Aboitiz Group on Monday denied reports it acquired a majority stake in low-cost carrier Air Asia Philippines.
“We would like to clarify and state that this information is not true and accurate. At this time, we are actively verifying the sources that led to the publication of this article and have requested that the article be taken down,” Aboitiz said in a statement.
“We want to assure our stakeholders and the public that any significant developments regarding our company will be communicated and disclosed first by us through official channels. We appreciate your patience as we work to clarify the matter,” it said.
Capital A Berhad (Air Asia) chief executive Tony Fernandes said they would make the proper announcement on the issue of Air Asia Philippines’ ownership at the proper time.
“I’ve stuck to the script, all you will get from me is honesty and transparency. And it’s not just about the good things, right? The good things are that we are alive, we saved everyone’s job, we’re going to recruit. My chief pilot just asked me about his retirement plan, and I’m going to deliver on that as well. I’m going to deliver the money we owe to the people, and I’m going to deliver to the Philippines,” he said.
The airline recorded 93 flights on its first day of operation for domestic flights at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport-Terminal 2.
“The total number of passengers in and out of NAIA-Terminal 2 during our first day of transfer was 12,656,” said Air Asia PH information officer Carlo Carongoy.
Air Asia Philippines moved its domestic flights service from Terminal 4 to Terminal 2 on Saturday as part of the Schedule and Terminal Assignment Rationalization program initiated by the Manila International Airport Authority.
Terminal 2 now exclusively caters to domestic flights operated by Philippine Airlines, Air Asia and Royal Air.
“This change benefits both our domestic and international passengers. With NAIA Terminal 2 now handling domestic flights only, CIQ [customs, immigration and quarantine] personnel have been redistributed to NAIA Terminals 1 and 3 as additional deployment. This shall ensure maximum manning of these posts especially at peak hours,” MIAA officer-in-charge Bryan Co said.
“The removal of the initial screening and clearing of the immigration area of its counters is expected to increase Terminal 2’s capacity from 7.5 million to 10 million passengers per year due to additional space,” he added.
Passengers at NAIA Terminals 1 and 3 have a wider selection of food and retail stores and more time for duty-free shopping. More and new restaurants are also expected to open within the year.
Terminal 4 was converted into a turbo-prop terminal serving CebGo, Air SWIFT and Sunlight Air.