“I believe that (Malaysia Airlines’s deal with) the football club is part of a marketing strategy,” Loke told the Dewan Rakyat today in response to a question from Richard Rapu (GPS-Betong), who raised concerns about the airline’s marketing expenditure amid its ongoing technical challenges.

“I am confident that technical management is given the highest priority because flight safety is the top priority for airlines, especially for Malaysia Airlines.”

In March, it was reported that Malaysia Airlines had inked a strategic, multi-year partnership with the Manchester United Football Club as its official commercial airline.

Since August, however, the airline has faced flight diversions and emergency landings, prompting the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia to reduce the validity of its air operator certificate from three years to one.

Malaysia Aviation Group, which owns the airline, attributed the operational challenges to global spare parts shortages and delays in engine repairs and overhauls.

Loke reiterated that Malaysia Airlines, like many carriers globally, is grappling with technical issues caused by geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions.

“I am confident that Malaysia Airlines has done everything possible to address these technical issues,” he said.