Tag: Aviation

West Asian conflicts increase cost pressure on airlines – Aviation analyst

KUALA LUMPUR, Jun 10 -- The ongoing conflict in West Asia is putting pressure on the global aviation industry as airlines face rising jet fuel prices, changes to flight routes and higher operating costs, says an analyst. Endau Analytics founder Shukor Yusof said that so far the airline has been successful in handling the situation.    However, he said, the prolonged uncertainty has begun to affect business operations, especially for airlines that have weaker financial positions.  "The current situation is still uncertain, but the aviation market can handle it well." "We are dealing with a shortage of jet fuel coming out of the Strait of Hormuz. The situation is still tense, and airlines in particular, are being hit hard because jet fuel has risen to levels not seen in many years." "Airlines are facing significant challenges due to several factors. They are having to raise fares, manage shortages, and most importantly, deal with continued price increases.  "Jet fuel, which can contribute up to 40 percent of an airline's operating costs, is a major contributor to this issue," he said in Bernama TV's current affairs and talk show, Bernama World, titled "West Asian Conflict: Impact on the Aviation Industry", today.  Shukor said many airlines have adjusted their business models to accommodate passengers who booked tickets before the conflict began, while some international routes, particularly those involving Europe, have diverted their routes to avoid Iranian airspace.  He said Southeast Asian airlines, including Malaysia Airlines, are assessing and realigning their operations in Europe in response to ever-changing geopolitical risks.  Meanwhile, full-service airlines with stronger financial backing are in a much better position to weather prolonged disruptions than low-cost carriers.  “The aviation industry often faces the greatest challenges, and the stronger your finances are, the better chance you have of surviving longer than your competitors,” said Shukor.  Elaborating further, he said airlines backed by shareholders or sovereign wealth funds were more likely to survive prolonged instability in the Gulf region, while smaller airlines with weaker cash flows faced greater risk. Despite concerns about disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, Shukor stressed that the global market is not facing a shortage of jet fuel, but rather a price crisis driven by logistical challenges and geopolitical uncertainties.  He said jet fuel prices had soared as high as US$200 per barrel before falling to around US$145 to US$150, but were still almost double the levels before the conflict escalated.  "There is no shortage of jet fuel or crude oil. The problem is the price and logistics of transporting supplies around the world," he said.  -- BERNAMA 

KUALA LUMPUR, Jun 10 — The ongoing conflict in West Asia is putting pressure on the global aviation industry as airlines face rising jet fuel prices, changes to flight routes and higher operating costs, says an analyst. Endau Analytics founder Shukor Yusof said that so far the airline has been successful in handling the situation.  […]

Malaysia Airlines Maintains Focus on Operational Consistency and Greater Flexibility for Travellers

MANILA, May 12 -- Malaysia Airlines continues to focus on operational consistency and customer flexibility amid today's evolving operating environment. The airline maintained on-time performance (OTP) above 90% throughout April, marking the second consecutive month of average OTP above the 90% level, while consistently exceeding its 85% target since January 2026. This sustained performance reflects ongoing operational improvements across the network, including enhancements to boarding processes and on-ground support, contributing to a smoother and more dependable travel experience for customers. Customer demand has also remained encouraging. In March, year-on-year (YoY) passenger traffic increased by 30%, with positive momentum continuing into April as traffic grew by 8% YoY. The sustained growth reflects stable underlying demand for travel across key markets, even as the broader air travel environment continues to evolve. Bryan Foong, Chief Executive Officer of Airline Business from Malaysia Aviation Group, said, "We recognise that travellers today are navigating a more uncertain environment, and that reliability and flexibility remain important when planning their journeys. Our focus continues to be on delivering safe and dependable operations, while providing our customers the flexibility and support they need as travel patterns continue to evolve. The operational consistency we have seen in recent months, together with continued customer demand across key markets, is an encouraging reflection of the steady progress being made across the airline. Above all, our priority is to ensure customers feel supported and confident throughout their journey with us." Recognising that travellers are increasingly seeking both assurance and value, Malaysia Airlines has introduced its "Now Boarding" campaign across key markets. The campaign brings together customer-focused offerings designed to support more flexible and confident travel decisions. Central to this is the airline's Flex fare family, which allows unlimited flight changes with no extra fees, providing greater peace of mind should plans evolve. For families planning their holidays, Malaysia Airlines also offers child fares alongside dedicated onboard activity packs for young travellers, helping create a more enjoyable and seamless travel experience for families. Customers who book directly via the Malaysia Airlines website or official mobile app can also enjoy exclusive benefits*, including 5% savings on flights for Enrich members, and up to 15% off privileges with Maybank, ensuring they get more value out of their journey. The airline's progress is further reflected in the continued growth of its brand value. In the latest Airlines 50 2026 report by Brand Finance, Malaysia Airlines recorded the highest brand value growth among Malaysian carriers. Brand value increased by 27% to USD771 million, with the airline climbing four places to rank 41st globally, supported by sustained recovery and a continued focus on delivering a premium, customer-centric experience. Malaysia Airlines will continue building on these efforts as it strengthens the overall travel experience for customers across its network. /PRNewswire/

MANILA, May 12 — Malaysia Airlines continues to focus on operational consistency and customer flexibility amid today’s evolving operating environment. The airline maintained on-time performance (OTP) above 90% throughout April, marking the second consecutive month of average OTP above the 90% level, while consistently exceeding its 85% target since January 2026. This sustained performance reflects […]