Malaysia Airlines to cut 6,000 staff in overhaul

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Malaysia Airlines will cut 6,000 workers as part of a $1.9 billion overhaul announced Friday to revive its damaged brand after being hit by double passenger jet disasters.

The staff reduction represents about 30 percent of its current work force 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 percent 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.

The revamp and new investment in the carrier will cost about $1.9 billion. Analysts say the substantial staff cuts suggest the airline will reduce flights to Europe and China.

Read Saturday’s Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.

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