The Malaysia Airlines has had a bad year after the loss of 2 airlines earlier this year: the disappearance of MH370 and the rocket attack on MH17 over Ukraine. In March, flight MH370, which was scheduled to travel from from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing, disappeared with 12 crew and 227 passengers on board. The disappearance is unsolved to this day. Following that, flight MH17 was shot down, taking with it all 283 passengers and 15 crew aboard.
But just how badly has that affected Malaysia Airlines?
According to a Howard University Professor, the Southeast Asia air carrier burns its cash reserves at nearly $2.16 million each day.
“Operations are losing about US$1.6 million a day,” wrote Professor Oliver on LinkedIn. An earlier report on The Straits Times estimated the daily burn rate for MAS to be around US$2 million.
Malaysia Airlines reported that its loss widened to RM443 Million (US$140 million) in the first quarter of the year from RM279 million a year earlier.
On social media, photos of empty airplane seats and deserted waiting areas can be found circulating.
According to Wall Street Journal, Malaysia Airlines is likely to cut a quarter of its staff and stop flying to some cities in China and Europe as a part of the carrier’s revival plan. The nation’s Prime Minister also commented that major restructuring would be necessary for the carrier.
“We believe our national carrier must be renewed. This means wholesale change to deliver a wholly different outcome. Only through a complete overhaul of the company can we deliver a genuinely strong and sustainable national carrier. Piecemeal changes will not work,” said the Prime Minister.
Blow after blow, MAS have been through a lot in just a mere few months. And while some have criticized them and others pledge their loyal support, this video will make you see Malaysia and its challenges in a new light.
