MyAirline optimistic of being cash positive from first year

PETALING JAYA - MyAirline, Malaysia's new low-cost carrier (LCC), is cautiously optimistic of achieving positive growth in its first year of operations.

Banking on its unique selling propositions (USPs), the ‘new red’ airline aims to reposition itself in the LCC market with a gender-neutral cabin crew uniform, new ergonomic seats, going green with digital manuals for pilots, and ‘MyKopitiam’ inflight meals.

"We are trying to be cash positive from year one. We know there is a lot of challenges ahead but with formulation of solid market strategy and keeping it on track, we aggressively hope to be cash positive,” said MYAirline Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Rayner Teo in the airline's first media roundtable session at its headquarters in Subang Jaya here, today.

He also said that on average, the airline has achieved a healthy load factor of about 70 per cent based on the first week of the opening of ticket sales, given the limitation period since it started on Nov 25.

Operating a fleet consisting of Airbus A320-200 aircraft, MYAirline will kick-off its first flights on Dec 1 to Kuching, Kota Kinabalu, and Langkawi from klia2.

It is also expected to fly to Kota Bharu, Penang and Sibu in December, pending approvals from the Malaysian Aviation Commission.

Besides expanding its domestic destinations, Teo said MYAirline is also looking into markets in Southeast Asia, namely Singapore, Bali, Bangkok, and others, soonest by the first quarter 2023.

"We will start going into countries that are friendly and easy for us...within a four-hour flight,” he said.

MYAirline currently has almost 500 employees including about 60 pilots. It is also constantly updating the latest offerings via its website and mobile app.

Elaborating further on its USPs, Teo highlighted that the LCC would be the first to use ergonomic seats that are light, eco-friendly and pre-reclined, which saves up to 900kg of weight for the aircraft.

The cabin crew will also be the first in the country to don gender-neutral uniform with hoodie and pants, and paired with sneakers, which give them maximum comfort.

For passengers, there is a 7kg cabin hand-carry baggage allowance, hot meals and treats such as nasi lemak, fried mee, roti jala, Korean Jjajangmyeon, and more addition in the future.

The airline applies innovative and green technology within its products and services to ensure a straightforward and seamless engagement for passengers. - BERNAMA