Bouncing back: A file photo of Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport. Loke (pic, below) said while certain airlines have moved operations out of the airport, others have expressed interest in establishing a presence there. — ART CHEN/The Star
PETALING JAYA: Although certain airlines have moved their jet operations out of the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (SZB) in Subang, others have expressed interest in establishing a presence there, says the Transport Minister.
“There are airlines moving out but there are also airlines making enquiries to set up presence in SZB jet operations, not to mention airlines looking to expand their jet operations there,” Anthony Loke told The Star.
FlyFirefly Sdn Bhd (Firefly) moved its jet flights out of SZB on Tuesday. It will, however, continue to operate its turboprop services there.
Firefly is the second airline to move its jet operations out of the airport after AirAsia relocated all of its jet services to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) in April.
Loke said the development does not mean a pause in the Subang Airport Regeneration Plan (SARP).
“The way forward for SARP will depend on how Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) is going to spearhead the project following its privatisation.
“We are giving MAHB the space to focus first on KLIA as a priority post privatisation. In the meantime, the Business Aviation and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) plans at Subang Airport will continue to be developed,” he said when asked if the airlines moving out had any links with the SARP.
From the ministry’s standpoint, Loke said SZB’s prospects are still very bright.
“I still have full confidence in its potential as a Premium Airport and Private Jet Hub,” he said.
It was reported that Batik Air was one of the airlines vying for more slots at SZB.
Last month, it launched direct services between Bangkok and Subang, and direct flights between Subang and Kuching.
With the launch of Bangkok and Kuching flights, Batik Air now operates five direct routes from Subang.
The SARP aims to transform SZB into a leading city hub by 2030, positioning it as a key player in the national aviation and tourism industry.
The 10-year SARP is expected to cost RM3.7bil through to completion in 2030.
