Poser over damage at klia2

SEPANG: While klia2 is experiencing teething problems, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) has said these do not pose a safety threat and that only 1% of the taxiway is affected by soil issues.
A source, however, told theSun depression of aircraft parking aprons and taxiways are cropping up, caused by the heavy rain and aircraft movement.
"We don't know how MAHB can say only 1% is affected, as the areas affected are much bigger than that. With aircrafts landing and taking off, plus with the heavy rain, the depressions and cracks are becoming a real problem. There are pools of water covering a vast area of the aiport's apron," said the source.
"Surface bumps because of sinking soil has forced flight crews to take extra precaution while taxing to the parking bays. The bumps cause 'hard impact' to the aircraft. Many depression points have been spotted by flight crew along parking bays," he said.
The source claimed that pilots often request for change of taxiway route from the ground controller for passenger's comfort and to avoid potential damage to the aircraft.
AirAsia Bhd group chief executive officer Tan Sri Tony Fernandes had also earlier tweeted about MAHB "bullying" them by not allowing AirAsia to use its own check-in system as MAHB has made it mandatory for all airlines operating in klia2 to use their SITA systems, which is a common user terminal equipment.
It is learnt that AirAsia utilises the Navitaire system provided by Accenture for all passenger reservations, departure control system and check-in functions since its inception in 2001.
In Singapore, AirAsia was allowed to maintain its own system although SITA facilities was made available by the airport operator, the two largest carriers in Changi Airport, AirAsia and Singapore Airlines opted out of using SITA and maintain their own check in system.
The airline has a long-standing relationship with Navitaire that has resulted in a significant investment in customisation, enhancements and changes to adapt to AirAsia's growing business.
AirAsia's check-in system integrates with Interpol's database and has a self-tagging facility where guests can print their bag tag and proceed to the baggage drop counter.