CONTENTS - FEBRUARY 2021 Airport Talk China Sets 777F in New Era Air New Zealand to Begin Airport GCEO Speaks 47 of Cargo Operations 51 Quarantine-Free Flights to Brisbane 55 On-track Preparation for Malaysia’s Launches its New A380 Receives Diamond Status Covid-19 Vaccination Rollout 48 with Premium Economy to London 52 for Health Safety 56 Amadeus and Star Alliance Unite Aviation News to Make Touchless Travel More Aviation Interview STARLUX Airlines Launches Inaugural Accessible 53 Aviation Interview with Flight to KUL 49 Qantas and Japan Airlines to Mohamad Asif Abd Talib Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Launches New Form Joint Business to Drive Pos Aviation Sdn Bhd 58 Online Platform 50 Tourism Recovery 54 AD 01 AIRPORT TALK

Airport GCEO Speaks

A corporate leader with diverse experience, he is harnessing the latest technological advances to spur Malaysia Airports to greater heights as a smart aviation regional hub.

This month, Dato’ Mohd Shukrie Mohd Salleh shares how the airport operator is ever prepared to deal with all eventualities, including the annual Northeast monsoon alongside its efforts to upgrade the facilities at and around the KL International Airport (KLIA) amidst the ongoing coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.

s a responsible airport operator Meanwhile, we have also made sure that automatically as it passes through the and caring host, we have been the drive to KL International Airport (KLIA) conveyor system to the reclaim area. A doing extensive preparation in is brighter and safer as part of our ongoing Using UV short wavelength, this technology terms of flood mitigation measures at our enhancement of street lights within its vicinity has been proven to effectively eliminate seven airports in Kuala Terengganu, Kota and to ensure our guests have a seamless surface contaminants such as mould, Bharu, Kuantan, Ipoh, Alor Setar, Penang journey to and from the airport. This exercise, bacteria and other microbial biofilms. and Kota Kinabalu, which are likely to be which started since last October, is almost We are installing four UV tunnels to help affected by the monsoon season that falls near completion. mitigate the risk from infectious airborne between November and March. microbial contaminants for both our So far, 2,000 street light poles and railing passengers and staff responsible for We recently completed the installation light fittings along the main roads around our baggage handling. of a portable submersible water pump flagship airport have been rectified. Working and generator at the Sultan Mahmud closely with the Public Works Department, The latest statistics on our passenger Airport in Terengganu to complement its we will also be rectifying the wire and guard movement last December for our Malaysia two existing pump houses and to steer rails, resurfacing the roads and repainting operations is a cause for celebration with excess water into the sea. Although line markings along these roads. seven new local flight routes boosting this airport has not been affected by domestic traffic by three-fold compared to floods before, we believe in taking extra KLIA is also undergoing a major the month before, where we saw over a precautions to ensure that its essential upgrading of its baggage handling system million passengers travelling domestically. services for our valued guests are not (BHS) using ultra-violet (UV) technology as compromised. it readies itself to serve a larger capacity The spike in Covid-19 cases in the country more efficiently and when travel resumes and the recently announced imposition These efforts are part of our airport to normalcy. Exploring new technologies of tighter travel restrictions are expected customised Flood Emergency Response and the latest global practices is part of our to impact our passenger movements in Plan, where we have also ensured that commitment to ensure a safe and smooth the coming months. Nevertheless, I would our airports’ drainage system is clear of passenger journey. like to reassure that we, at Malaysia debris and blockage for excess water to Airports, are always ready and committed easily flow out from its premise. The UV bulbs, installed in an enclosed to maintain the highest levels of safety at tunnel within the BHS, disinfect the baggage our airports.

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On-track Preparation for

A Monthly Publication Of MALAYSIA Malaysia’s Covid-19 AIRPORTS © Aviation Marketing and Development Division Vaccination Rollout Advisor Dato’ Mohd Shukrie Mohd Salleh he worst of the novel coronavirus Managing Editor Mohamed Sallauddin Hj. Mat Sah (Covid-19) pandemic in Malaysia is far T from over with the Movement Control Editorial & Concept Order (MCO) 2.0 now extended nationwide Octagon Creative except for the state of Sarawak, which comes [email protected] under Conditional MCO.

