MAHB says it’s okay for AirAsia to move only part of operations to KLIA

Local and foreigner are seen checking in their baggage at the domestic check in counter at KLIA. SAMUEL ONG / THE STAR, 11TH APRIL 2016

SEPANG: The KL International Airport (KLIA) operator, Malaysia Airport Holdings Bhd (MAHB), is willing to allow AirAsia shift some operations to the airport, said managing director Datuk Badlisham Ghazalli.

He said it was not possible for the low-cost airline to relocate its entire  operations from klia2 to KLIA due to the latter’s capacity.

“For them to move all their operations (to KLIA), my answer is no; but we will consider their request if they just want to shift part of the operations,” Badlisham told reporters at the MAHB’s 7th annual concession conference in Sepang on Thursday.

He said AirAsia currently operated a large fleet of 80 aircraft which carried 28 million passengers annually.

It was reported that AirAsia plans to relocate its operation base from klia2 to KLIA following the revised passenger service charges (PSC) by the Malaysian Aviation Commission, effective Jan 1, 2017.

The revised PSC will see RM11 imposed on domestic flights at KLIA and klia2 and RM35 for Asean destinations, while charges for international destinations will be RM73 and RM50 at KLIA and klia2 respectively. 

The current charges at KLIA are RM65 for international destinations and RM9 for domestic travel, while at klia2 the charges are RM32 and RM6 for international and domestic destinations respectively.

Elaborating further, Badlisham said at present, 60 carriers operated at KLIA and 10 at klia2.

“During peak hours from 6am to 10am, we handle 115 flights on average and the airport reaches almost its full capacity during the period,” he said.

Badlisham said AirAsia may be allowed to operate during off-peak hours and take several vacant slots during peak hours.

On Malaysia Airlines’ intention to operate from klia2, Badlisham said MAHB would hold a meeting with the carrier on Nov 24 to discuss its request.

“They have visited klia2 and seen for themselves the facilities and services at the airport,” he added. - Bernama