On 10-9-2012 YAB PM Datuk Seri Najib has announced the setting up of a new low cost airline known as Malindo Airways. Malindo Airways will commence operation in May 2013 and be based in KLIA-2. Read in HERE.
The launching of Malindo Airways was most timely because Malaysia needs another low-cost carrier to break the existing monopoly by one airline. Further, we cannot allow one airline to dictate terms to the Government and/or MAHB on KLIA-2 or for whatever matters.
It was also comforting to note that Malindo Airways has promised to charge low fare for its operations and on top of that it will also offer free in-flight entertainment, a light meal, WiFi facilities and use the aerobridge in KLIA-2. There will also be no imposition of hidden charges like Convenience Fees, Counter Check-in Fees and etc on its customers, like in HERE.
Now we have witnessed a real collaboration between National Aerospace and Defence Industries Sdn Bhd (NADI) and Lion Air of Indonesia in the setting up of Malindo Airways where there was no share swap and/or interference in the management of either company. Hopefully the little Napoleon in Khazanah would learn something from the spirit of this collaboration for whatever deals that it is going into in the future on behalf of the GLCs.
Malaysians should support the entry of Malindo Airways into the low-cost carrier market as competition can only benefit the consumers.