Advertising & Production Noor Hafiza Ruslan States like Kedah, Perak, Negeri Sembilan, [email protected] Terengganu and Pahang have their MCO running from 22 January until 4 February Mohd Faizal Md Haris while the rest had theirs from 13-26 January [email protected] except for Kelantan, which was placed under MCO from 23-29 January. Design & Distribution Mediate Communications Sdn. Bhd. Status of vaccination programme Since last October, Malaysia has been in the On the country’s vaccination programme, MALAYSIA AIRPORTS HOLDINGS third wave of the pandemic with the country Muhyiddin assures that is on-track. So BERHAD (487092-W) breaching the 4,000 mark with 4,029 daily far, the government has signed three Marketing Division Covid-19 cases on 16 January. This was agreements with vaccine manufacturers. Level 3, Arrival Hall (Domestic) reached earlier than the mid-February timeline Among them is the United States Main Terminal Building projected by the Health Ministry based on its pharmaceutical group Pfizer, which will KL International Airport epidemiological modelling. deliver 12.8 million doses of Covid-19 64000 Sepang vaccines for 20% or 6.4 million of the Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia Epidemiologist Datuk Dr Awang Bulgiba population. Tel : 603-8776 4949 Awang Mahmud reportedly warns, “We need Fax : 603-8776 4040 to institute steps that will prepare us for the next Under the preliminary purchasing Email : marketing@malaysiaairports. wave. If we do not do something about these agreement signed last November with com.my issues, then the time we are buying with MCO Pfizer, Malaysia will receive a million doses 2.0 will be squandered again.” in the first quarter of 2021 followed by 1.7 million doses the following quarter. A week after the government’s declaration of a state of emergency on 11 January, Prime Another 5.8 million doses will be delivered Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Mohd Yassin in the third quarter and 4.3 million doses unveiled 22 initiatives under the RM15 in the fourth quarter. Delivery of Malaysia’s billion PERMAI Assistance Package aimed vaccine orders with other manufacturers are at combating Covid-19, supporting business also staggered. continuity and looking into the welfare of Malaysians. Hopefully, Malaysia will be able to receive its first batch of vaccines from Pfizer by Among the initiatives, the government has end-February as mentioned in Muhyiddin’s agreed to provide a special discount of PERMAI speech on 18 January as AFP 10% on electricity bills from January to March had reported a few days earlier Pfizer’s to hotel operators, theme parks, convention Covid-19 vaccine deliveries to Norway centres, shopping malls, local airline offices as and Europe have been reduced while the well as travel and tour agencies to help cushion company ramps up its production capacity. Covid-19’s impact on these business sectors.

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According to the Prime Minister, Malaysia’s vaccination programme, to be implemented in phases, will take over 12 months. “Malaysia is confident also of MABkargo’s ability to Understandably, other industry players such is expected to meet its target of vaccinating support other governments worldwide in the as the Pos Aviation Sdn Bhd will be supporting more than 80% of its population or close to 27 safe handling, transportation and distribution MABkargo in the vaccine distribution. million people by the first quarter of 2022.” of the vaccine. According to an industry source, a lot would depend on how the logistics for the vaccine A total of RM3 billion has been allocated for Apart from its three dedicated freighter distribution will be handled, where the Health the National Immunisation Programme, with aircraft, MABkargo also uses MAB’s Ministry has decided its vaccine hub will be the first batch, comprising frontline workers passenger aircraft belly, which can provide and the hub’s readiness. from the healthcare and security sectors, a temperature-controlled environment in expected to be vaccinated by early March. its cargo holds that is suitable for vaccines With regular scheduled commercial flights that typically require beyond freezing point still down by 50% to 60% in most parts of the To ensure effective implementation of temperature packaging and handling. world, Aviation Week Network flight analyst Malaysia’s vaccination programme, Science, and fleet forecaster Daniel Williams foresees Technology and Innovation Minister Khairy Izham adds, “Our capabilities include aircraft the use of smaller feeder aircraft assisting in Jamaluddin, who co-chairs the Special unit load device containers which are specially the vaccine distribution, particularly to the Committee on Ensuring Access to Covid-19 designed for preservation of frozen products more remote destinations. Vaccine Supply, believes that Malaysia can at their required temperatures. learn from Singapore and Indonesia since This could apply to Malaysia which has they had already rolled out theirs. “We also have ground operations which a large concentration of rural areas in meet the requirements for the safe and secure Sabah and Sarawak. Williams anticipates Under this special committee are several handling of time and temperature-sensitive distribution and logistical challenges for the smaller committees for the selection of the products and most importantly, trained cold chain delivery of the Pfizer’s Covid-19 vaccine, communication, approvals, trade personnel for the professional handling of the vaccine which requires ultra-cold storage of facilitation, finance and storage, logistics as goods.” minus 70 degrees Celsius. well as transportation and the distribution of the supplies. He says MABkargo has previously transported He views the use of package or courier time and temperature-sensitive goods besides carriers and chartered flights for vaccine MABkargo’s role vaccines and medical products such as human shipment as a boon for the aviation industry Malaysia Airlines Bhd’s (MAB) main cargo organs and biological samples which require as they not only provide employment but will arm, MAB Kargo Sdn Bhd (MABkargo), has similar handling. also help airlines earn some revenue stream. been appointed the official cargo handler for the Covid-19 vaccine in Malaysia. “We have worked closely with governments He is also happy to note that package and non-governmental organisations to carriers have not been greatly impacted by Given MABkargo’s track record, aircraft transport over 33,000 tonnes of medical the Covid-19 pandemic due to the shift in capability, ground infrastructure, qualified equipment and disaster-relief provisions to demand towards online shopping. This is personnel and network via commercial, impacted regions via 1,067 flights using evident from the success of the recent Black charter or full freighter flights, MAB group passenger-to-cargo aircraft and cargo in Friday, Cyber Monday, Double 11 and 1212 chief executive officer Captain Izham Ismail cabin.” online campaigns.

