MALAYSIA. Air travel in Malaysia has shown encouraging signs of recovery in early July, according to Malaysia Airports, as travel restrictions continue to ease.
Statistics from the 39 airports managed by Malaysia Airports showed that passenger and aircraft movements (mainly domestic) in the first nine days of July doubled from the same period in June.
In addition, at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport – Malaysia Airports’ fully owned asset in Turkey – international travel has resumed with the opening of Turkey’s borders since 12 June.
Malaysia Airports Group Chief Executive Officer Dato’ Mohd Shukrie Mohd Salleh said: “We are hoping to see larger increases in traffic numbers as we go forward especially with Hari Raya Aidiladha approaching at the end of the month. Malaysians who did not get the opportunity to spend Aidilfitri with their families will surely take the opportunity to travel back to their hometown and enjoy the festivities with their loved ones.
“We are glad to see local carriers launch aggressive sales campaigns to increase load factors. It was recently reported that AirAsia sold over 200,000 of their Unlimited Passes. Malaysia Airlines has also launched a joint business partnership with Japan Airlines where they will offer a four-weekly service between Kuala Lumpur and Tokyo Narita starting July.”
“We also know that there have been discussions between governments on the implementation of travel corridors. Therefore, the introduction of the Malaysia – Singapore Reciprocal Green Lane, announced by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia and Singapore on 14 July is a welcome start for further relaxation in the opening of our borders.”
In other news, in August and September Malaysia Airports will launch a ‘mega sale’ across its airport retail estate. It will feature special deals on a wide range of merchandise, including beauty, fashion and confectionery. The airport company also plans to launch its new ecommerce site soon. We will bring you more details on both initiatives shortly.
