enrich, who have Platinum or Gold status. These lounges offer free food, drinks, and other services like business centers and quiet rooms.
In 2008, a new Regional Golden Lounge opened at Kuala Lumpur International Airport. This means the airport now has three lounges for Malaysia Airlines passengers. Between 2017 and 2018, all three lounges at Kuala Lumpur International Airport were renovated.
Currently, Malaysia Airlines only has lounges at Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
Cabin Classes
Malaysia Airlines won the "World's Best Cabin Crew" award by Skytrax eight times since 2001. All Malaysia Airlines planes have an Economy Class and a Business Class. Some Airbus A350 planes also have a Business Suite Class.
Business Suite Class
Business Suite Class, previously called First Class, is only available on the Airbus A350. These seats are like private suites with doors and storage. This class will be slowly removed after 2025 as the airline focuses on improving its Business Class.
Business Class
Business Class, once known as Golden Club Class, is available on all Malaysia Airlines planes. In 2011, new Business Class seats were introduced on the Airbus A330-300. Newer seats for shorter flights were also added to the Boeing 737-800.
In 2016, Malaysia Airlines introduced new lie-flat Business Class seats for its A330-300 planes. These same seats are also used on the Airbus A350 fleet.
In 2018, the Airbus A330-200 fleet introduced another Business Class seat layout. In 2022, the airline updated the Business Class seats for the Boeing 737-800. These new seats will also be on the upcoming Boeing 737-Max 8.
In 2023, the airline added more refined Business Class seats to its new A350 planes. In 2024, new Business Class seats will be introduced on the upcoming Airbus A330-900NEO. These seats will have individual doors, wireless charging, and a 17-inch entertainment screen.
Economy Class
Economy Class is available on all Malaysia Airlines planes. Most planes have seats with a pitch of 30–32 inches. Some rows on the A330 and A350 have extra legroom.
In 2022, the airline started putting lighter, slimmer seats on its Boeing 737 planes. These seats have USB charging ports. Personal entertainment screens are being replaced by wireless streaming to passengers' own devices.
In 2024, a new Economy Class seat will be introduced on the new Airbus A330-900. These seats will have 31-32 inches of legroom and a 13.3-inch personal entertainment system. They will also have 60W charging. The same seats will be added to the A350 fleet later.
Child-Free Zones
Malaysia Airlines has a policy about children in certain parts of its planes. Infants are not allowed in Business Suite Class on Airbus A350s because there are no baby bassinets.
The airline also states that children under 12 years old cannot travel in the 70-seat upper deck economy section of the A380. This is to create a quieter zone for business travelers. The main deck of the A380 is designed to be more family-friendly, with more toilets and faster boarding.
In-flight Entertainment
Select is Malaysia Airlines' entertainment system. Most planes use Panasonic eX2 and eX3 systems. The airline also offers free unlimited internet Wi-Fi on most of its wide-body aircraft. This will gradually be added to narrow-body planes too.
Select 3000i
All Malaysia Airlines Airbus A350-900, Airbus A330-300,-200, and Boeing 737-800 planes have the Select 3000i entertainment system. It offers audio and video in 14 languages. Each seat has a touch-screen TV. This system will be removed from Boeing 737-800 planes by late 2024. A newer system is planned for the upcoming Airbus A330-900Neo and A350-900.
MH Studio
In 2023, Malaysia Airlines started introducing a new system called MH Studio. This system allows passengers to stream over 500 entertainment options wirelessly to their own devices. It is currently available on the Boeing 737-800 and Boeing 737 Max 8 fleet.
For the Airbus A330-900, MH Studio will include personal entertainment screens at each seat. These screens will have 4K resolution and wireless headphone connectivity. The same system will be installed on the A350 planes later.
Sponsorships
Malaysia Airlines used to sponsor the Premier League club Liverpool FC from 2016 to 2019. It was their Official Global Airline Partner. Recently, the airline signed a partnership with Manchester United F.C. to promote its brand in new markets.
Loyalty Programs
Malaysia Airlines' frequent flyer program is called Enrich by Malaysia Airlines. Members can earn miles on flights with Malaysia Airlines and its partners. These partners include Oneworld alliance airlines and others like Air France and Emirates Airline.
Journify
Malaysia Aviation Group, which manages Malaysia Airlines, launched Journify. This is a mobile app where passengers can buy different services and products. It includes things like snacks and drinks for flights, travel passes, and flight+hotel packages. All purchases on the app allow members to earn Enrich points.
Incidents and Accidents
- 4 December 1977 – Malaysian Airline System Flight 653, a Boeing 737-200, was hijacked and crashed in Tanjung Kupang, Johor. All 100 people on board died.
- 18 December 1983 – Malaysian Airline System Flight 684, an Airbus A300B2, crashed near the runway at Subang Airport. There were no deaths among the 247 passengers and crew.
- 15 September 1995 – Malaysia Airlines Flight 2133, a Fokker 50, crashed in a shantytown after landing too far down the runway at Tawau Airport, Sabah. 32 passengers and 2 crew members died.
- 8 March 2014 – Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, a Boeing 777-200ER, went missing on a flight from Kuala Lumpur International Airport to Beijing Capital International Airport. The plane's location is still unknown, but satellite data suggests it was lost in the Southern Indian Ocean. All 239 people on board are believed to have died. Parts of the plane have been found washed up on different islands.
- 17 July 2014 – Malaysia Airlines Flight 17, a Boeing 777-200ER, was shot down over Ukraine by a missile. All 283 passengers and 15 crew members on board were killed.
- 14 August 2023 – Malaysia Airlines Flight 122 from Sydney to Kuala Lumpur had to return to Sydney. An extremist on board was shouting and making threats. Police arrested the man after the plane landed.
Images for kids
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Wearne's Air Service
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Malayan Airways
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Borneo Airways
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Federation Air Service
