Loke urges airlines, airport operators to expand beyond traditional market

SEPANG - Both airlines and airport operators in Malaysia need to continuously look for ways to expand their businesses beyond the traditional market to stay agile and competitive, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said.

He hoped the industry players would actively pursue new connectivities between Malaysia and other regions besides China, South Korea and Turkey.

"I am sure airlines are trying to look for many destinations that are opening up in other countries at the moment,” he said during the "CAPA Think Tank: A meeting of the mind” session held in conjunction with Centre for Aviation (CAPA) Asia Aviation Summit and Sustainability Awards 2023 today.

Loke said the need was crucial as the recovery of tourist arrivals in almost all regional markets stood at 70 to 80 per cent of the pre-Covid levels, except for China.

"I think China is still challenging because of the slower opening up of the Chinese market, and in terms of Chinese tourist arrivals, we have not seen (their arrivals) to the level before 2019.

"During the pre-2019 period, we have seen the arrival of three million Chinese tourists in Malaysia, and right now, we are probably (registering) just over one million,” he said.

He further said the lower arrivals would likely indicate slower growth in that market versus other regions.

Earlier in his opening remarks, Loke said the government recognises the requirement for collaboration, investment in research and development and incentives to boost the production and adoption of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

"The Transport Ministry is presently developing an aviation decarbonisation roadmap, and collaboration with the aviation industry will be crucial,” he said.

Loke noted that the Plantation and Commodities Ministry has also been tasked with developing investment incentives for SAF production and infrastructure, as well as a comprehensive framework for long-term blending mandates.

"We are committed to a holistic approach to aviation sustainability, including technical efficiency and expertise, technological improvements and market-based measures,” he added. - BERNAMA