50th Aviation of Malaysia

In 1947, Malayan Airways Limited (MAL) pioneered air services in Malaya with twin engine Airspeed Consul, capable of seating only 5 persons with flights between Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Ipoh and Penang. Fifty years later, its successor, Malaysia Airlines takes off every 90 seconds in more than 75 international destinations in six continents carrying up to 400 passengers on ultra-modern B747 Jumbo Jets. Malaysia Airlines has ambitious plans to be a mega carrier by the turn of the century, in tandem with the nation's vigorous push to attain industrialized status in the same time span.
Central to the plan is the creation of business units and subsidiaries to inject entrepreneurship and enhance profitability. To date, the catering, in-flight retail, tour and luxury cruise, and engineering activities have commenced operations as autonomous subsidiaries. Others, such as the cargo and training divisions are on the verge of being converted from business units into subsidiaries.
Aggressive strategies to expand the airline's global network to penetrate new markets, extend wider span of services to customers and enhance product competitiveness, have been relentlessly pursued in the past two years. On 2nd April 1997, Malaysia Airlines celebrates 50 years of aviation in Malaysia - one marked by many milestones in development and achievements. The occasion presents a timely opportunity for celebrating the past and embracing the future. The 50 years of history has endowed the airline with a rich heritage of excellence in the many aspects of their services and operations. Malaysia Airlines is reputed for its in-flight service, which is uniquely Malaysian. The airline is internationally recognized for its high standards of safety and engineering maintenance capabilities.Malaysia Airlines has a fleet of more than 100 aircraft reaching out globally as the only airline form South East Asia operating into 6 continents. The airline is proud of this heritage and strives to retain traditional values, such as the warm Malaysian hospitality accorded in in-flight services. In its quest to offer superior in-flight comfort and amenities, Malaysia Airlines has accelerated its fleet modernization and rationalization program. The national carrier will be taking delivery of the first batch of the new generation B777 and B747s in April 1997, giving a major boost to its plans to won the youngest and most sophisticated fleet in the industry, as it takes off into the new millennium.