Mita: Wake up MAS, take heed of AirAsia

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Inbound Tourism Association (Mita) today said Malaysia Airlines (MAS) is lacking in effort to connect the country with other major cities in Europe and North America.
Mita president Uzaidi Udanis said more long haul, direct flight connectivity was needed to expand the country's tourism industry and boost the economy, but said the effort put in by MAS was less than convincing.
He said the national carrier should make an example out of budget airline AirAsia, which he said makes connectivity possible for more people.
"Thank god we have AirAsia, for becoming our superhero. That's why our message to MAS is wake up. Start believing like a leader, and not just a follower.
"Don't just focus on the China market, and forget others. We need direct flights to Europe, and MAS only flies to London," he said at the opening ceremony of the Mita Travel Fair 2018, here.
Later in a press conference, Uzaidi said as a national airline, MAS should be more aggressive in leading the nation and the aviation industry.
He pointed that the number of Americans travelling to the country has also declined over the years due to the lack of connectivity, compared with neighbouring Asean countries.
"The more money you spend on promotion and connectivity, the more revenue goes to the economy. So we hope MAS starts to lead from now," he said.
At present, the only European nation that MAS flies to is the United Kingdom, with its other flights focusing on Asia and Australasia.