KUCHING, Oct 12: Low-cost carrier MYAirline Sdn Bhd has announced the suspension of its operations effective today (Oct 12) until further notice, citing financial pressures less than 11 months after it first took to the skies.
According to a press release issued by MYAirline early this morning and shared on its official Facebook Page, the low-cost airline said it has made this ‘extremely painful decision’ due to ‘significant financial pressures’ that have made it necessary to suspend operations pending the airline’s shareholder restructuring and recapitalisation.
“We deeply regret and apologise for having to make this decision as we understand the impact it will have on our loyal passengers, dedicated employees, and partners.
“We have worked tirelessly to explore various partnership and capital-raising options to prevent this suspension.
“Unfortunately, the constraints of time have left us with no alternative but to take this decision,” its Board of Directors said.
MYAirline continued, “We understand the inconvenience this may cause, and we are committed to assisting you through this situation.
“Kindly reach out to us at customercare@myairline.my, and our support team will be readily available to provide their assistance.
“In the meantime, we are advising affected passengers to not head to the airport and seek alternative travel arrangements to their destinations.”
MYAirline also said the Board, shareholders, and MYAirline will work tirelessly to resume operations as quickly as possible but at this stage, the airline is unable to commit to any timeline.
“We reiterate our sincerest apologies for any difficulty and inconvenience arising from this suspension and will do our utmost to provide any updates which become available,” it added.
The statement, however, made no mention of refunds.
Meanwhile, according to several news reports yesterday (Oct 11), Transport Minister Anthony Loke stated that MYAirline must first approach the ministry through the Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) and present any issues it is experiencing to the commission before the agency can provide any assistance.
When asked about a news report concerning the financial status or potential takeover of the low-cost carrier, Loke stated that he had not been informed about it.
Prior to this, there were also news outlets reported that the low-cost carrier was close to securing a new investor to help it weather a financial storm, possibly Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s son, Abang Abdillah Izzarim Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari.
This came after the airline’s chief executive officer (CEO) Rayner Teo submitted his resignation last week, citing health reasons. The airline’s chief operating officer (COO) Stuart Cross has since assumed Teo’s place as the interim CEO.
Despite its financial difficulties, MYAirline was recently granted a two-year extension of its air operator certificate (AOC) to continue commercial operations until 2025.
The AOC was given by the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia. — DayakDaily
