Disaster-hit Malaysia Airlines to shed 6,000 workers in overhaul

Malaysia Airlines will cut 6,000 workers as part of a $1.9bn (€1.4bn) overhaul announced to revive its damaged brand after being hit by double passenger jet disasters.

The staff reduction represents about 30% of its workforce of 20,000. A search for a new CEO is under way but there is no move to change the airline’s name, which some branding experts had said was necessary for a successful makeover.

Khazanah Nasional, the state investment company that owns 69% of the airline, said the overhaul includes the establishment of a new company that will take over the existing Malaysia Airlines business and its reduced staff.