PETALING JAYA: A coffee table book charting the 85-year-history of national carrier Malaysia Airlines has been launched.
Entitled Rising to a New Horizon: A New Journey Begins, it traces the untold stories of the airlines’ journey from its humble beginnings flying out of a small airfield in 1947 with just five passengers onboard to becoming a world-class airline today, with over 900 destinations.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said the book will serve as a point of reference in history that records the airline’s achievements in the last few years in turning the company around after it concluded a successful restructuring.
“Through archived pictures that some may not have seen before, this coffee table book encapsulates the journey of how Malaysia Airlines has served the nation, travellers and everyone with their unique Malaysian hospitality over the past 85 years.
“Despite several changes over the years, the signature Malaysian hospitality identity has made us proud and even put Malaysia on the world map.
“Over the years, we are proud to see how Malaysia Airlines Group (MAG) has been a catalyst in accelerating national milestones including some of its latest achievements, one of them was being the first airline to ship the first batch of Covid-19 vaccines to Malaysia and the first airline in Malaysia to operate SAF-powered flights for both cargo and commercial flights,” Dr Wee said when launching the book at the Malaysia Airlines Academy here yesterday evening.
He said despite lower passenger traffic and reduced capacity for Malaysia Airlines by 62% and 71% respectively in 2021, MAB recorded 57% higher yield in passenger revenue, attributed to their Airline Revenue Maximization Solution (ARMS).
MAG chairman Tan Sri Wan Zulkiflee Wan Ariffin at the launch said, as countries around the world were opening their borders following the Covid-19 pandemic, MAG felt it was timely for the launch of its first ever coffee table book.
“We felt that it was the right time for us to celebrate our history while reminding the public of who we are and our pride as the national carrier.
“What better way to do that than a book launch? The book has captured so much of our colourful history and milestones throughout the years.
“The book tells the story of perseverance, resilience and hope that soon MAG will triumph over our challenges,” said Wan Zulkiflee.
Malaysia Airlines was founded in 1937 as Malayan Airways Limited (MAL) in Singapore.
After separating from its partnership with Singapore, Malaysia Airlines began operations as a regional airline in 1972.