The Low-Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) in Sepang will cease operations on May 9, and AirAsia will have to move their operations to the new KLIA2. The AirAsia Group will supposedly be the anchor tenant at KLIA2, built specifically for low cost carriers, and will account for more than 80% of KLIA2’s traffic.
According to Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Aziz Kaprawi, all relevant agencies such as Immigrations and Customs will have to relocate to KLIA2 from LCCT.
But, AirAsia and AirAsia X have reportedly refused to make the move to KLIA2, until all the safety and security issues have been resolved.
According to AirAsia Bhd Chief Executive Officer Aireen Omar, “The move to KLIA2 is imminent. However, it will only be carried out after all issues are addressed.’’
AirAsia is standing firm on their decision to remain at LCCT even after May 9, until the issues presented have been solved. The airline is concerned that the potential rise in airport charges and passenger service charge could raise the overall cost of travelling and this may be a burden for travellers. The group cited the recent Ikram Premier Consulting’s’ report, where the findings revealed that there were depressions on the taxiway/apron and runway, which would necessitate periodic remedial measures to be undertaken on relevant areas.
According to the group, “This will prove to be operationally disruptive to a hub airline such as AirAsia Group which has about 400 aircraft movements in a day and at least 70 aircraft in its fleet in the LCCT. Last year alone, the group carried 22 million passengers via LCCT. We believe it is crucial to ensure that whole remedial steps are undertaken prior to a transfer, which will mitigate risks relating to any potential aviation incidents.’’
Story and quotes from: The Star
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