Malaysia Airlines has "relaunched" today as Malaysia Airlines Berhad (MAB).
The airline was previously known as Malaysia Airlines System (MAS) and was placed in administration after it was hit by two tragedies last year – the disappearance of flight MH370 and the shootdown of MH17 over Ukraine (see news, July 2014).
Name change: The airline has updated its Twitter profile to MAB
At the end of last week, it received its Air Operator Certificate from the Malaysian government, officially clearing the way for today's MAB launch.
Flight MH149, which departed from Kuala Lumpur at 2350 last night for Melbourne was the last flight under MAS. Flight MH433, which left Hong Kong at 0015 this morning bound for Kuala Lumpur, became the first MAB service.
Flight schedules, reservations and the airline's official website are unchanged, and members of its Enrich frequent flyer programme will not be affected.
MAS also confirmed today that it has closed its lounges in Singapore and Perth. Business passengers, as well as Enrich Platinum and Gold members, are now directed to the Premier Lounge in Singapore Changi's Terminal 2 and to the Qantas International Business Lounge in Perth.
Graham Smith
