Malaysia Airlines’ plans to move to klia2 are similarly affected, NST Online reported.
It quoted Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd Managing Director Badlisham Ghazali as saying it would be difficult for the two large carriers to move their entire operations as the capacity within the airports, especially during peak periods, was full.
“My answer would be ‘no’ if they (AirAsia) want to move entirely to KLIA. It is the same thing for Malaysia Airlines.
“It will also be difficult for Malaysia Airlines to move to klia2 although the airport capacity is still big because the airline still has international flights. They would not move efficiently,” he told a press conference today.
“It also does not look good for Malaysia if the airport allows hybrid/low cost carriers to mix with first class/business class carriers.
“Those are the things that we have to discuss with the airlines.”
Business Times had reported on Nov 2 that AirAsia affiliates — AirAsia Bhd (AirAsia), Thai AirAsia, Philippines AirAsia, Indonesia AirAsia, AirAsia X Bhd and Indonesia X — would be relocating to KLIA by January.
This was to take advantage of the revised passenger service charges (PSC) by the Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) recently.
NST Online said today MAHB could allow AirAsia to still operate in KLIA but not its entire operations because the airport manager has to take into account the existing airlines operating at the airport.
“KLIA’s capacity is already reaching its maximum now.
“AirAsia can only move during the non-peak periods, for example from 10am to noon.
“But during the peak hours (6am to 10am), it would be impossible to accommodate AirAsia,” Badlisham said.
He said at present, 60 carriers operated from KLIA and 10 from klia2.
During the peak hours, MAHB handles an average of 115 flights, landing and taking off, from KLIA, which was almost its top capacity.
Badlisham said Malaysia Airlines would be meeting MAHB on Nov 24 regarding its intended use of klia2.
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