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STARLUX Airlines Launches Inaugural Flight to KUL

aiwan’s newly founded airline STARLUX Airlines, with its very first flight to T Penang, Malaysia on 23 January last Malaysia Airports, the operator of KL year, officially launched its inaugural flight International Airport (KUL) welcomes flying between Kuala Lumpur and Taipei on STARLUX as the third airline flying the 5 January 2021. Taipei-Kuala Lumpur route. The new The business class meals are specially airline further enhances KUL’s extensive prepared by the one-star Michelin STARLUX has been adjusting its schedule and connectivity of over 60 airlines serving more Taiwanese restaurant - Longtail, while choosing to open new routes to important than 120 direct destinations. KUL continues economy class features Taiwan-based business destinations in response to market to be diligent in the implementation of meat brand “Hutong Roasted Meat” to demand during the pandemic. It strives to various safety measures to boost passenger create luxurious roasted meat with rice. cater to the gradually recovering travel market, confidence as air travel slowly returns to There is also the one and only signature providing business and student travelers, as normalcy. “Home in the air” cabin fragrance. well as cargo customers safe and reliable service. STARLUX airlines is positioned as a premium With its hub at Taiwan Taoyuan boutique airline. Its A321neo aircraft has International Airport, STARLUX Airlines Outbound and inbound flights are scheduled 188 seats, including 8 in business class now flies to Macau, Penang, Bangkok, twice weekly on Tuesdays and Fridays. and 180 in economy class. Each seat in Osaka, Tokyo and Kuala Lumpur. The business class is equipped with a 15.6-inch airline initially operates routes in Southeast With regard to the newly added routes, 1080p inflight entertainment system screen Asia and Northeast Asia and will gradually STARLUX will continue safety precautions and and can transform into an 82-inch fully flat develop its trans-oceanic routes to North measures to prevent Covid-19. These measures bed. Passengers sitting in economy class America starting in 2022, growing steadily include full cabin and amenities cleaning can stretch out with a generous 31-inches of toward becoming one of the world’s leading and disinfection on every flight, cabin crew legroom and enjoy a personal entertainment airlines. wearing disposable waterproof gowns, surgical system featuring a 10.1-inch 720p screen, masks, waterproof gloves and eye protection which is the first on narrow-body aircraft For more information, please visit equipment. in Taiwan. www.starlux-airlines.com

