MAHB ... Sept 2008

It is confident the group’s long- overdue restructuring would be finalised by year-end (2008), pending certain outstanding issues that includes approvals from various government bodies.

The restructuring plan basically addresses payments to the government particularly in relation to the lease payments of RM826.7 million and annual lease rental charges. The restructuring is to match cash flow with the obligations of the operator.

MAHB posted strong net profit growth of 19% year-on-year to RM66 million in the second quarter ended June 30, 2008.

Higher growth is from its non-aeronautical businesses in the second half of the year on the back of increased retail space and better management of commercial opportunities.

On the outstanding airport charges settled by AirAsia Bhd recently, it declined to provide the actual sum. Allthey can say is that what was owing to us was fully settled by AirAsia and we are happy with the settlement.