Malaysia Airports (MAHB) recorded revenues of Rm.2,978.1m ($937.2m) and 57.3m (+16.6%) passengers for the nine months ending 30 September 2013.

 

MAHB said the number of international passengers rose by 21.9% to 3.17m, while domestic passengers increased by 30% to 3.54m. The number of domestic passengers reached 3.54m, a rise of 30%, while international reached 3.17m – up 21.9%.

 

Passengers using Kuala Lumpur International Airport increased by 25.4% compared to September 2012 to 3.97m. Meanwhile, 57.34m passengers used all airports in the first nine months of 2013 – a rise of 16.6% on 2012.

 

The airports company said that revenues generated by airport operations improved by 14.7% to Rm.1,685.6m ($530.4m) , mainly driven by aeronautical revenue which rose by 18.6% on the back of strong increases in passengers and aircraft numbers.

 

GOOD GROWTH ALL ROUND

New landing and parking charges with the increase of 9% and 18% per annum respectively also contributed.

 

At the same time, non-aeronautical revenue recorded a growth of 10.6% to Rm798.9m ($251.4m) thanks to an improved performance in the retail and rental businesses. MAHB’s own retail business grew by 12.7%, driven by increase in passenger volume and higher retail spending by passengers.

 

Revenue from space rental, advertising and other commercial segments grew 8.2% to Rm362.2m ($113.9m), helped by a higher occupancy rate, higher rental royalties linked to higher sales at KLIA and increased car park revenue.

 

KLIA terminal interior.

 

AIR SERVICES EXPANDING FAST

In addition, the non-airport operations segment recorded revenue of Rm93.8m ($29.5m) in the first nine months, representing a decrease of -8.2% from Rm102.2m ($32.1m) recorded in the first nine months of 2012.

 

In its industry review, MAHB said it continues to benefit from the entry of new airlines and expansion of local carriers. Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia Group contributed strongly to passenger growth, while Malindo Air “registered a competitive load factor”.

 

MAHB said: “Malaysia Airlines’ entry into Oneworld in February 2013 has significantly increased the market outreach and breadth of connectivity across continents and will continue to provide critical support for passenger growth.

 

“This is evidenced by the new record achieved in August 2013, whereby the total passengers handled by MAHB surpassed the 7m mark for the first time, being the highest passenger movements achieved in a month”.

 

A Malaysia Airlines A380 taxis out to the runway at KLIA.

 

OPTMISTIC OUTLOOK

MAHB management says it remains optimistic with its 2013 passenger forecast: “The seat capacity offering for 4Q13 remains buoyant as we approach the holiday season towards the end of the year.

 

“Seat capacity expansion coupled with strong tourist arrivals pursuant to the Visit Malaysia Year 2014 campaign launched early this year will continue to fuel the growth momentum.

 

“MAHB, through its marketing efforts, has been aggressively pursuing airlines globally through its various marketing initiatives and is optimistic to achieve its Headline KPI target for 2013”.