When asked to comment on Malaysia Airlines’ claim that the network of AirAsia overlaps 90% of MAS’s, Fernandes said: “Azran Osman-Rani, our CEO of AirAsia X, will handle deal that. But do you think so?

“(To me) it is 30%–40% overlap, so the claim (by MAS) is incorrect. Do you say Tianjin is next to Beijing when the distance is so far away; it is just like saying Singapore and KL are in the same place.’’

He confirmed that AirAsia X has received the letter from the Government, stating the airline has the rights to fly into Seoul. He, however, declined to comment on the status of AirAsia X’s request for flights into Sydney

The carrier is expecting to operate from the new terminal by March 2012.

The existing LCCT can cater to 15 million passengers, while the new terminal, located near the KLIA, will be able to handle 30 million passengers. MAHB plans to raise RM2bil to RM2.5bil to develop the (permanent low cost carrier terminal) PLCCT, for which clearing works have started.

Asked if AirAsia had paid its dues to MAHB, Fernandes said: “We have been paying them regularly.’’


The dispute surrounds operational issues to design and facilities. MAHB has agreed to improve signages at the LCCT; add 1,333 carparks to bring the total to 2,707; realign the roads for better traffic flow; provide covered pedestrian walkways; and provide eight more A320 parking bays.

As for the new terminal, AirAsia will get 76 aircraft parking bays; its headquarters will be located at the terminal building; there will be support zones for its engineering, cargo and inflight complexs; and its inputs are incorporated for the semi-automatic baggage handling system and the design and allocation for check-in counters.

Asked if aerobridges were an added option, Fernandes said: “We will look into it if it does not burn into our cost as it is all about dollars and cents.’’

Fernandes also could not say if there will be a rail link. And although there is a plan to link the ERL from KLIA to the new airport, he could not confirm this. But he encourages KTMB to link the airport as then there will be a rail link for those living in the East Coast.

                                                                   Design option 2 &3

Metzelder says: It has been confirmed that the new permanent LCCT will take place, thus people should not misinterpret that current LCCT will have a makeover.

Over eight years battle between carrier and operator, it ended with best that it could have been by much collaboration between government, and Tan Sri Bashir Ahmad (MAHB managing director) together with Tony.