KUALA LUMPUR, 13 July 2021 –The Malaysian Aviation Commission (MAVCOM) continues to allow airlines to retain their current portfolio of Air Traffic Rights (ATR) without the risk of expiry, in line with
the Commission’s ongoing efforts to support the needs of aviation players that are facing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

MAVCOM eased the condition which automatically revokes unutilised ATRs within six months from the date of the ATR approval. This flexibility has been in effect since 5 June 2020 and was implemented to facilitate the administrative and regulatory challenges of airlines as well as to enable them to keep their current ATR portfolio active.

For the second quarter (Q2 2021) spanning 1 April to 30 June 2021, the Commission approved 100 per cent of ATR applications. A total of 10 ATR applications were received and of this, five ATR allocations were for international routes, while the remaining five were for domestic routes.

ATR applications in the second quarter of the year saw a 58.3 per cent reduction from the first quarter of 2021 as well as a 11 per cent reduction compared with the corresponding period of the previous year.

Of the 10 ATR approvals for Q2 2021, MyJet Xpress Airlines Sdn. Bhd. received the highest number of approvals, totalling seven ATRs. AirAsia X, Malindo Airways Sdn. Bhd. and World Cargo Airline Sdn. Bhd. followed with one ATR approval each. World Cargo Airline Sdn. Bhd. converted their Air Service Permit (ASP) to Air Service Licence (ASL) effective from 1 April 2021 and is the latest ASL holder for the cargo segment. ASP applies to unscheduled journeys while ASL applies to journeys with a fixed schedule.

MAVCOM’s Executive Chairman, Datuk Seri Hj. Saripuddin Hj. Kasim said, “As a commercial and economic regulator, the Commission is committed to finding ways to assist industry players in these challenging times, so that they can survive the global pandemic and focus on continuing full services in the near future. Apart from the ATR expiry flexibility, we also extended the moratorium on the enforcement of the Quality of Service (QoS) Framework as well as the Malaysian Aviation Consumer Protection Code 2016 (MACPC).”

“At the same time, we are encouraged by the continued healthy growth shown by the cargo segment. This promising development illustrates the sector’s endurance levels and its ability to bounce back. It
serves as an encouragement for brighter skies ahead.”

The Air Traffic Rights Report is released on a regular basis and more information can be found on MAVCOM’s website at www.mavcom.my.