In the 1980s-90s when serving PETRONAS Carigali as Senior HR Manager and regularly flying on board Malaysia Airlines (MAS) from Kuala Lumpur to Miri to work at the Baram Delta Operations (BDO), I was indeed amazed that airlines spell glamour, high profits and big business. Television viewers had enjoyed watching airline programs spellbound. The charismatic heads of certain airlines are known to everyone. But few know the real story. I decided to join MAS Academy in mid-1990s as Manager, Management Development and served under the Senior Vice President Captain Mohd. Kamil Abu Bakar.
MAS then was focused on major issues that affected the airline industry working on low margins, or cut-throat competition resulting from ‘open skies’. We analyzed the low-cost airlines and the impact of electronic commerce, and fuels the debate on global airline alliance. Most importantly, we had carefully analyzed the strategies that were needed for MAS to succeed in the twenty-first century. It was an excellent opportunities working with Captain Kamil & team guiding me to the inner workings of this exciting industry, of which had given me added professional experiences. It was all about quality and it was about winning. There was a lot of parallels of MAS to an airline really executing on a daily basis. But, much has happened in the 20 years since I left MAS.
I've learned the financial impact on airlines and potential shortages of jet fuel at some airports could continue for months after the Strait of Hormuz opens and the war with Iran ends. Blockages at the Strait of Hormuz have led to limits on how much oil can transmit and how much higher prices for jet fuel. For most countries, aviation is very important & drives their economies. They are all figuring out what to do, but the bottom line is there's not enough for all.
It is heartening to know that Captain Kamil has written a new book entitled “A Memoir: Kamil … More than a Pilot!” If you have an interest about MAS in the airline industry, then I recommend you read this book. The insight of a top management pilot, such as Kamil is not just invaluable, it is indispensable.
Zulkifly Baharom (hajizul50@gmail.com) is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
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