Malaysia Airlines, which has been suffering from high oil prices, on Friday announced a third hike in fuel surcharge rates in less than six weeks.

"Given the current level of fuel prices, Malaysia Airlines is compelled to revise the fuel surcharge rates with effect from 15 November 2005," it said in a statement.

Malaysia Airlines raised fuel surcharges on October 10 and September 21.

The national carrier said it would raise its fuel surcharge to RM190 (US$50) or by 27.90 percent, from RM137 for travel between Malaysia and Europe, Australia and New Zealand, North and South America, the Middle East and Africa.

Surcharges on tickets sold outside Malaysia for travel from Europe, Australia and New Zealand, North and South America, the Middle East and Africa into Malaysia would be hiked to US$50 from US$45, it said.

Further measures

Surcharges for travel between Malaysia and Asia, from Asia into Malaysia and domestic flights remain unchanged, the airline said.

"Malaysia Airlines continues to monitor the fuel price situation and will take further measures to review the surcharge if necessary," it said.

The airline recently announced one of its worst ever quarterly losses at RM280.66 million in the three months to June after a profit of RM26.58 million a year earlier.

After posting the disappointing result quarterly result, Malaysia Airlines announced an ambitious five-year plan to boost profits by up to RM1.0 billion, which included a management shake up.