AirAsia wants Najib to intervene in KLIA2 issue

PETALING JAYA: AirAsia has appealed to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to intervene and resolve issues relating to a move from the Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) to KLIA2.

"We would like to appeal for the involvement of our leader... as his intervention is crucial in resolving this national issue, said the low-cost airline's chief executive officer Aireen Omar in a press statement.

She clarified that the airline wanted to continue using the LCCT after the May 9 cut-off date as it had concerns with some of KLIA2's facilities.

"There are many concerns, especially on functionality, safety and security of KLIA2, which are paramount to our staff working efficiently, and for our passengers to have a seamless travel experience," she said.

"From the published articles, it might be perceived that AirAsia is deliberately not moving to KLIA2 or being difficult on purpose, but I can assure you that is not our intention," she added.

Aireen argued that as AirAsia would account for more than 80% of KLIA2's traffic, it should be given a voice in the decision.

She added that although AirAsia was ready for the move, it had to be done under the right circumstances.

" We are trying our level best to resolve all pending and pressing issues (as we have done for the past three years) with Malaysia Airports Holding Berhad (MAHB) so that we can proceed to move to our new home accordingly," said Aireen.

She said that the airline was committed to make the best out of KLIA2 although it was no longer a fully low-cost carrier terminal as initially promised and were looking forward to a speedy resolution to the issue.

On Wednesday, AirAsia group announced that it would be staying put at the LCCT after Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Aziz Kaprawi said that KLIA2 would open as scheduled and the LCCT would no longer be operational after May 9.