MAVCOM Refutes Tony Fernandes' Claims That It Tried To Cancel AirAsia Flights During GE14
The low-cost airline has released a statement.
By John Lim — 15 May 2018, 04:10 PM — Updated over 6 years ago
AirAsia refutes MAVCOM’s police report against Tony Fernandes
AirAsia has said in a press statement that it strongly refutes the police report lodged by MAVCOM against Tony Fernandes.
The airline also said the video released by Fernandes is supported by "evidence and facts including direct communication between AirAsia Malaysia CEO Riad Asmat and Executive Chairman of MAVCOM, YBhg. General Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Abdullah bin Ahmad RMAF (Retd.)."
AirAsia added that it will divulge the evidence and facts to the appropriate authorities at the right time
"We will cooperate fully with the police on this investigation in accordance with the law and take all actions that are necessary to protect the interests of AirAsia as well as Tan Sri Tony Fernandes," the statement reads.
4:10PM: Following AirAsia boss Tony Fernandes' viral video last weekend, the Malaysian Aviation Commission (MAVCOM) has released a statement today, 15 May, refuting his claims that the governing body tried to pressure him into cancelling flights during GE14
In the statement released earlier today, 15 May, MAVCOM said it categorically refutes the accusation made by the AirAsia head.
"The Commission has never issued any directive to AirAsia or any other airline to reduce or cancel any flights where regulatory requirements are met."
MAVCOM revealed that it had in fact approved all of AirAsia's extra flight requests
"AirAsia on 13 April 2018 and 18 April 2018, requested for a total of 54 additional flights (27 return journeys with a maximum volume of 13,660 passengers) to be operated during the GE14 period, which MAVCOM approved on 17 April 2018 and 18 April 2018 respectively.
"At 3.20pm on 20 April 2018 (Friday), the airline requested for an additional 86 flights (43 return journeys with a maximum volume of 15,480 passengers) to be operated during the GE14 period," the statement reads.
Then on 23 April, the low-budget carrier requested for 66 additional flights to be added for the period of 6-13 May, to which MAVCOM approved on the same day.
MAVCOM further revealed that its executive chairman Gen. Tan Sri Abdullah Ahmad RMAF (Retd) had communicated with all airlines to seek clarification if there was sufficient demand for the requested additional flights
"The Commission further reiterates that it had not issued any directive to any airline to reduce or cancel any flights. Only AirAsia proceeded to reduce its application for extra flights while Firefly, Malaysia Airlines, and Malindo Air maintained their requests," the statement added.
A police report has since been made over Fernandes' statement which MAVCOM viewed as "baseless and malicious"
MAVCOM reiterated its stand as an independent regulator for economic and commercial matters related to civil aviation in Malaysia, saying that it is mandated under the Malaysian Aviation Commission Act 2015 [Act 771] to act as such.
"On no occasion did the commission exceed its stated powers under Act 771, nor fail to fulfil its goal in this matter."
In the video posted on Facebook, Fernandes also explained his decision to unveil an aircraft featuring Barisan Nasional colours: