Malaysia Airlines launches new brand following fatal incidents last year

Malaysia Airlines, which saw two fatal incidents last year, is rebranding with new name Malaysia Airlines Berhad (MAB).

The airline announced last week that it had received its Air Operator Certificate from Malaysia’s Ministry of Transport to fly under the new name, with flights starting today 1 September.

The airline announced that it would rebrand in June this year, after it saw one plane disappear and another shot down in 2014.

“Milestone” for the airline

Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Law, Malaysian minister of transport, says: “This is an important milestone in the evolution of Malaysia’s national airline.

“The government of Malaysia is committed to ensuring that the rejuvenated Malaysia Airlines will take off on a strong note.”

MAB had to undergo months of audit activities before qualifying for its AOC, including airworthiness of the airline’s operations and aircraft maintenance.

Aims to become “national icon”

The new MAB visual identity is yet to be revealed. The airline’s chairman Tan Sri Md Nor Yusof says: “MAB will endeavour to ensure our passengers are given the best of our services and we will persevere to build a sustainable national icon.”

The company was announced “technically bankrupt” in June this year, after it saw a £54.2 million loss between March and June of 2014. This was following flight MH370 going missing in March 2014, and flight MH17 being shot down over Ukraine in July 2014.