MAS considers delaying alliance and A380s due to losses - reports

Malaysia Airlines is reportedly considering delaying its membership with oneworld and deliveries of A380 aircraft as its new management focuses on cutting losses, which spiked in 2Q2011 (The Malaysian Insider, 23-Aug-2011). The carrier is looking at options in delaying the alliance accession due to the cost of providing interlining services and upgrading airport lounges to oneworld's standards. MAS is currently a designated member of oneworld since and is undertaking a process that may take as long as 18 months before being accepted as a full member. The carrier is also considering delaying A380 deliveries, although further details were not disclosed.