Airasia ... Dated June 2008

What’s Up?

AirAsia Bhd said its owes Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) RM62.6 million in service charges, and not RM110.36 million as quoted by a government minister recently.

On May 2008, Transport Minister Datuk Ong Tee Keat said the airline had accumulated the amount outstanding between 2002 and March 31 2008 for its use of airports in the country. Contrary to claims made, AirAsia said it has been making monthly payments to MAHB and denied allegations raised in Parliament that it has not paid the airport operator since 2002.
Payments made by AirAsia over the last five years (2003-2007) have grown substantially and the amount to date is in excess of RM279.34 million. It said a portion outstanding was pending its request for MAHB to review its charging mechanism.

Since moving into the low-cost carrier terminal in Sepang in March 2006, AirAsia said it has continued to be charged the same rates as those applied at the main terminal building of the KL International Airport (KLIA), which it feels is too high.

It received indication that MAHB would review the terminal charges to reflect the basic facilities available. However, two years on after the move, there is still no commercial agreement prepared.

AirAsia also called for the implementation of an incentive scheme for all carriers flying in and out of Malaysian airports, "that will provide MAHB with growth in the number of passengers and landings as well help achieve tourism growth in Malaysia".