Kuala Lumpur – AirAsia Group would like to express its appreciation to the Prime Minister, YAB Datuk Seri Najib Razak and the Government for the decision to enlist the expertise of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to further evaluate KLIA2 and to determine the long term safety of the new airport.
This decision reflects the priority that the Government is giving to the issue of safety, and assuring the public that KLIA2 is safe. Air Asia: “We are very grateful for this priority that the Government has placed on this issue”.
AirAsia as a group have been making all necessary preparations to move into KLIA2, in line with the Operational Readiness and Transfer (ORAT) specifications, such as airside and operations trials. A AirAsia spokesperson: “With Malaysia Airport Holding Berhad’s (MAHB) assistance and support, we would be able to comply with the ORAT requirements to facilitate our move”.
Although there are still a few outstanding commercial issues, this should not hold back the operations at KLIA2 as planned. As such, AirAsia Group will move into KLIA2 by 9 May 2014.
AirAsia: “We are looking forward to operate from KLIA2, as well as to the next stage of our growth and development through KLIA2. We hope not only to expand our business over the long term, but also to contribute to the growth of the nation’s aviation industry, and significantly contribute towards the positive multiplier effect of tourism industry. We are confident the services at KLIA2 and the Award winning services of the AirAsia Group will continue to further boost the growth of the country’s tourism, as well as other related industries and sectors.
For everyone’s benefit, ongoing discussions with relevant authorities are in progress. However, should the negotiations not be completed or concluded expeditiously, we hope the Government will be able to provide necessary mediation, in order to enable MAHB to get its dues as the airport operator; and at the same time, enabling the AirAsia Group to efficiently operate based on our proven low-cost carrier business model through reasonable charges and levies.
We will be notifying all of our guests accordingly to ensure a smooth transition from the current LCC Terminal to KLIA2”.