SEPANG – With the advent of low fare travel and commencement of Low Cost Carrier (LCC) operations in Malaysia, Malaysia Airports recognized the differing requirements of the LCCs and have supported them accordingly. In doing so, Malaysia Airports has played a key role in promoting low fare travel and the development of LCCs in Malaysia. Tan Sri Bashir clarified "As an airport operator, it is important that we support the business models of both the full service airlines as well as the LCCs.  Each has a different business model and therefore has different requirements."
    
One of the requirements is in regard to the usage of aerobridges in their operations. In the case of AirAsia, they had explained that their business model requires a quick turnaround time in order to increase aircraft utilisation. This would then allow them to operate additional sectors in a day and enable them to reduce cost and therefore offer lower fares. This works especially well for short and medium haul sectors but less so for long haul sectors such as those operated by AirAsiaX. AirAsia therefore appealed for an exemption from Malaysia Airports's policy of requiring airlines to use aerobridges. In order to support AirAsia’s business model, this exemption was given. Subsequently it had to be extended to some other LCCs as well.  By this exemption, AirAsia has the option of not using aerobridges. However in practice, AirAsia does use the aerobridges during inclement weather at airports in Malaysia where aerobridges are provided.

Airports in other countries in the region make it mandatory for airlines to use aerobridges where provided, in order to enhance passenger convenience, safety and security. Should the airlines choose not to use aerobridges, they then have to park the aircraft in a remote position and bus the passengers to the terminal.  AirAsia had explained that they use aerobridges at these other countries as they are compelled to adhere to the regulatory requirements at these airports, as no exemptions are given.

Based on AirAsia’s decision not to use aerobridges at klia2, the terminal for LCCs, even during inclement weather or for long haul operations, the terminal is being constructed without the installation of aerobridges and instead ramps will be provided. As AirAsia and AirAsiaX would be the major airlines at klia2, it may not be worthwhile to incur the cost if the aerobridges are not going to be used. However provision has been made in the design of the terminal to accommodate the installation of aerobridges, if so required at any time, by AirAsia group or any other LCCs. Discussions will be held with other LCCs as well on their requirements.

The current charge to the airline for the use of the aerobridge is RM85.00 per usage. Based on a full A320 aircraft carrying 180 passengers for both arriving and departing flights, the cost of using the aerobridge works out to be less than 25 sen per passenger. This makes Malaysia Airports’ charge for the aerobridge the lowest in the region.     

Malaysia Airports has continually received numerous feedbacks from the public requesting that all airlines be required to use aerobridges in order to avoid inconvenience to passengers. Tan Sri Bashir added, "As such, we will continue to engage AirAsia and AirAsiaX, as well as other airlines to look into the possibility of further aligning their operations to the needs of passengers."