MAVCOM approves 24 ATRs in Q1 2021

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Aviation Commission (MAVCOM) has approved 24 air traffic rights (ATR) applications from airlines, comprising 21 ATR for international routes and three for domestic routes during the first quarter of this year (Q1 2021).

MyJet Xpress Airlines Sdn Bhd received the highest number of approvals at 12 ATRs, followed by Malaysia Airlines Bhd, AirAsia Group and Raya Airways Sdn Bhd with six, four and two ATR approvals, respectively.

"The ATR application rate declined by 51.7 per cent in contrast with 43 ATR applications in the final quarter of 2020," said MAVCOM.

However, this was a 33.33 per cent increase compared with 18 ATR applications in Q1 2020, it said in a statement today.

MAVCOM executive chairman, Datuk Seri Saripuddin Kasim said no expiration of ATRs were recorded due to the implementation of measures by the commission to ease challenges faced by the airlines during the pandemic.

"We are pleased to note that the eased condition provided to airlines is able to support the continued recovery of the sector as it gradually prepares to resume full services in the future.

"Additionally, the commission continues to observe a healthy growth in the cargo segment, given the accelerated and increased demand for logistics needs -- demonstrating the agility and resilience of the sector in overcoming the pandemic as we look forward to positive development for the nation's aviation sector," he said.

Effective June 5 last year, MAVCOM had eased the ATR condition which states that ATR which has been unutilised within six months from the date of its approval is automatically revoked.

The move was made to facilitate the airlines' administrative and regulatory challenges, enabling them to keep their current ATR portfolio active.

"However, this does not apply to ATRs that have been deemed expired and automatically revoked, as well as ATRs for routes that airlines have wilfully terminated on their own accord," it added.

-- BERNAMA