Malaysian Aviation Commission grants Air Traffic Rights for greater connectivity

MAVCOM grants Air Traffic Rights

The Malaysian Aviation Commission (MAVCOM) released its Air Traffic Rights (ATR) report for the second quarter of 2023 (Q2 2023) on 07 August 2023. The commission awarded a total of 57 ATRs to the Malaysian civil aviation sector between April and June 2023, consisting of 45 international and 12 domestic routes.

On a year-on-year basis, ATR applications saw a marked upswing in Q2 2023 compared with the second quarter of 2022 (Q2 2022). Specifically, there was a substantial increase of 87.5%, signalling an invigorated momentum within the aviation sector. While the aviation industry continued its recovery, the commission reported an 11.7% decrease in ATR applications in Q2 2023 compared with the first quarter of 2023 (Q1 2023). 

When compared against the second quarter of 2019 (Q2 2019), the ATR applications exhibited an increase of 5.3%. Moreover, Q2 2023 saw a rise of 12 ATRs awarded for the international sector compared with the same period in 2019, accentuating the expansion of the industry and a return to normalcy.  

MAVCOM’s Executive Chairman, Datuk Seri Hj. Saripuddin Hj. Kasim, said, “as part of the commission’s continued efforts to ensure that Malaysia’s aviation industry remains dynamic and responsive to global travel trends, we have approved ATRs for various new destinations as well as to establish new hub connections. These decisive measures are specifically tailored to enhance connectivity, spur economic growth, and catalyse the recovery of the aviation sector. We are particularly encouraged to see airlines seizing these opportunities for expansion. The significant increase in ATR applications and approvals in Q2 2023, compared to the same period in 2022, bears testament to the industry’s inherent strength and its capacity to adapt and thrive.”

AirAsia and its logistics arm, Teleport, received 16 ATRs for international and domestic routes. With 16 approvals, constituting 28% of the total 57 ATRs awarded, AirAsia secured the lion’s share in the quarter. 

During the quarter under review, Batik Air was given ATR approvals to fly to new destinations including Tashkent, Uzbekistan as well as Okinawa, Japan via Taipei, meanwhile, AirAsia X received the ATR approval to service the Almaty, Kazakhstan route. Concurrently, Teleport received ATRs for routes encompassing Hong Kong and key sectors in East Malaysia, namely Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, and Tawau. In line with Malaysia Aviation Group’s (MAG) strategy to position Kota Kinabalu as a regional hub for Firefly, ATR approval was granted for flights from Kota Kinabalu to Narita and Taipei in May 2023. Complementing these expansions, MAVCOM awarded MYAirline with ATR approvals to Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand, broadening Malaysia’s connectivity within the ASEAN region. Following the approvals given, MYAirline has begun to conduct flights to Bangkok, Thailand since June 2023. Airlines are required to utilise the ATRs allocated within six months from the approved effective date by MAVCOM to avoid the expiry of the ATRs granted.