MAS operations in Nepal almost back to normal

After nearly a month of the devastating earthquake of 7.8 magnitude hit Nepal, travelers using Malaysia Airlines (MAS) services between the Himalayan nation and Malaysia are showing encouraging response with flights and ground operation almost back to normal.

MAS in a statement said the airline continued its twice daily flights from Kathmandu to Kuala Lumpur with most travelers comprising workers heading to Malaysia.

"Flights are operating as per normal. Malaysia Airlines’ town office (in Kathmandu) was heavily damaged from both earthquakes," the statement said referring to the first major tremor (April 25) and second on May 12 measuring 7.3 in magnitude.

MAS stated further that the airline’s local staff and its Ground Service Agent (GSA) staff were highly committed to deliver their duty.

The airline is working closely with Nepal Tourism Board to rebuild and entice affected markets after the two devastating earthquakes," pointed out an official in a brief statement responding to Bernama queries on its operation in Nepal.

Other than MAS, two other airlines operating on the route are Airasia and Malindo ferrying about 1,000 to 1,400 passengers daily to Malaysia.

The April 25 devastating earthquake and May 12 powerful aftershock, recorded a total of 8,567 deaths (update up to May 18), while nearly 22,000 people were injured.

According to Nepali officials, a total of 488,788 houses were completely destroyed while 267,282 houses were partially damaged by the disaster.

In a related development, MAS Human Resource senior representatives recently paid a visit to its staff in Kathmandu.

The airline's director of Human Resources, Zahrah Zaid and Head of Operations and Industrial Relations, Kamal Azran visited their homes that were ruined in the disaster.

During the trip, 22 local staff were presented with financial aid and relief items.

Since the earthquake hit Kathmandu, MAS had also received overwhelming requests from around the world to assist the people of Nepal.

"It had accommodated numerous requests to aid victims in Nepal, and the airline had allowed cargo space of more than 2,000kg in necessities from donors to aid victims of the earthquake," stated MAS in its statement.