KUALA LUMPUR: About 90 per cent of flights that encountered delays were postponed for less than two hours, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said from January to August this year, a total of 315,388 flights were scheduled, with 258,112 flights operated by local airlines.
"The Transport Ministry through the Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) continuously monitors flight delays and cancellations by airlines in Malaysia.
"Of the operated flights, 76 per cent were on time. For the delayed flights, 90.2 per cent were delayed for less than two hours, while the remaining flights were delayed for more than two hours.
"Mavcom continuously monitors the punctuality of local airlines through the 'On-time Performance' (OTP) rates at KLIA Terminal 1 and 2," he said in response to Dr Richard Rapu (GPS-Betong).
He asked about the latest statistics on flight delays and cancellations involving all domestic airlines in Malaysia, including Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia, since last year.
Loke said according to the latest data, Malaysia Airlines showed improvement with an OTP rate of 78.1 per cent in September compared to 58.2 per cent in August for domestic routes, following several measures taken by the company to address technical issues.
"The OTP rate for Malaysia Airlines on international routes has also increased to 72.0 per cent in September, up from 54.7 per cent in August.
"AirAsia recorded an OTP rate of 67.9 per cent in September, down from 70.8 per cent in August for domestic routes.
"For international flights, AirAsia recorded OTP rate of 61.7 per cent in September compared to 69.5 per cent in August, while AirAsia X recorded an OTP rate of 81.8 per cent in September, up from 80.6 per cent in August."
As for Batik Air, Loke said it achieved an OTP rate of 73.8 per cent in September, down from 82.9 per cent in August for domestic routes, while the OTP rate for international routes was 57.7 per cent in September compared to 71.7 per cent in August.
Loke said in April, the ministry and Mavcom had set a target of 85 per cent OTP and 80 per cent of flights adhering to schedules for all local airlines operating from all airports in Malaysia.
Meanwhile, about Malaysia Airlines' partnership with an English Premier League club, Loke said it was part of the marketing strategy and it does not compromise its maintenance and servicing issues.
"I am confident that technical management is given the highest priority because flight safety is the top priority for airlines, especially for Malaysia Airlines."
Loke said many airlines experience technical issues and it was not only Malaysia Airlines.
"It is a global issue, attributed to geopolitical factors and other issues, causing supply chain problems for components. Some components are not available in the near term, leading to maintenance challenges that plague many airlines, not only those in Malaysia.
"Malaysia Airlines has already done everything possible to address these technical issues," he said.
Richard asked if the sponsorship with an English Premier League club affects its ability to address technical issues.
In March, Malaysia Airlines Bhd (MAB) revealed a long-term partnership with Manchester United, solidifying its position as the club's official commercial airline.