Fewer air passengers seen amid Covid resurgence

Mavcom executive chairman Datuk Seri Saripuddin Kasim (pic) said the commission’s downward revision of passenger traffic for 2021 highlighted the difficult task of weighing the underlying challenges faced by the industry.

PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) has revised its passenger traffic forecast this year, expecting a contraction of between 22.9% and 29.1% year-on-year (y-o-y), due to the recent resurgence of Covid-19 cases in Malaysia and globally.

It said the revision would translate to between 18.9 million and 20.6 million passengers for 2021.

Mavcom noted that during the first quarter of the year, only 1.7 million passengers had utilised air services.

This was a 91.1% y-o-y decline from 19.1 million passengers in the corresponding quarter last year, and this could indicate significantly lower passenger traffic numbers for the rest of the year.

“Given the re-implementation of the movement control order (MCO) and with travel restrictions to potentially be enforced throughout 2021, demand for air travel is expected to be impacted, ” it said in a statement.

“Mavcom’s forecast also took into consideration the expected lower load factor and seat capacity for the year, ” it added.

Mavcom executive chairman Datuk Seri Saripuddin Kasim (pic) said the commission’s downward revision of passenger traffic for 2021 highlighted the difficult task of weighing the underlying challenges faced by the industry.

“As we move further into 2021, Mavcom will closely observe and assess market developments as well as efforts in mitigating the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic as we support the return of the nation’s aviation sector to pre-pandemic levels, ” he said.

Mavcom said Malaysia is studying the implementation of an internationally recognised digital health pass, such as the International Air Transport Association (Iata) Travel Pass, which would inform passengers on tests, vaccines as well as other measures they would need to look into prior to travelling.

“The adoption of the Iata Travel Pass is expected to facilitate post-Covid 19 travel and spur international passenger movement. Coupled with this, air travel bubbles between green zone countries could also boost passenger traffic, ” it added.