Update AirAsia made an about-turn to move into klia2 by May 9

by **Cals** Wed 16 Apr 2014, 00:32

Update AirAsia made an about-turn to move into klia2 by May 9

Business & Markets 2014

Written by Ahmad Naqib Idris Adzman Shah of theedgemalaysia.com

Tuesday, 15 April 2014 17:05

KUALA LUMPUR (Apr 15): AirAsia Bhd said today it has made all necessary preparations to move into Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (klia2) by May 9, 2014.

The group had made preparations in line with the Operational Readiness and Transfer (ORAT) specifications and said that it would be able to comply with the requirements with Malaysia Airport Holding Bhd’s assistance.

“Although there are still a few outstanding commercial issues, this should not hold back our operations at klia2 as planned,” said the low cost carrier in a statement today.

The group added that it is currently going through discussions with the relevant authorities, and hoped that the government would provide necessary mediation should there be any disagreement.

AirAsia noted that the government had brought in the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to evaluate the new terminal with regard to 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,” said AirAsia.

The stance taken by AirAsia today is a 180-degree turn from the previous one.

In a statement dated April 1, 2014, AirAsia’s CEO Aireen Omar said that the airline would remain at the current low-cost carrier terminal (LCCT) even after May 9, given the many unresolved issues.

But Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said that AirAsia must move to klia2, as scheduled, on May 9, and had urged the group to negotiate with the government on any problems relating to the transfer.