Malaysian Airlines posts worst loss in 2 years over MH370 disaster

Malaysia-AirlinesMalaysian Airlines on May 15 reported its biggest quarterly loss in over two years, hit by a sharp drop in passenger traffic after what it called the “dramatic impact” of the unexplained disappearance of flight MH370 in March. In a statement, Malaysian Airline System Bhd (MAS) said its net loss expanded to $138 million in the first quarter from a net loss of $86.6 million in the same period last year, Reuters reported.

It is the carrier’s worst quarterly loss since October-December 2011. MAS has lost money for the last three years, beset by high costs and stiff competition.

“The tragic MH370 incident had a dramatic impact on the traditionally weak first quarter performance,” the company said in a statement to the Malaysia stock exchange. It said it saw high numbers of cancellations and a decline in long-haul travel after flight MH370 went missing on March 8.

Sales in China slumped 60 per cent in March, MAS said. The majority of the passengers traveling on flight MH370 were Chinese.

Analysts had said the situation at the carrier was too uncertain to issue estimates for the first set of earnings reported by MAS since flight MH370 went missing.

The company said it is undertaking a “thorough review” of its business plan as it seeks a path to recovery . This may include the partial sale of its engineering unit and an upgrade of its ageing fleet, Reuters reported last week



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Malaysian Airlines on May 15 reported its biggest quarterly loss in over two years, hit by a sharp drop in passenger traffic after what it called the "dramatic impact" of the unexplained disappearance of flight MH370 in March. In a statement, Malaysian Airline System Bhd (MAS) said its net loss expanded to $138 million in the first quarter from a net loss of $86.6 million in the same period last year, Reuters reported. It is the carrier's worst quarterly loss since October-December 2011. MAS has lost money for the last three years, beset by high costs and stiff competition. "The...

Malaysia-AirlinesMalaysian Airlines on May 15 reported its biggest quarterly loss in over two years, hit by a sharp drop in passenger traffic after what it called the “dramatic impact” of the unexplained disappearance of flight MH370 in March. In a statement, Malaysian Airline System Bhd (MAS) said its net loss expanded to $138 million in the first quarter from a net loss of $86.6 million in the same period last year, Reuters reported.

It is the carrier’s worst quarterly loss since October-December 2011. MAS has lost money for the last three years, beset by high costs and stiff competition.

“The tragic MH370 incident had a dramatic impact on the traditionally weak first quarter performance,” the company said in a statement to the Malaysia stock exchange. It said it saw high numbers of cancellations and a decline in long-haul travel after flight MH370 went missing on March 8.

Sales in China slumped 60 per cent in March, MAS said. The majority of the passengers traveling on flight MH370 were Chinese.

Analysts had said the situation at the carrier was too uncertain to issue estimates for the first set of earnings reported by MAS since flight MH370 went missing.

The company said it is undertaking a “thorough review” of its business plan as it seeks a path to recovery . This may include the partial sale of its engineering unit and an upgrade of its ageing fleet, Reuters reported last week



Support ASEAN news

Investvine has been a consistent voice in ASEAN news for more than a decade. From breaking news to exclusive interviews with key ASEAN leaders, we have brought you factual and engaging reports – the stories that matter, free of charge.

Like many news organisations, we are striving to survive in an age of reduced advertising and biased journalism. Our mission is to rise above today’s challenges and chart tomorrow’s world with clear, dependable reporting.

Support us now with a donation of your choosing. Your contribution will help us shine a light on important ASEAN stories, reach more people and lift the manifold voices of this dynamic, influential region.