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Paul Koh, the co-founder of RebateMango said, “Once again, we are able to integrate Malaysia Airlines Launches a valuable partner in the rewards space and enhance their offering to members in a New Online Platform cost-effective and non-tech-heavy way. We are delighted to launch with Malaysia Airlines and look forward to their members being able to earn more Enrich Miles whenever they shop alaysia Airlines’ frequent flyer online!“ programme Enrich is pleased Online shopping has become the better to announce the launch of RebateMango has already seen success in M alternative these days, especially now in Enrich’s new online shopping platform its standalone B2C platform, which currently light of the current restrictions and the called Enrich Shoppe on 12 January 2021. is live in Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and second phase of the movement control Powered by RebateMango, Enrich Shoppe Philippines, with plans to expand further. order in Malaysia, hence we embarked provides a fun, easy and quick way for Members of the RebateMango platform can on this collaboration with RebateMango Enrich members in Malaysia, Singapore, choose from a choice of rewards such as to meet customers’ preferences. This Thailand and Philippines to earn Enrich cashback, air miles and points from some of partnership is a great opportunity for Miles for purchases from over 500 famous the most popular brands. This reward choice customers to enjoy a safe and seamless e-commerce brands such as Tumi, Sephora, is unique and is a significant differentiator to shopping experience with their favourite Michael Kors, Watsons, JD Sports, Uniqlo, other platforms in this region. brands from the comfort of home and to Cotton On, and many more. be rewarded with Enrich Miles for the The integration that RebateMango offers to four million Enrich members when This partnership adds significant value and partners does not only provide them with they shop with Enrich Shoppe. As we provides convenience for Enrich members scale in-retailer offerings but also significant continue to provide more options and to instantly earn up to 10X Enrich Miles cost-savings in human resources to manage flexibility to earn Enrich Miles, we believe earned for every USD1 spent on Enrich an online shopping platform. A key value this latest addition will be rewarding for Shoppe. These acquired Enrich Miles can proposition of RebateMango’s Retailer API our members. If you are not a member be utilised to redeem for flights, hotel stays is the B2C platform that RebateMango yet, sign up as an Enrich member now via Enrich Hotels and Temptations’ inflight already runs. This sets them apart from which is absolutely free of charge to start duty-free products, as well as a variety of other loyalty providers who may not provide enjoying many exclusive benefits lifestyle vouchers, exclusive dining vouchers primary customer service support, retailer by Enrich! or add more comfort to their next travel offers management or transactional rewards by redeeming them for seat upgrades and calculations. The integration is simple, and Golden Lounge Access. LAU YIN MAY the solution also allows the partner to focus Group Chief Marketing and on what really matters, which is ancillary Customer Experience Officer revenue. Malaysia Airlines To celebrate the launch, Enrich members may look forward to earning Double Enrich Miles from 8 January to 28 February 2021. Members can start shopping from their preferred online stores at Enrich Shoppe and then log in to their Enrich account to get automatically rewarded.

For more information, please visit www.malaysiaairlines.com/enrichshoppe

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China Airlines Sets

777F in New Era The fleet of 21 freighters will pave the way for a new generation of air cargo services for the airline in the post-pandemic era. of Cargo Operations The demand for freighter aircraft from vaccine transport and the general freight market should help boost cash flow for China Airlines Cargo Services.

hina Airlines celebrated its 61st anniversary recently on The first China Airlines 777F has the aircraft number B-18771, 16 December 2020 with its first Boeing 777F ready to an aircraft number of a 747F retired in 2004 which symbolizes C enter service. The new 777F twin-engine freighters being the passing of the baton between generations. The new freighter introduced by China Airlines will bring greater performance and will carry on China Airlines’ legacy of being the sixth largest fuel efficiency to the carrier’s freighter fleet, paving the way for air cargo carrier in the world and will take the airline to even the launch of next-generation air cargo services in the post- greater heights. To give the new fleet its own distinctive look, an pandemic era. all-new livery was developed that retains “CARGO” in corporate colors and carries on the China Airlines spirit through the plum China Airlines Chairman Su-chien Hsieh said that the freighter blossom. The freighter will soon be assigned to operate freight fleet played a crucial role as the Covid-19 pandemic brought routes in Asia and North America as soon as it has completed its the global airline industry almost to a standstill. The carrier not preparation and validation. only put all 18 of its 747-400 freighters into service but also increased weekly freighter flights by 20%. It also put the belly The 777F features twin engines that translate into 20% lower fuel hold of its passenger aircraft to good use and pioneered the use consumption and a range longer than the 747F. It can therefore of passenger cabins for carrying cargo. be flown on trans-Pacific routes with fewer payload restrictions and better hold utilisation. The aircraft is equipped with fully Cargo revenues between January and November in 2020 were temperature-controlled cargo holds and the main cargo hold increased by 83% over the same period in 2019 as a result, can be fitted with cargo pallet restraint systems used for carrying becoming a lifeline for China Airlines during these trying times. semiconductor machinery and engines. China Airlines is the first carrier in Taiwan to be certified by the IATA Center of Excellence Hsieh also noted that the six 777F on order are slated to be for Independent Validators in Pharmaceutical Logistics (CEIV delivered between 2020 and 2023. The first 777F arrived in Pharma) for temperature-controlled cold chain logistics. Taiwan on December 1 and a further two will be delivered before the end of January 2021. The three 777F will give China Airlines For more information, please visit www.china-airlines.com Cargo Services an edge over the competition.

