Its Back To Malaysia Singapore Airlines Again

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Those of you who were born say after 1966 will have little or no recollection that Malaysia and Singapore once operated  one airline together - the famous Malaysia Singapore Airlines or MSA which flew from 1966 until 1972 when the airline split up into MAS and SIA. 

Here is the classic gold (or yellow) and black livery of an MSA Boeing 737.



MAS of course started off with Malaysian Airline System - a quite unheard of name for an airline. Then somewhere along the way it became Malaysian Airlines. They dropped the 'system'. Now it is known as MAB - Malaysia Airlines Bhd. We still know it as MAS though - the 'system' has stuck, even though it has become quite unworkable.

SIA has always remained Singapore Airlines - a brand name they have carefully built up for 47 years now. 


Todate both MAS and SIA still have among the best flight safety records among airlines. Both MAS and SIA have had unfortunate incidents but they were isolated occurences. Generally both SIA and MAS are still noted for good service (except MAS can better improve their flight schedules.)    Both are premier airlines. 

SIA has always been run very professionally and in a very business like manner. 

MAS has world class technical and engineering skills but their business sense (as we all know) has become quite non existent.  MAS is financially very troubled. 

People in the know point out that throughout its existence (since 1972) MAS has NEVER made an operational profit.  The few times the company made profits was from sale of assets (aircraft), buildings etc. Or widespread asset unbundling.

Anyway here is a surprise announcement.  Singapore Airlines and MAS have released a joint media statement that they have together signed an MOU for wide-ranging cooperation. 

Here is the press release :




The gist of it is :

explore wide ranging strategic partnershipsignificant expansion of code share flightsother cooperation involves cargo, maintenance, repair and overhaul services.Will include SIA, MAS, SilkAir, Scoot and Firefly
Here is my advice.  

Dont get shortchanged and do not try to short change anyone.
(However I have serious doubts.)
Be professional, courteous, firm but polite. 

So will the 'Water Agreement' be included as part of this "wide ranging" MOU?

Posted by Syed Akbar Ali 

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