Mavcom not necessary for airline industry – Tony Fernandes
BANGKOK: The Transport Ministry is very capable of growing the local airline industry fairly without the need for the Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom), said AirAsia Group Chief Executive Officer Tan Sri Tony Fernandes.
Expressing his disappointment, Fernandes said Mavcom should remain independent and treat all industry players fairly.
“I’ve always wanted (for the industry) to be treated fairly. It’s not about (being) good to AirAsia and bad to Malaysia Airlines Bhd (MAB), or good to MAB and not to AirAsia. Do what is good for Malaysians.
“We (at AirAsia) wanted Mavcom because we thought it would be great for the industry, and for them to be independent and look at the industry fairly. (But) I think it’s better to not have Mavcom,” he told Malaysian reporters at the airline’s #HalfABillion Guests Flown Celebration here yesterday.
Fernandes was responding to questions on the police report lodged by Mavcom yesterday over his claim that the aviation regulatory body told AirAsia to cancel all additional 120 flights it requested during the 14th General Elections.
The AirAsia head said dealing with Mavcom was difficult and resulted in AirAsia deputy group CEO (digital, transformation, corporate services) Aireen Omar, AirAsia Malaysia CEO Riad Asmat and AirAsia X Malaysia CEO Benyamin Ismail facing difficult situations.
“Aireen, myself, Ben and Riad had nothing short of torture when dealing with Mavcom.
“AirAsia and I will never stop fighting for fair industry practices and demand decisions to be made for the benefit all Malaysians,” he said.
Shortly after Mavcom said it lodged the report, AirAsia issued a statement saying it has evidence and facts to back Fernandes’ accusations.
“We would like to emphasise that the video released by Fernandes on Sunday, May 13, 2018 is fully supported by evidence and facts, including direct communication between Riad and the Executive Chairman of Mavcom.
“We will divulge the evidence and facts to the appropriate authorities, at the right time,” the airline added.
Mavcom said yesterday it had lodged a police report against Fernandes over claims of flight cancellations during the general election period.
In a statement, Mavcom refuted the accusation that it told AirAsia Berhad to cancel all 120 additional flights applied for by the airline during the just-concluded polls period.
It said the commission had in fact approved all 66 additional flights applied for by AirAsia on April 23.
“The commission views Tan Sri Tony Fernandes’ accusation against Mavcom of informing AirAsia to cancel ‘120 extra flights which would have carried 26,000 people on top of our normal flights’ as baseless and malicious,” it said.
Mavcom said it had never issued any directive to AirAsia or any other airline to reduce or cancel any flight where regulatory requirements were met.
“Mavcom views Tan Sri Tony Fernandes’ claims as serious accusations and has lodged a police report,” it added.