Seven Malaysian airlines join forces to form association

To go with AFP story 'MALAYSIA-CHINA-AUSTRALIA-AVIATION-ACCIDENT-LAW' FOCUS by Dan Martin A Malaysia Airlines flight attendant (top) prepares the aircraft prior to departure at Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang on February 25, 2016. Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 next-of-kin have begun filing a slew of lawsuits over the plane's disappearance as a two-year deadline approaches on March 8, with some hopeful that court scrutiny will help reveal answers about what befell the ill-fated plane. AFP PHOTO / MANAN VATSYAYANA

KUALA LUMPUR: Seven Malaysian air carriers have joined forces to form the Association of Malaysian Air Carriers (AMAC), which will provide a common platform to discuss issues affecting the industry.

A press statement from AirAsia’s communication department said that subject to the approvals from the respective boards and Registrar of Society, the founding airlines of this association would be Malaysia Airlines Bhd, MASwings, Firefly, AirAsia Bhd, AirAsia X Bhd, Malindo Air and Berjaya Air. The association will be open to all Malaysian air carriers.

It said that with all the main operators represented, the association would ensure one voice for the airline industry while representing common industry interests among institutions such as the Transport Ministry, Department of Civil Aviation and the Malaysian Aviation Commission.

“The AMAC will engage in subjects such as enhanced air traffic control services, aeropolitical concerns, safety and security standards in airports, charging regimes and other related issues,” it said.

“By joining forces, the association will also promote healthier growth for the industry and create highly qualified jobs, both directly and indirectly, for the sector and the broader aviation eco-system.”