AirAsia Group says will move into KLIA2 by May 9

KUALA LUMPUR: AirAsia Group says it will move to KLIA2 by May 9 although there are still a few outstanding commercial issues.

“We will be notifying all of our guests accordingly to ensure a smooth transition from the current LCC Terminal to KLIA2,” according to the joint statement issued by AirAsia executive chairman Datuk Kamarudin Meranun and AirAsia X Bhd chairman Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz on Tuesday.

They said the group expressed its appreciation to Prime Minister 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. We are very grateful for this priority that the government has placed on this issue.

“Although there are still a few outstanding commercial issues, this should not hold back our operations at KLIA2 as planned. As such, AirAsia Group will move into KLIA2 by May 9, 2014,” they said in the statement.

Kamarudin and Rafidah said AirAsia and AirAsia X were looking forward to operate from KLIA2, as well as to the next stage of our growth and development through KLIA2.

They said ongoing discussions with relevant authorities were 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 (Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd) 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,” they said in the statement.

Source: TheStar