KOTA KINABALU: AirAsia will move its operations to Kota Kinabalu International Airport (Terminal 1) when it has met win-win agreement with the Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad.
Its chief executive officer Aireen Omar said that the negotiation between the two parties were still ongoing.
“Among the deliberation include on the passenger service charge (airport tax) which will impose higher charges to the people.
“As the industry facing a lot of challenges with Goods and Services Tax in place, higher cost on the airport charges will further burden the people,” she told reporters after unveiling the livery of “thank you Sabah” on one of its aircraft at Terminal 2 this afternoon.
The airport charged in new terminal will be at RM65 as compared to current charge is RM32 per traveler.
Other issues include the availability of aircraft parking when the low-cost airline move its operations from terminal 2 to Terminal 1.
"To move within a month is tough for any airliner as more time is needed to move.
"It is costly to move the whole operations and also it is time of holiday where we need to inform the people," she explained.
Present at the ceremony were Tourism, Culture and Environment minister Datuk Masidi Manjun representing Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman; Sabah Tourism Board chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai and general manager Datuk Irene Charukhs; as well as AirAsia Executive chairman Datuk Kamarudin Meranun.