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AVIATION NEWS

Emirates Launches its New A380 with Premium Economy to London

mirates has announced on 3 January Onboard Lounge, and refreshed colours and 2021 that it will deploy its latest flagship fittings across all cabins. E A380 aircraft featuring new premium economy seats and luxurious enhancements Until more Premium Economy seats enter its across all cabins to London Heathrow. inventory, the airline intends to offer these as spot upgrades for its valued customers Starting from 4 January, passengers flying on a discretionary basis. All other signature between Dubai and London Heathrow can Emirates A380 First, Business and Economy experience Emirates’ latest A380. Operating cabins are available for reservation on Emirates serves 99 cities across the world, as EK003/004, the aircraft is scheduled to emirates.com or via travel agents. offering travellers convenient access to Dubai depart Dubai daily at 14:30hrs, arriving at and onwards to popular destinations in 18:20hrs in London Heathrow. The return The airline has safely and gradually restored Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and the flight departs London at 20:20hrs and arrives its network over the past months, bringing Middle East. in Dubai the next day at 07:20hrs. back signature experiences onboard and on the ground with comprehensive measures in For more information, please visit Emirates unveiled its latest A380 with brand place for the health and safety of its customers www.emirates.com new premium economy seats that offer a and employees. generous seat pitch of up to 40 inches, in addition to new economy class seats similar Emirates currently serves London Heathrow to those installed on its latest Boeing 777- with 5 daily flights of which 4 are operated 300ER game changer aircraft. Enhancements with an A380. The airline also operates 10 to its popular A380 First and Business Class flights a week to Manchester, and daily flights including its signature Shower Spa and to both Birmingham and Glasgow.

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Amadeus and Star Alliance Unite to Make Touchless Travel More Accessible

t a time when it is crucial to reduce new travel frictions In both programs, travelers consent to share their biometric caused by responses to Covid-19, and to increase data with the stakeholders of their choice in full accordance A traveler confidence, Amadeus and Star Alliance with data privacy regulations. announced on 14 December 2020, a milestone partnership that will allow travelers enrolled in Star Alliance Biometrics or in “The best part of this trustful partnership is how we are building Amadeus Traveler ID the benefit of accessing a growing number upon our individual strengths and working together to deliver of airports where identity verification can be utilised during a more seamless and safe travel experience,” said Christian their journey. By joining forces, Amadeus and Star Alliance Draeger, Vice President Customer Experience, Star Alliance. are creating a more global, frictionless, and touchless journey “It increases our operational ability by speeding up airport for the millions of frequent flyers enrolled in the respective processes and immediately benefits those who have already programs of its member airlines. enrolled in our program. Through collaboration between the Star Alliance Biometrics and Amadeus Traveler ID solutions, we Star Alliance Biometrics allows passengers to pass through have a winning proposition that will encompass all aspects of curb-to-gate touchpoints within airports, such as check-in kiosks, the customer journey.” bag-drop, and boarding gates, which traditionally require both passport and boarding pass, by using a secure identity “The Traveler ID solution is agnostic, meaning that all types management solution featuring facial recognition technology, of travel companies can work with us for a variety of digital allowing for a touchless experience at airports, an important identity needs, from enrolling travelers, to organising the safety feature in times of Covid-19. collaboration of multiple providers to orchestrate the end-to- end identity verification process. Ultimately, our objective with At the same time, Amadeus’ secure and agnostic identity Traveler ID is to help the industry deploy frictionless travel data exchange and verification solution, Traveler ID, enables throughout the whole passenger journey. We can only achieve a simplified experience across the entire travel chain by this through collaboration with travel industry partners, which connecting a passenger’s digital ID to any online and biometric is why we are so pleased to work with Star Alliance to bring portal at opportune moments of the traveler journey. In the this vision to life,” added Monika Wiederhold, EVP Airlines future, these passengers will be able to use their Traveler ID to Central & Eastern Europe, Amadeus. also access existing or new airports that have implemented the Star Alliance Biometrics solution.

