Former Malaysia Airlines Group managing director Izham Ismail said the carrier should stay positioned as a premium airline and not fight low-cost rivals on price. He said, “I do not compete with you,” as he argued that Malaysia Airlines must protect its brand and commercial position. [1, 2]

Izham said Middle East geopolitical tensions pushed fuel costs sharply higher, lifting Malaysia Airlines' monthly fuel bill from about RM400 million to between RM1.2 billion and RM1.5 billion. He said the rise was more than 200% and urged the government to consider a cost-plus fuel or fare mechanism to help keep the aviation sector and the wider economy running during volatile oil prices. [1, 3, 4]

He also addressed service and product choices. Izham said Malaysia Airlines does not fully ban alcohol, but serves alcoholic drinks on some international flights when required to balance commercial competitiveness with religious sensitivities. He said Muslim cabin crew are allowed to wear the hijab, and that the Amal team has expanded from the Medina and Jeddah routes to international services including London and Tokyo. [5, 6]

Izham said the airline was in severe shape when he took over in 2017. He said the company had RM25.7 billion in debt, negative cash flow and more than 10 aircraft grounded for lack of spare parts. He said bankruptcy was discussed as one of the restructuring options, adding, “If the government doesn't have the courage to support me — I'm not asking for money, I'm asking for support — then shut it down.” [7, 2]

Malaysia Airlines has since posted a stronger operating run. Izham said on-time performance was about 67% then, but had stayed above 90% for a second straight month in April 2026. The airline said its on-time performance has been above its 85% target since January 2026. [1, 7]

The carrier also reported stronger business indicators. Brand Finance's Airlines 50 2026 report put Malaysia Airlines' brand value at US$771 million, up 27% year on year, and lifted its global ranking to 41st. Passenger traffic rose 30% year on year in March and 8% in April. Izham made the comments at a Faculty CEO podcast event at UCSI University on May 12, 2026. [1, 3, 5, 7, 4, 6, 2]