KUALA LUMPUR: The Transport Ministry is satisfied with AirAsia’s explanation on the delays experienced by hundreds of passengers on Nov 30 and Dec 1.
Its minister Datuk Seri Dr Liow Ting Lai said the budget airline had briefed him on the situation, which they had attributed to a computer hiccup, and how they had taken steps to rectify the issue.
“They have sent a report to the Department of Civil Aviation and we are satisifed with it,” he said.
Asked if the airline had been advised by the Transport Ministry to ensure such incidents do not recur, Liow said: “Definitely, these kind of hitches should be avoided. Even the sudden absence of pilots due to the flu should be pre-empted.
“They must have a system where if one person is on sick leave, another should take over.
“They can’t say there is no one to take over, as this would cause delays.
“This will affect AirAsia’s service and image. AirAsia knows they have to buck up to make sure their computer system that services human capital is in order,” said Liow.
AirAsia had attributed to the delays due to a flu epidemic which affected 13 pilots, and a new computer system that resulted in some pilots not getting their rosters on time.