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Better perks for pilots
P. Selvarani
September 10, Kuala Lumpur
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Malaysia Airlines pilots will now be able to work until they are 60, enjoy a 25 per cent salary revision, and a maximum 60 per cent increase in productivity allowance with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the airline and the MAS Pilots Association (Mapa) yesterday.


In a statement, MAS said 1,254 pilots will benefit from the revised terms and conditions of employment backdated to Sept 1 last year. The agreement expires in August 2007.

The MoU was signed by MAS senior manager, flight operations Datuk Capt Nawawi Awang and its general manager of group human resources Mohamed Yusof Ahmad Muhaiyuddin while MAPA was represented by its president Capt Hizamuddin Zainal Abidin and vice president Capt Lam Chee Keong.

It was witnessed by MAS chairman Datuk Dr Munir Majid and executive director Tengku Azmil Zahruddin.

“We hope the new MoU is appreciated by Mapa. More important than the improved financial offers in the MoU are commitments to a framework of co-operation where the company delivers good management and the pilots, good performance,’’ Munir said after the signing ceremony.

Capt Hizamuddin said Mapa is pleased with the outcome of the negotiations.

“Our members shall remain committed to ensure excellence in flight operations and give full support to the company in moving forward,” he said.

Mapa has been negotiating for better pay and perks for almost a year to stem the exodus of MAS pilots, especially to airlines in the Middle-East which have been offering them up to three times their salary and perks such as free housing and education for their children.

The association had sought a 40 to 60 per cent increase in basic pay, a 100 per cent increase in productivity pay and better perks under the new MoU.

However, MAS initially offered them a 25 per cent pay hike, coupled with the downgrading of the existing once-yearly flight that captains are allowed on First Class with their family, reduction in meal allowances and hotel stay (for long-haul destinations) from five-star to four-star hotels.

The offer was rejected by Mapa on April 14, this year.

MAS subsequently counter-

offered the 25 per pay hike without any loss in existing benefits.

The pilots agreed to accept this during the EGM on Sept 1.

Since January this year, MAS has lost more than 40 pilots to other airlines. Last year, it lost 68 pilots.

The shortage resulted in delays and cancellations of many flights in recent months as the remaining pilots hit their maximum flying hours allowed under the Flight Time Limitation.

To overcome the shortage, MAS began recruiting pilots from neighbouring countries.

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