“It is unlikely to happen, as AirAsia is too big. But what if it does? Remember Rayani Air?”
That was the response of several East Malaysians upon learning that the Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) had only approved a conditional six-month Air Service Licence to AirAsia that expires on March 31, next year.
Mavcom also warned that it would not extend AirAsia’s licence if the airline did not comply with specific conditions by Dec 31.
The agency, however, did not specify the conditions, leaving consumers in the dark as to whether it was related to safety procedures or something else.
Also, what would happen to passengers who booked flights beyond March 31 if Mavcom does not extend AirAsia’s licence?
Mavcom, in the 12th issue of its bi-annual Consumer Report for the first half of 2022, said it received 1,251 complaints from January to June, with 99.1 per cent (1,240) of the complaints involving airlines, while 0.9 per cent (11) were related to airports.
AirAsia received the highest number, comprising 42.1 per cent (527) of the total complaints, followed by Malaysia Airlines with 40.7 per cent (509), and Batik Air with 7.9 per cent (99).
Several air travellers are wary of purchasing AirAsia tickets beyond March 31 after experiencing a raw deal in 2016 when the full-service airline Rayani Air, ceased operations in April after five months.
Although Rayani Air promised refunds, not everyone received them.
Chrisey Catters, a secretary, said she prefers flying Malaysia Airlines as it is more dependable and would be in operation after March 31.
“I hope AirAsia improves its service and takes heed of all the complaints. It has helped connect us through the years,” said the 47-year-old.
Cynthia Ann Dison said she was surprised to learn about AirAsia’s conditional six-month Air Service Licence.
“This is the first time I am hearing about it. I usually go back to Miri at least twice a year – for Christmas and Gawai. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it has been three years since I spent Christmas in my home town,” she said.
“It should be safe to book a ticket with AirAsia for June, but I may wait until April to make my booking.
“I am looking forward to my trip back home, but I am fed up with all the local airlines as the ticket prices are unpredictable. It can be expensive during the festive seasons. Some friends joked it would be cheaper to fly to London than Sarawak!”
Jalil Shamsuddin, a loyal AirAsia customer, said that while he has experienced cancellations and flight delays, he was confident that the airline would be around for a long time.
“Their tickets are cheap, and I usually travel with a carry-on bag. It is a matter of planning your trip to reduce the possibility of delays,” said Jalil, 51.
“I am very sure that AirAsia will get an extension as the company is too big to fail. It also has won numerous international awards, so it must be doing something right.
“I also feel some people are picking on AirAsia as the other airlines also have delays and flight cancellations. I know several people who did not get their refunds from Rayani Air.”
Jalil said he had no qualms about buying a ticket beyond March 31 if the need arises.
“I have not thought beyond the end of the year, but if I were to travel, I would surely choose AirAsia.”
Meanwhile, Mary Ahin said she purchased three return tickets from Kuala Lumpur to Kuching for June 2016 as Rayani Air had a special offer.
“However, they ceased operations in April. I then had to buy tickets on another airline. I made several enquiries and sent emails to Rayani Air but never received a refund,” said the 48-year-old engineer.
Mary said she uses AirAsia but found that it is no longer as cheap as it once was, and there were too many delays.
“There were times it was cheaper to fly Malindo Air (now called Batik Air) or Malaysia Airlines, when you factor in the baggage allowances,” said Mary.
“The problem with AirAsia is the many delays. It needs to improve on that.”
Mary said she would keep an eye out for Mavcom’s decision before planning her trip back to Kuching for next year’s Gawai celebration in June.
Separately, Sarawakians hope for good news ahead of the country’s 15th General Election.
On Saturday, Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg held a Lan Berambeh Anak Sarawak town hall meeting with Sarawakians based in the Klang Valley at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre.
He told them that the state government would consider subsidising flight tickets for them to return home to vote.
There was also a suggestion to allow postal votes for Sarawakians serving in government agencies and those studying in other states.
