AirAsia’s complaints valid over klia2 move

KUALA LUMPUR: AirAsia has valid reasons to complain about the move to klia2, said Public Accounts Committee (PAC) chairman Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed and added that the airline would not complain if there were no reasons for them to do so.
"They do have valid reasons to be concerned. Action should be taken by MAHB to address the grouses of their main customer. Some 80% of the planes now in KLIA and LCCT belong to AirAsia," Nur Jazlan told the media after meeting with AirAsia Group CEO Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, its CEO Aireen Omar and executive chairman Datuk Kamarudin Meranun.
Earlier at the meeting with the PAC, AirAsia denied making demands that led to a delay in klia2's opening which had caused an increase in its construction cost.
Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) had earlier said the low-cost carrier had wanted a museum and spa at the airport.
"There were many contradictions between the statements of MAHB and AirAsia. We will investigate further.
"AirAsia has denied that they had requested for a museum and a spa at the airport, or that the airport accommodate 45 million passengers annually.
"They also denied that they refused to move, but were only raising concerns about the safety of their passengers as well as moving their operations to klia2," Nur Jazlan said.
Nur Jaslan, who is Pulai MP, said PAC would continue its investigation into the construction delay.
"While the terminal itself has been certified safe, some of the current problems that has been brought to our attention include the uneven ground at the planes' parking bay that results in pools of water when it rains. This may be a hindrance for inbound or outbound flights," he added.
Fernandes, meanwhile, said they will be moving to klia2 on May 9, but did not say if he was satisfied with the move.
"We are happy with the discussion with PAC today. We have shared our concerns with them. While we have not seen the report, we will move as told," he said.