AVIATION INDUSTRY GEARED UP FOR GE15 : MAVCOM REVIEW REVEALS AIRLINES’ INCREASING FLIGHT FREQUENCY AND DECREASED AIRFARES

KUALA LUMPUR, 27 OCTOBER 2022 – The Malaysian Aviation Commission (MAVCOM) has completed its review of airfares for domestic flights operating between 16 to 20 November 2022 (GE15 travelling dates) in conjunction with Malaysia’s upcoming 15th General Election on 19 November 2022.

The Commission’s latest observation on 25 October 2022 indicates that most airfares during the GE15 travelling period have decreased since the initial spike following the GE15 announcement. Based on the Commission’s review, one-way average domestic airfares across all airlines for routes within Peninsular Malaysia is RM185. Meanwhile, the average airfare for routes within East Malaysia is RM188 and RM296 for routes between Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia.

Datuk Seri Hj. Saripuddin Hj. Kasim, Executive Chairman of MAVCOM, said, “We are pleased to see that airlines have introduced promotions and launched discounted airfares to facilitate this cause. There are also existing discount schemes offered by airlines specifically for student travellers which could aid travel for young voters. As evident, the industry has shown its support to facilitate voters fulfilling their civic duty and returning to their respective hometowns without the burden of high airfares. However, more can be done and airlines must continue to play their part for the nation during this critical period.”

MAVCOM’s analysis further indicates that a small percentage of routes have airfares that are higher than average. Therefore, the Commission urges airlines to induce more capacity on these routes during the GE15 travelling period as demand for these routes will most likely increase approaching the polling date. Moreover, MAVCOM has requested that airlines increase capacity on its operating routes during the GE15 travelling dates in ensuring that enough flights are available to various domestic destinations at an affordable price. As the economic and commercial regulator for the aviation industry, MAVCOM is committed to facilitating and approving all route applications for GE15 in performing its mandate for the national interest.

Based on data submitted to MAVCOM, all local scheduled airlines have planned extra flights for GE15 beginning November 2022 using the resources at their disposal. The planned additional flights include 45 flights from KL International Airport (KLIA) to selected locations within Peninsular Malaysia. For flights from Subang, 30 additional flights are planned to selected locations within Peninsular Malaysia. In addition, 68 extra flights have been planned for flights between Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia. Furthermore, Malaysia Airlines is planning to increase capacity to key destinations in Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia by utilising the Airbus A330 wide-body aircraft.

In addition, there are additional flights planned to selected destinations within East Malaysia under the Rural Air Services programme, as well as 5 planned additional flights between Subang and Seletar, Singapore.

Datuk Seri Hj. Saripuddin further adds, “MAVCOM welcomes these action plans by airlines and is cognisant that the planned capacity additions may vary closer to the election date depending on operational reasons and overall market demand. However, the Commission is closely monitoring the developments to ensure that enough seats are available at affordable prices to meet the demand.”

Additionally, the Commission wishes to highlight that airfares are currently not regulated and are determined by airlines in line with the Malaysian Government’s decision in 2006 to rationalise the domestic air services sector.

The Commission reiterates that voting during General Election is an important civic responsibility that must be upheld. Therefore, airlines are encouraged to take on a bigger role in keeping prices affordable and to aid their fellow Malaysians to fulfill their civic duty that impacts the future of our nation.

MAVCOM will continue to work closely with the Ministry of Transport and local airlines and is committed to ensuring that consumers are able to return home to cast their democratic rights with ease.