Klia2, Visit Malaysia 2014 to help boost airport tourist figures

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KUCHING: Malaysia Airport Holdings Bhd (MAHB) saw losses before taxation and zakat of RM37.7 million in the second quarter of 2014 (2Q14) compared with a profit before tax and zakat (PBT) of RM132.1 million in the previous corresponding period.

Included in the PBT for the current quarter was a construction profit of RM23.3 million as compared to RM16.8 million in the previous corresponding quarter.

The group in a statement yesterday noted consolidated revenue for the current quarter was 20.2 per cent or RM197.4 million higher.

Its consolidated revenue for the financial period-to-date was 2.4 per cent or RM48.7 million lower than the same corresponding period in the previous year.

“In the first half of 2014, MAHB airports handled 41.3 million passenger movements registering 11.8 per cent growth over the same corresponding period in 2013,” the group explained in its note to Bursa Malaysia.

“Out of the total passenger movements, KLIA registered 24.4 million passengers with 9.7 per cent growth.

The registered traffic is the highest ever recorded by MAHB for the half year, it added. While growth continues to remain positive, the percentage of growth has declined slightly in May and June, partly due to a higher growth base in 2013.

In addition, traffic between certain sectors such as Thailand, China and Middle-East have weakened due to political uncertainties in Thailand, the escalating conflict in the Middle East and the residual impact from the MH370 incidents.

“The unfortunate MH17 event may temporarily affect passenger numbers. Our immediate focus is to extend our full support to the Government, Malaysia Airline Systems Bhd (MAS) and the affected families,” it added.

Meanwhile, the latest international and domestic seat capacity data showed an average increase of six per cent and 0.8 per cent respectively for the next six months, lower than previous indications.

The lower economic growth in East Asia and Pacific countries as reported by World Bank may also have an impact on traffic, it added.

“For the MAHB Group, the benefit from the entry of new airlines and expansion of local carriers is expected to continue. MAS, AirAsia Group and Malindo Air are expected to continue to contribute strongly to the enviable passenger growth together with other foreign airlines.

“MAS’ entry into the oneworld alliance in February 2013 has significantly increased the market outreach and breadth of connectivity across continents and will continue to provide critical support for passenger growth.”

MAHB hoped that expected seat capacity expansion coupled with strong tourist arrivals pursuant to the Visit Malaysia Year 2014 will continue to fuel the growth momentum.

In addition, MAHB will continue to pursue airlines globally by further enhancing its marketing efforts and various marketing initiatives.

“The successful development and opening of klia2 is a testament to how far MAHB has journeyed in transforming from a traditional airport operator into a successful world-class airport business.

“With 45 million passenger capacity, klia2 is an iconic terminal that serves as a global benchmark for similar terminals to be built in the future. klia2 is expected to be the catalyst in boosting MAHB’s performance moving forward, mainly contributed by its unique targeted retail and commercial offerings attractive to passengers and airport visitors.

“With klia2, KLIA now has a total capacity to handle 70 million passengers per annum to cater for the rapid air travel growth, remain competitive within the region and cement Malaysia’s position as a leading global aviation hub.”