Malaysia Airlines (MAB) is confident that its five-year MAB Recovery Plan (MRP) is on track and on schedule.

Malaysia Airlines Group chief executive officer Captain Izham Ismail said in line with the MRP plan announced in 2014, MAB’s focus is not only to be profitable, but also to make the airline a national icon, alongside being an economic enabler, domestic bond and link to the world.

“We have a lot of work to do and with 14,000 staff, MAB is working very hard on the turnaround. We realise there are slight lapses in our services, but will continue to perform well. In time, MAB will make the nation proud,” he added.

Speaking to reporters after the welcoming ceremony of MAB’s first A350-900 XWB aircraft at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang today, Izham said it was also a symbol of a new journey for Malaysia Aviation Group in sprinting towards the completion of the MRP, which is essential to re-establish the group as a sustainably profitable and financially self-sufficient entity.

The A350 XWB was officially received by Second Finance Minister Johari Abdul Ghani (photo), Malaysia Aviation Group chairman, Md Nor Yusof and Izham.

“With its technological advancements, the A350 XWB would help boost our competitiveness on long-haul flights and underlines our commitment to operate a young and modern fleet,” Izham said.

Meanwhile, Johari said MAB will be the first company to enjoy the Goods and Services Tax (GST) relief as announced by Prime Minister Najib Razak in the 2018 Budget.

Imports of big-ticket items such as aircraft and ships by airlines and shipping companies registered in Malaysia would be given GST relief.

The purchase of the aircraft would cost between US$200 million- US$300 million and this is considered a big ticket item for the GST exemption.

The A350 XWB Is the world’s features the latest aerodynamic design, carbon fibre fuselage and wings, plus the new fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines, with a 25 percent reduction in fuel burn and emissions and lower maintenance costs.

MAB has six A350 XWB on order and would be receiving them in stages by the second quarter of 2018.

All are on lease from Air Lease Corporation (ALC).

The A350 XWB would operate on the Kuala Lumpur-London sector beginning Jan 15, 2018. Prior to that, the airline would be flying a series of endorsement flights to Bangkok, Penang and Singapore.

Configured in a three-class layout with 286 seats, the Malaysia Airlines A350 XWB is the first in Asia to feature a First Class cabin.

-  Bernama