PETALING JAYA, Dec 30 ― A Former Malaysia Airlines (MAS) chief pilot said the secondment plan offered to pilots who were affected by the recent rationalisation exercise was the best option as it was a "triple win" situation for all involved.

Datuk Capt Nik Ahmad Huzlan Nik Hussain said he had launched a secondment programme in 2000, which was deemed a successful move.

"It lessens the burden of the airline and gives the pilots a confirmed job with a steady salary. At the same time, other airlines with a shortage of pilots would have our experienced pilots. This is why I call this a triple win plan — everyone benefits," said Nik Ahmad, who was MAS chief pilot for 20 years.

He was commenting on recent reports stating that MAS pilots were left without a job after a few routes were suspended by the airline.

He said once the local airline is stable, it can retrieve its pilots from the seconded positions.

Calling it a right move in times of need, Nik Ahmad said the secondment is a dexterous job and MAS should handle this matter with a steady hand.

He said MAS is in a tricky situation where it is seconding some pilots, while the ones they are keeping might have set their sights elsewhere.

He also cautioned that the local airline would soon suffer from "brain-drain" as many pilots from MAS had already planned to move to other airlines that fared better.

"I am very sympathetic to the management. A mismatch of pilots are leaving, mostly from the 830, 777 and 737 fleet. MAS will be losing many talents in the near term, especially the veterans who have raked in tons of experience," he said.

Nik Ahmad added that it was also well known in the aviation circle that pilots from Malaysia are top notch and highly sought, especially those flying the Boeing 777s.

"Many local pilots have secured jobs in other countries and are also trainers for new pilots. Malaysia was the second operator in the world after the 777 aircraft was introduced.

"Our pilots have held world records flying the 777 and we were one of the major reference points to the whole world upon the introduction of the 777 fleet," said Nik Ahmad.