PETALING JAYA, Feb 9 — Malaysia Airlines will likely be profitable by the first quarter of 2019 (1Q19), says chief executive officer, Izham Ismail.

"The market outlook for the national carrier for 2018 is tough, however, the airline is progressing and it is gaining traction. Our internal target is to be profitable this year.

"The team knows my aspiration and I am holding all of them very tightly to keep working on this year but the first quarter of 2019 will be more realistic,” he told a press conference after witnessing the signing of a Training Partnership Agreement between Malaysia Airlines Academy Bhd and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) here today. — Bernama