MAHB cautiously optimistic about domestic traffic

In preparation for any traffic recovery, runway 1 of KLIA was recently fully rehabilitated and given the full check mark to operate by the Civil Aviation Authority.

KUALA LUMPUR: While prospects for the aviation sector remain subdued by travel restrictions, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) is growing optimistic over a resumption of airline traffic in the domestic sector given the rapid pace of Covid-19 vaccination in the country.

The airport operator said there have been some early signs of cautious cross-border traffic arrangement in other regions of countries.

It noted instances where vaccinated passengers have been allowed to travel while maintaining some standard safety measures.

“A mutual and standard travelling protocol, digital health pass, while ensuring safety and comfort of passengers, would facilitate the prospect for air connectivity re-start and cross-border travel,” it said.

In preparation for any traffic recovery, runway 1 of KLIA was recently fully rehabilitated and given the full check mark to operate by the Civil Aviation Authority.

Meanwhile, MAHB continues to implement cost optimisation with measures that include recalibrating operational efficiencies, such as rebasing cost and prioritising capital expenditure to conserve cash reserves.

As at June 20, 2021, the group had achieved a reduction of 13% of the core operational expenses as compared to the corresponding period in the prior year, it said.

MAHB’s net tax loss widened to RM226.09mil for the second quarter ended June 30, 2021 (Q2’FY21) from RM91.07mil in the corresponding quarter a year ago due to higher depreciation and amortisation, decrease in other income and a marginal increase in operational expenses. Its revenue improved to RM323.42mil for Q2’FY21 from RM272.18mil a year earlier due to higher passenger volumes in Turkey.