klia2 safe for operation, assures MAHB

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia Airport Holdings Berhad (MAHB) gave its assurance that klia2's terminal, apron and taxiways are safe for operation.
"Safety is of utmost priority to us and we adhere to a very stringent regulatory regime by the Civil Aviation Department (DCA), in accordance with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards and recommended practices," it said in a statement today.
MAHB said the low-cost carrier terminal's apron and taxiway are undergoing differential soil settlement.
"Of the total 1.48 million sq metre total klia2 airport area, only 2.3% is affected by this differential settlement that causes ponding and depression issues," said MAHB.
It pointed out that since the opening of klia2 in May last year, MAHB has been very diligent in monitoring the safety aspects of overall airport operations together with the relevant stakeholders.
"A Joint Inspection Committee (JIC) is the proper platform for the airport stakeholders to raise and resolve any operational issues including the update on the rectification works.
"The committee is chaired by klia2 head engineering, whose members include the principal assistant director of airport standards division from the civil aviation department (DCA), as well as ground safety managers and safety officers of AirAsia, AirAsia X and Malindo airlines," it said, adding that the committee has had 27 meetings to date.
It pointed out that onsite inspection and verification on the rectification works are conducted by all members of the JIC.
MAHB said it had complied with all required safety certifications, including the Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC) and DCA's Aerodrome Certificate.
MAHB was responding to comments by AirAsia Bhd CEO Aireen Omar, who in an interview, claimed that klia2 was "still sinking", stressing that the situation increases wear and tear on their planes and poses potential safety risks.