KUALA LUMPUR – With rising grievances towards local air travel companies rescheduling and postponing flights in airports nationwide, two major airlines have expressed their apologies and promised to perform better.
Speaking to Getaran, The Vibes’ Malay-language sister portal, AirAsia Malaysia chief executive officer Riad Asmat extended the company’s apologies to customers for any inconveniences caused by flight disruptions.
Noting that the airline had received a significant peak in the number of passengers during the Raya period, he assured that the airline is committed to providing the best in terms of safe, affordable and trusted air travel.
“As a responsible company, AirAsia does its best to reduce difficulties for our customers. We ensure that all passengers get to their destinations as quickly as possible during this important travel time,” Riad said.
Meanwhile, a Malaysia Airlines (MAS) spokesman came forward to apologise for complications relating to flight MH2719 from Kuala Lumpur to Sandakan, Sabah.
The apology comes after a video, which made its rounds online, was posted by a MAS passenger who had waited for an hour in a hot aeroplane cabin before being informed that the flight had to be postponed because of damages.
In the video shared on Twitter, cries of a child due to the discomfort of the heated cabin could be heard, with the spokesperson noting that one passenger had required emergency medical assistance.
They also disclosed to Getaran that the incident was caused by technical problems with the plane’s engine, adding that the plane was forced to return to the bay after two failed attempts at starting the engine during pushback.
“MAS apologises for the air conditioning system being unable to function during repair works, which resulted in a hot cabin environment.
“We regret the delay and apologise once again for the temporary inconvenience experienced by customers.
“Safety remains a priority for MAS,” they said.
Besides that, the Transport Ministry has today ordered airlines to better monitor technical issues relating to flight services and improve communication strategies with passengers.
Minister Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong said that the ministry, Mavcom and the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia will continue to monitor aviation service providers to ensure full and uncompromising compliance to maintenance and technical upkeep.
The Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry announced today that it has contacted AirAsia management and is expecting feedback on consumer issues, including those related to flight delays and rescheduling, within 24 hours.
Yesterday, the ministry had announced that it is currently investigating complaints of flight delays and rescheduling involving low-cost airline AirAsia after public outcry on social media.
Its minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said he took note of complaints and grievances voiced by consumers pertaining to flight delays among various domestic destinations, adding that investigations revealed that delays had been occurring since late last month. – The Vibes, May 10, 2022
