MAS’ new UK manager eyes third daily flight

Malaysia Airlines’ (MAS) new area manager for UK & Ireland already has ambitions for a third daily London flight as its Airbus A380 continues to be a hit with customers.

Weng Chi Lee, who will move from his current role in Korea to the UK on 1 August, told the travel trade at a lunch that he is ultimate goal is to add a third daily flight from London to Kuala Lumpur.

It comes as its double daily A380 services continue to perform “phenomenally” for the airline.

Marking a year since the first A380 service was launched, the carrier has posted a record June and taken back some of the market from the Middle East competitors.

In a chat with Travel Daily, Lee said he is ready to take the airline to the ‘next level’ and although his first focus will be to ensure prices are settled and the airline accommodates for all customers.

“Due to the phenomenal demand we need to go beyond the double daily and I hope I can do that during my tenure here,” he said.
“We are beyond the task of filling the aircraft now and can be more refined to get the prices right and bring in the right passengers. The type of people who travel with use changes all the time throughout the year and we have to make sure we do not alienate either them or our regular traffic.”

When questioned if MAS is to order more aircraft Lee revealed it was part of the airline’s plans to add more A380s and a strategy is being looked into that will replace its Boeing 777 fleet. No further deals have been announced but Lee said he hoped a decision would come soon.

To mark the first year of its London A380 service the airline has launched a new incentive for UK travel agents. High street vouchers can be earned for each booking throughout the month and the agent that makes the most bookings will win free return economy flights (taxes included). To sign up head to www.malaysiaairlinesgiveaway.co.uk.