KUALA LUMPUR – Malindo Airways Sdn Bhd is set to cut more than half of its 3,200-strong workforce due to a collapse in business because of the Covid-19 pandemic, according to a management note seen by The Vibes.
The hybrid-full service carrier will shed 2,200 jobs and reduce its fleet size to five Boeing 737 jets and six ATR turboprops, said the note.
It said the affected staff are expected to “complete their clearance” by November 30, while “multitasking” will be required of those still on Malindo’s payroll.
The carrier, together with Malaysia Airlines Bhd and AirAsia Group Bhd, are expected to lose RM10.9 billion this year in the face of the coronavirus outbreak and international travel restrictions, according to the latest data by the Transport Ministry.
Malindo, whose shareholders include Indonesia’s Lion Air Group, registered a loss after tax of RM582.77 million for the financial year ended December 31, 2018.
The Vibes has reached out to Malindo CEO Captain Mushafiz Mustafa Bakri for comment. – The Vibes, October 12, 2020