Responding to an article published in The Star yesterday, titled “MAHB checkmates AirAsia X”, the airport operator said it is pursuing its legal rights to recover the debt from AirAsia X as it is critical for the upkeep and maintenance of airports.
MAHB said AirAsia X’s outstanding aeronautical charges also comprise charges regulated by the government, including passenger service charges (PSC), passenger service security charges, aircraft parking and landing charges, as well as aerobridge charges, check-in counter charges, and late payment charges.
“These monies are to be ploughed back into the business to sustain the operation of the airports and ensure proper service levels continue to be delivered to the passengers.”
MAHB added the debt AirAsia X owed is less than the airline’s 0.01% proposed RM63.5 billion restructuring plan.
So, MAHB said it was not true that the suit will “cripple AirAsia X” nor “force AirAsia X to fold”, as claimed in the news report by The Star.
The pandemic, MAHB said, has led to challenging times for the aviation industry and this also applied to airports.
“But closing down airports is not a conceivable option for the nation. Airports are strategic and critical national infrastructure and they have remained operational throughout the pandemic.”
MAHB said it has the responsibility to act in the best interests of the company in order to protect its shareholders, the country’s air transport infrastructure and more than 10,000 people nationwide under the company’s employment.
It also denied the insinuation in The Star article that it wants to “kill” AirAsia X or gain an “upper hand” in negotiations on AirAsia X’s restructuring plan.
“We wish to categorically state that under the Part VII of the Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) Act, competition between airlines is regulated. Any intervention by any parties would be monitored and subject to fines by Mavcom.
“We have always treated all our airline partners equally and fairly. Agreeing to any haircut for one airline will set a precedent for the rest.
“Nevertheless, we acknowledge the importance of AirAsia as a key partner and we shall continue engaging them to find the best solution forward.”