LCCT to close on May 9, AirAsia firm on staying put

KUALA LUMPUR: The tussle between low-cost carrier AirAsia and Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad continues – even as klia2 is set to open its doors on May 2.
Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Aziz Kaprawi had earlier today said the Low Cost Carrier Terminal will cease operations on May 9, a week after the opening of klia2.
But in a statement today, AirAsia said all AirAsia and AirAsia X operations will still be based at the LCCT even after May 9 due to a number of unresolved pressing issues that still need to be addressed.
Although AirAsia is prepared to move to klia2, the transfer will only be carried out after all the issues are addressed, it said.
Aireen Omar, chief executive officer of AirAsia Berhad said: "The move to klia2 is imminent, however it will only be carried out after all issues are addressed."
Aireen referred to the recent Ikram Premier Consulting's (Ikram) findings on the readiness of klia2 which revealed that there are depressions on the taxiway/apron and runway which will necessitate periodic remedial measures to be undertaken on relevant areas.
Aziz had said the first flight, Cebu Pacific Air, will land at the new terminal at 12.30am, an hour after its opening.
While three other budget airline operators will land at klia2 starting from May 2, AirAsia will only do so after May 9, he said.
"We are going to close LCCT a week after the official opening because all the departments will move by then," said Aziz.
He was speaking to reporters after opening the 13th Airport Cities World Conference and Exhibition 2014, a global event for the creation and development of airport cities, which is being held in Malaysia for the first time.