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Qantas and Japan Airlines to Form Joint Business to Drive Tourism Recovery

antas and Japan Airlines (JAL) new codeshare destinations in Japan and announced on 23 December 2020 JAL customers would have access to 15 new The joint business means we’ll be able to Q plans to form a new joint business, codeshare destinations in Australia and New build on our existing relationship with JAL designed to better serve customers travelling Zealand. through oneworld to offer more routes, between Australia, New Zealand and Japan better flight connections and more benefits and support the tourism industry’s recovery In addition to the enhanced frequent flyer to frequent flyers. It also helps us diversify when international flying resumes. benefits, Qantas and JAL customers will enjoy our portfolio of joint businesses amongst higher Qantas points and JAL miles on routes Australia’s key trading partners. It will be a The airlines have submitted an application under the joint business as well as the choice win for our customers, a win for trade and for authorisation to regulators in Australia to upgrade using points or miles on each a win for the one million people who work and New Zealand, with a decision expected airlines’ other services. The joint business also in tourism across Australia. within six months. Subject to this regulatory includes more premium travel opportunities, approval, it is anticipated that the joint with Qantas able to offer customers a greater business would commence operations around number of Business and Premium Economy ALAN JOYCE July 2021, when Qantas has said it expects its seats on flights operated by JAL. Group Chief Executive Officer, Qantas international network to gradually restart. Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce said the joint Japan Airlines President Yuji Akasaka added: Under the proposed five-year agreement, the business would play a vital role in reviving “For over 50 years, JAL and Qantas have airlines would deliver substantial benefits for trade links with the world’s third largest operated flights between Japan and Australia, customers and help accelerate the recovery economy and deliver significant benefits for demonstrating our mutual commitment of the tourism, trade and corporate travel customers travelling between Australia and to support and strengthen the diplomatic links between Australia and Japan, including Japan. relationship built by the two countries. an expanded codeshare relationship and optimised schedules on flights between “Around half a million people visited Australia “We believe that a joint business with Qantas Australia and New Zealand and Japan, from Japan in 2019. We want to see that will make for a quicker recovery between opening up more connections to more tourism resume and grow even further by both countries with the ability to expand destinations beyond the major city gateways. making it easier for Japanese travellers to connectivity within each carrier’s respective Qantas customers would have access to 14 visit,” said Joyce. domestic network, providing more customer choice and travel growth opportunities.”

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AVIATION NEWS

Air New Zealand to Begin Quarantine-Free Flights to Brisbane

ir New Zealand announced recently “Our teams have been working closely Passengers planning to travel interstate that it will operate its first quarantine with authorities in Australia to ensure all beyond Queensland will need to ensure A free flight from Auckland to Brisbane. agencies are satisfied that processes are in they have checked state and territory travel Passengers travelling on this flight will not be place to confidently accept quarantine-free restrictions and have the appropriate required to quarantine on arrival in Brisbane. flights, and we thank customers for their exemptions/approvals to travel as these Before customers travel to Australia, they patience while we’ve worked with various continue to change. are required to complete the Australia Travel agencies in Australia to ensure we can keep Declaration form stating they have been in everyone safe. This is a one-way arrangement and those New Zealand the preceding 14 days. returning to New Zealand will still need to “We currently operate five return flights quarantine for 14 days on return, provide Air New Zealand Chief Customer and per week between Auckland and Brisbane. payment for quarantine and register Sales Officer Leanne Geraghty says flight Three of these services will be quarantine- their managed isolation accommodation NZ147 will depart Auckland at 7:40am free flights, while the remaining two will be requirements via the New Zealand with passengers on board not required to quarantine flights. Quarantine flights are Government’s Managed Isolation and quarantine on arrival in Brisbane. not able to be booked by people beginning Quarantine website. their journey in New Zealand.” “Flights from Auckland to Brisbane will For more information about Air New Zealand, operate similarly to the flights we have been Air New Zealand will directly contact please call 03 – 2715 5020 or email operating to Sydney and Melbourne – with customers if their booking is affected by [email protected] quarantine-free flights for people whose travel these changes. Customers who booked originates in New Zealand, and quarantine via a travel agent (including online travel flights for people who do not meet the Safe agents) will be contacted by their booking Travel Zone criteria and are required to agent. quarantine on arrival in Australia.

