SEPANG, June 29 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's aviation sector has done really well, that the total number of passengers handled by airports across the country is expected to increase to 68 million this year, compared to 65.3 million last year.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha said it was based on the excellent performance last year, where the total number of 65.3 million was a growth of more than 10 per cent from the 59 million recorded the previous year.
"If we are very optimistic and if the economy in Europe and US gets better, the number can even go beyond 70 million this year," he said at a welcoming ceremony for the first Malaysia Airlines (MAS)' Airbus A380 at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), here, today.
The A380 flight from Toulouse, France and commanded by Captain Norshid Ali with 91 guests and several MAS staff including its group chief executive officer (CEO) Ahmad Jauhari Yahya, Malaysia Airports Berhad (MAB) CEO Tan Sri Bashir Ahmad and Department of Civil Aviation director-general Datuk Azharuddin Abdul Rahman.
Kong said MAS' latest commercial super jumbo aircraft would create excitement and confidence among the people for the national airlines, and a great national pride as MAS was the eighth operator of such aircraft in the world.
He said although MAS was facing many challenges including competition from other premium and low-cost airlines, uncertainty in fuel prices, uncertainty in the economic environment and health concerns, MAS had persevered and done Malaysia proud.
"I hope this will be a new era for the national carrier to achieve greater heights and to make the nation proud," he said, adding that the new aircraft would be the aircraft of choice by many.
Kong said MAS had ordered six A380, with most of them coming in by the end of the year, together with 17 other new aircraft, making the airlines as having one of the youngest fleet in the region, which would add a lot of value to the services provided.
Kong also officially opened the upgraded MAS Golden Lounge at the KLIA Satellite Building, which has two seating areas, one for Enrich Platinum members and First-Class guests, and the other for Enrich Gold members, Business-Class guests and front-end passengers of customer airlines.
The 43,284 sq ft facility which opens 24 hours daily, offers, among others, a new design and selection of meals and beverages, a sports bar and private shower facilities.