AirAsia: Boost aviation industry

by **Cals** Sun 20 Oct 2013, 18:41

Published: Saturday October 19, 2013 MYT 12:00:00 AM
Updated: Saturday October 19, 2013 MYT 1:08:31 PM
AirAsia: Boost aviation industry
BY EUGENE MAHALINGAM

SEPANG: AirAsia Bhd is urging the Government to implement policies on Budget 2014 to give the aviation industry a boost.
“This isn’t a wishlist just from AirAsia. I think the entire industry would like to see better framework and infrastructure that can better facilitate the aviation industry,” said AirAsia Bhd chief executive officer Aireen Omar after the company launched its self-tagging baggage service at the low-cost carrier terminal (LCCT) yesterday.
She said better infrastructure meant local airports would be able to handle a higher traffic load and compete with neighbouring countries.
“It means more airlines will want to fly into Malaysia, and more people coming into the country also means more contribution to the economy,” said Aireen.
Budget 2014 will be tabled on Oct 25.
On another note, Aireen said AirAsia had responded to the Malaysia Competition Commission (MyCC) regarding the RM10mil fine that was slapped on the low-cost carrier and Malaysia Airlines (MAS) for allegedly breaching competition laws.
“We have responded earlier this week – within the timeframe that they gave us.”
MyCC slapped MAS and AirAsia with a RM10mil fine each on Sept 6 for infringing the Competition Act 2010 during their short-lived tie-up in 2011.
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Here goes: AirAsia group head of ground operations Steven Dickson (second from left), Aireen (centre) and Fernandes demonstrating the newly- launched self- tagging service at the LCCT to AirAsia passengers.
Meanwhile, AirAsia group chief executive officer Tan Sri Tony Fernandes said he was optimistic about the company’s third- and fourth-quarter earnings.
“We expect to have one of our best fourth quarter ever. (Our) Thailand (business) is doing well and Indonesia is also picking up,” he said.
AirAsia’s net profit in the second quarter ended June 30 fell 61.9% to RM58.35bil compared with RM153.13bil a year earlier, but sales grew 5.48% during the period to RM1.25bil from RM1.18bil.
Separately, AirAsia launched the first baggage self-tagging service in Malaysia at the LCCT yesterday. The self-tagging facility is aimed at relieving passengers from long waiting times by allowing them to tag their own bags and then proceed to the dedicated baggage drop counters.
Fernandes said AirAsia would be rolling out similar facilities at other airports over the next few months.