MALAYSIA Airlines Berhad has extended its apology for the flight delays today caused by its catering arrangements. 

The national flag carrier, whose food catering partnership with Brahim’s Food Services (BFS) officially came to an end yesterday, admitted that some 20% of flights failed to take-off as per schedule early today. 

“Malaysia Airlines regrets the challenges faced on the first day of operations under its business continuity plan for onboard catering (on selected routes). 

“These challenges, compounded by rainy weather conditions and changes to aircraft parking bays at KL International Airport, impacted several flights during the first half of the day. 

“In addition, the airline experienced coordination issues that we are actively addressing with relevant partners,” MAB said in a statement today.

The airline confirmed that as of 12 noon, close to 80% of flights have taken off as per schedule.

“Malaysia Airlines extends our sincerest apologies to our valued passengers for the inconvenience experienced. 

“Customer experience remains our primary focus and we deeply appreciate their patience and understanding during this time,” it said. 

On Wednesday, the Malaysian Aviation Group (MAG) announced that its catering deal with BFS on selected domestic and international routes will be discontinued on August 31

MAG, the parent company of MAB, said the partnership is ending two months after a formal discontinuation notice was given on June 30.

In that time, MAG said it will activate its business continuity plan for in-flight meal services on selected routes under MAB, effective September 1. 

MAG also said that during this transition, MAB will be serving impacted routes with alternative in-flight food and beverages (F&B), ensuring seamless operations while minimising potential impact on customer comfort and experience. 

“Other routes will continue to be served by current provider POS Aviation,” MAG added. 

Earlier today, several passengers took to social media to air their frustration over the delays. 

A Facebook user by the name of Sugumaran Kani expressed his annoyance over the delay of his flight. 

“Malaysia Airlines, your service day-by-day is getting worse. 

“All the morning flights on September 1 (were) delayed due to a new catering contractor failing to deliver food on time,” he said.

He also asked Transport Minister Anthony Loke to look into the matter. 

Another passenger Low L Oria also complained about the airlines for delaying her flight by three-hours due to the catering mismanagement. 

“Malaysia Airlines, my flight got delayed more than three hours due to your mismanagement of food arrangements. To me this is totally unacceptable,” she said. 

Earlier, there were claims that there was no food for passengers in the Business Class, where the crew had to use Economy class meals for the passengers.  –  September 1, 2023.