Malaysia Airlines on its way to recovery (Updated)

SEPANG: Malaysia Airlines Bhd (MAS) is well on its way to recovery as it is expected to be in the black by next year, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak.
"Speaking to (MAS chief executive officer) Peter Bellew earlier, I am aware that our national airline has now entered the second phase of its five-year revival plan.
"God willing, Malaysia Airlines will ride high and soar to greater heights," he said during MAS's Hari Raya Open House at the Malaysia Airlines' Engineering Complex, here yesterday.
Najib said MAS's target for its second phase is to add 11 routes from China in addition to focussing on airline services such as onboard cuisine and flight entertainment.
"While the first phase of the revival focused on stabilising the airlines' financials, I believe that MAS will be able to obtain the five-star rating from Skytrax by 2018," he said.
Despite initially laying off 6,000 MAS former employees as part of the national airlines' recovery exercise, Najib said 78% of them have since registered for new job opportunities.
"From these, 98% of them have successfully secured jobs and were offered other opportunities," he said.
Najib advised MAS's management to be committed and dedicated in their running of the national airliner if they aim to be one of the leading airlines in the world.
"We do not just look at MAS as an ordinary airline.
"It is about our nation, icon, pride and joy," he said.
During the event which was also attended by Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Ab Aziz Kaprawi, MAG chairman Tan Sri Md Nor Yusof and Bellew, Najib also launched the Negaraku livery on the MAS's B737-800 aircraft.
The livery is part of the Negaraku initiative, a nationwide movement to foster unity among Malaysians and inspire the spirit of patriotism.
The aircraft, the first of several in MAS's stable to display the Jalur Gemilang, will be flown across international routes of seven-hour flight durations or less such as Shanghai and Perth.
Additionally, MAS will also display the Negaraku livery on its ATR-72-500 and its new Airbus A350 plane expected by year end as well as in its subsidiaries of MASwings and Firefly.