We have received multiple interests, director of troubled MYAirline says

Tuesday 22 Oct 2024

KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 14): Cash-strapped low-cost carrier MYAirline Sdn Bhd said it has received "multiple interests" to enter into strategic partnerships with the airline.

"We are diligently evaluating the proposals. We will continue to provide updates to our valued passengers and related stakeholders," MYAirline interim accountable executive Datuk Seri Azharuddin Abdul Rahman said in a statement on Saturday. Azharuddin was the former director-general of the Malaysian Civil Aviation Department, now known as the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia.

Azharuddin is also a member of MYAirline's board of directors. The other board members are MYAirline co-founder and major shareholder Datuk Allan Goh Hwan Hua, his son Sean Goh Tze Han, former Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd chief operating officer Datuk Abd Hamid Mohd Ali, MYAirline co-founder and former chief executive officer Rayner Teo Kheng Hock, and Trillion Cove Holdings Bhd director Jothi Prakash Murugan.

MYAirline, which has been flying for less than a year, said on Thursday (Oct 12) that it had failed to raise the cash it needs from shareholders and other potential investors, leaving it in “deep financial constraints". Amid a cash crunch, it has suspended flight operations until further notice, as its board continues to explore "all avenues” to reactivate its operations.

Azharuddin also said the airline is currently expediting the refund process to affected passengers.

"We would like to kindly request your patience, as we are handling a high volume of over 12,000 e-mails. MYAirline is also in the process of establishing a hotline, to better assist our affected passengers,” he said.

To facilitate the refund process, Azharuddin said affected passengers are encouraged to provide their booking number (PNR) and to e-mail MYAirline at [email protected].

He also gave his assurance that all MYAirline personnel are still under full employment.

"We have not placed anyone on unpaid leave," he added. According to MYAirline's website, it currently employs almost 700 people. In an internal memo to staff last Thursday, MYAirline chief human resources officer Yeoh Sai Yew said until further updates, all MYAirline staff will be working from home.

"We extend our sincere apologies to all passengers and aviation agencies affected by the unforeseen suspension of our operations," Azharuddin said.

“On behalf of MYAirline, we would like to express our deep regret about the recent event and how it had impacted all [of] our passengers," he added.

Transport Minister Loke Siew Fook was reported as saying that the suspension affects 125,000 MYAirline passengers who had already purchased RM20 million worth of tickets until March 2024.

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