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SAUDIA’s health and safety protocols include the following:

Digital boarding passes: All guests flying with SAUDIA are required to display a digital boarding pass at check in and boarding counters.

Full sterilisation after every flight: SAUDIA utilises UVC ultraviolet rays to sterilise its aircraft seats, to provide all means of safety and prevention for its guests and employees. New technology works by launching ultraviolet rays to sterilise cabin surfaces within ten minutes, in a fully medium-sized cabin. UVC sanitising protocols are in full effect after every flight.

Employee testing and kits: SAUDIA screens all frontline staff and cabin crew members prior to each flight. The airline’s cabin crew wear full PPE kits onboard, which SAUDIA Receives Diamond includes disposable gloves; face masks; Status for Health Safety eye shield/goggle; and medical gown. Social Distancing onboard: Cabin Crew and check-in team members are mindful audi Arabian Airlines (SAUDIA), the excellence and is ready to provide SAUDIA’s to maintain social distancing at all the time national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia signature hospitable service onboard while with other Crew Members, Ground Staff S has been awarded the Diamond following the coronavirus safety measures and guests. status by APEX Health Safety (powered which the airline has instituted.” by SimpliFlying) for the airline’s efforts in Personal Kits: All guests flying with ensuring the highest standards of cleanliness “SAUDIA’s rise to become a 2021 APEX Five SAUDIA receive a Dettol hygiene kit for and sanitation across its operations on Star airline has now been further advanced comfort throughout their journey. 13 Jan 2021. by reaching the pinnacle Diamond-level of hospital-grade health safety for the wellbeing Onboard cuisine: All food and beverages The APEX Diamond Status from the Airline of every customer,” APEX CEO Dr. Joe Leader distributed onboard are sealed. Cutlery Passenger Experience Association (APEX) stated. and plate ware is all disposable and is is an accolade which recognises industry presented to passengers within a safety leadership and stewardship in ensuring that “With APEX’s 42-years serving as a global packet. the airline is deploying stringent measures in non-profit dedicated entirely to advancing safety and protection from Covid-19. airline passenger experience, SAUDIA’s commitment to customer care has never In recent years the airline has invested Speaking about the latest award presented shined as brightly as proven now by significantly in its fleet of 144 narrow and to SAUDIA, Chief Executive Officer Captain SimpliFlying exhaustive, scientifically-based widebody aircraft and operates one of the Ibrahim S. Koshy said: “SAUDIA places the review. SAUDIA has raised the bar for health youngest fleets in the skies, with an average safety of its guests and team members with safety standards in the industry by initiatives aircraft age of 5 years. The airline route highest importance and is committed to such as the brand partnership with Dettol network includes more than 95 destinations exemplary, rigorous sanitisation protocols and sanitisation of lavatories after each use. across four continents to all 28 domestic for every step of the journey.” Taking such hospital-grade in ensuring health airports in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. safety goes a long way in bolstering trust Captain Koshy continued: “Safety is among travellers,” said Shashank Nigam, For more information, please visit paramount. Our team is dedicated to CEO of SimpliFlying. www.saudia.com or call 03 – 2166 4488

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What are some of the milestones As I progressed as the national carrier’s in your career path leading to your vice president of Restructuring Management current position? Office, I was involved in the restructuring My career started in leading the Malaysia and transition of MAS to Malaysia Airlines Airline System’s (MAS) ground support Bhd (MAB). I was then appointed as equipment before moving up to ground the Head of Aircraft Services for MAB’s handling management, where I was tasked in subsidiary, which specialised in ground purchasing and selling ground equipment to handling services. My subsequent exposure Aviation various airlines. Following which, an overseas to the airline’s operations has changed assignment in Beijing as a business analyst my logical and structural thinking as an developed my decision-making abilities, engineer, thus equipping me with the ability Interview with where skills in decision making based on data to strategise beyond engineering at any analysis were acquired. This skill has been given situation. very useful during my career especially at the Mohamad Asif management level. Abd Talib Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Pos Aviation Sdn Bhd

Mohamad Asif’s love for airplanes has drawn him into the aviation industry. He holds a degree in aerospace engineering and has over 20 years of experience with various industry portfolios under his belt. He joined Pos Aviation in December 2020 as Chief Operating Officer and was appointed as Acting CEO on 1 January 2021 following the retirement of former Pos Aviation CEO Woo Kam Weng.

