MALAYSIAN Airlines (MAS) is launching a 'flexi employment programme' to cut costs as fuel prices remain a major concern.

Its employees would be given a choice between taking voluntary leave or going part-time.

"This is a win-win situation at a time when airlines around the world are retrenching employees to cope with the skyrocketing fuel price," the airline said.

It did not say how much money it hoped to save from the plan.

In June, the airline raised fuel surcharges on its international flights by up to 80 per cent.

It remains in the black, though profits have dropped. --Reuters