Malaysia Airlines lauds new charges

international (beyond Asean) PSC between KLIA and klia2, and a review of the PSC to be performed in 2017 with a view to complete equalisation.

In addition, Mavcom is also developing a framework that links aeronautical revenues to the satisfaction of customers and stakeholders. The framework will be introduced in 2017.

Malaysia Airlines Bhd (MAB) welcomed the changes in PSC rates and lauded Mavcom’s plan for complete equalisation of PSC on international routes by 2018.

“It is important for the turnaround of MAB that we fight for every dollar-andcent savings possible. There is much work to be done but this news creates opportunity for us to compete on a level playing pitch in Malaysia,” its group chief executive Peter Bellew said in a statement yesterday.

AirAsia Group CEO Tan Sri Tony Fernandes said the new charges are good for consumers.

However, the International Air Transport Association said it was disappointed that the equalisation was not done for all the PSC at KLIA, calling it a “half step forward”.

“The revision in PSC will also see some costs increase. The overall aim should be to minimise air travel costs for Malaysia so as to reap the full social and economic benefits of aviation. Aviation currently supports over 500,000 jobs in Malaysia and US$13 billion (RM54 billion) in GDP. This is expected to double by 2035,” it said in a statement yesterday.