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Under your leadership, how do for below the wing services, especially ground Pos Aviation entered into a you plan to steer Pos Aviation support services. strategic alliance last year with as it navigates through this SIA Engineering Co Ltd (SIAEC) to unprecedented novel coronavirus As an independent ground handling strengthen its maintenance, repair (Covid-19) pandemic? company, how many commercial and overhaul services. Kindly The pandemic has driven us to review airlines does it currently serves? update its progress. our operations and explore alternative We serve 56 airlines, including chartered The progress is going well. We have recently measures to conduct the business in this new flights. Our services include ground handling, reinitiated our discussion with SIAEC, which environment and to cater to evolving customer cargo handling, aircraft maintenance and has a proven track record and a large needs and marketplace. The way forward is engineering, inflight catering, ecommerce and customer base, which would enable access to total efficiency and productivity while focusing more. new markets and growth beyond Malaysia. on excellent customer service as the catalyst Our engineers and technicians will also for further business growth. What was the total cargo handled benefit from the exchange of knowledge and in 2020 and its contribution to the technology. Since the onset of the pandemic, we have company’s total business revenue? been constantly monitoring and evolving The pandemic has been a push factor for Logistics represents an important the business to adapt to the current changes cargo movements, resulting in much higher component of Pos Aviation, which such as the shift in consumer behaviour, tonnage handling systemwide last year is part of the Pos Malaysia Group. enabling us to tap into the growing demand compared to 2019. Our cargo division What are the synergistic benefits? of ecommerce through offering ecommerce contributed 44% to our total revenue in 2020. The synergy offers integrated logistics support solutions within the country and the Asia for both Malaysia and the region, making Pacific region. The services include providing How do you view the rather us a strong force in air cargo logistics, our expertise in warehouse management resilient cargo handling business enabling us to grow e-commerce through to e-commerce players and offering our amidst the pandemic? our collaboration with Alibaba’s subsidiary warehouses as their regional distribution With the increasing focus on aviation cargo, Lazada, Shopee Singapore and Thai-owned hub. We are also increasing efficiency we intend to build a strong team that could Pomelo Malaysia. and proficiency through upskilling of our quickly adapt to the changing business employees, including those from the ground landscape. As airlines convert their passenger As a cargo terminal operator, we facilitate handling services. aircraft to carry more cargo, the processes ground handling and customs clearance inside cargo warehouses will require a quick by leveraging on our group’s Pos ACE, Digital transformation is said to be turnaround time. Hence, we are currently Pos Logistics and Pos Malaysia for the Pos Aviation’s new norm. Please exploring ways in training our staff to support last mile delivery. With the tremendous elaborate. this efficiently. growth potential, our 486,000 sq ft KACT1 Pos Aviation will leverage on automation to warehouse, would provide us the advantage swiftly resolve or eliminate issues to facilitate a How has Pos Aviation’s inflight to develop another warehouse at our present smooth flying experience for airlines, couriers meals production been disrupted 150,000 sq ft car park. and travellers alike. Examples include web by Covid-19 with so many flight check-in and baggage drops. Automation services grounded over the past What is Pos Aviation’s current staff has improved our operational processes year? force? by reducing risks, minimising errors and Our inflight meal delivery to KL International We have 2,352 employees across nine expediting transactions via proximity sensors Airport last year dropped more than 70% airports nationwide: Kuala Lumpur, Penang, that minimises physical touch. compared to 2019 due to the closure of Langkawi, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Ipoh, Kota international borders. However, we managed Bahru, Kuantan and Miri. They are ready Furthermore, the use of tracking devices to source for new contracts to provide crew and equipped with multiple skills to meet the optimises resource allocation and robotics meals to freighters and repatriation flights. needs of our customers, especially when flight technology helps us to enhance loading We are also looking at penetrating sectors movements are gradually restored. capabilities. Thanks to resilient teamwork previously dominated by our competitors via shown by our employees, customer service strategic partnerships and promoting new Work apart, how do you unwind? remains our winning point. Although products like eat-before-you fly and pre- I like to spend an hour on certain mornings technology has enhanced our above the wing sealed snack bags for passengers. Besides re- for a quick round of tennis or a few laps in the processes and made them efficient, there is evaluating our processes, we will also explore swimming pool. I also indulged in a massage always room for improvement. For instance, alternative markets beyond the aviation chair recently to help me relax. Apart from we are also looking at investing in technology industry. that, I also believe in taking short breaks or power naps for a quick recharge.

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