SEPANG: Malaysia expects a full recovery in airline passenger traffic by 2024 as the quarterly records have shown positive results.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the ministry is ready to collaborate and facilitate local and foreign airlines flying to Malaysia in order to support the recovery.
"I'm proud to say that the Malaysian aviation industry has shown resilience and adaptability during these trying times.
"While we foresee a full recovery in passenger traffic by 2024, it's imperative we aim higher, look further and anticipate the evolving challenges of the industry," Loke said at the Centre of Aviation (CAPA) Asia Aviation Summit and Sustainability for Excellence Awards 2023 here today.
Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) chairman Tan Sri Zainun Ali said the future of aviation is promising based on the recent travel outlook by Airports Council International (ACI).
According to ACI, global passenger traffic is expected to reach 8.6 billion passengers, up by 94.2 per cent of 2019 levels.
The Asia Pacific region is forecasted to reach some 3.4 billion passengers in 2024, which is 99.5 per cent of 2019 level.
"While we may be brimming with hope at the prospects of this much awaited growth, we also share a collective responsibility as industry players to ensure sustainable aviation practices."
"To this effect, Malaysia Airports has also embarked on a crucial journey to enhance our sustainability framework," Zainun said.
She added that MAHB's sustainability framework has led the airport operator to create a comprehensive strategy and roadmap towards achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Loke also said the ministry is developing an aviation decarbonisation roadmap while the Ministry of Plantation Industries and Commodities is developing investment incentives for sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) production and infrastructure and a framework for long-term blending mandates.
"Our vision for the Malaysian aviation sector is deeply rooted in sustainability. It is outlined in the National Transport Policy 2019-2030, which emphasises the efficient and sustainable use of resources while minimising environmental pollution.
"We understand the pressing need to reduce our carbon footprint and promote a greener future. We are dedicated to this cause and are actively working towards sustainable practices and solutions," Loke said.