As part of its ongoing restructuring plan, Malaysia Airlines plans to loan out up to 200 Boeing 737-800 pilots on secondment to other airlines.
Any other pilots deemed surplus to requirements will be offered two-year unpaid leave or ‘part time’ working 15 days a month at half salary.
The excess crew numbers come after Malaysia Airlines drastically reduced its 737-800 network to save costs.
"The airline plans further reductions in the coming months where necessary. The airline will know exactly how many pilots it will need to offer for secondment by the end of the year. Some have already served the required three months’ notice to resign, and the precise number will depend on how many more follow suit," an unnamed airline official was quoted.
"The airline is facing stiff competition on domestic and regional routes from low-cost carriers such as Malindo Air, AirAsia and full-service carriers," he added.
The carrier is reducing its 737 fleet from the current 56 to 35 by next year and had already cancelled an option for 10 Boeing 737-800NGs.
Despite a pilot shortage at several Asia airlines, seconding pilots to other airlines has met with opposition from flight crew unions.
A pilots’ union blocked a move to send about 50 Malaysia Airlines pilots on secondment to Korean Air earlier this summer.
