Race to secure new LCCT ... wah...i'm puzzled !!!

From The Edge Daily 9th Jan 2009:

The race to secure the new permanent low-cost carrier terminal (LCCT) has started. Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) has finalised its master plan for a new LCCT near the existing main terminal in Sepang, while AirAsia yesterday came out with more details on its proposed terminal in Labu, Negri Sembilan.

Sources said MAHB would submit its master plan to the government soon. The irony is AirAsia is part of the steering committee that finalised and approved the airport operator’s master plan, according to a source.

“The government and AirAsia are aware of the master plan, which has been finalised and approved by the steering committee. It will be submitted to the government soon,” the source said.

“In the 16 months when the master plan was being worked out, AirAsia, which is part of the steering committee, did not raise any issue on the plan. So why are issues raised outside the meeting now?” the source said.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat said yesterday the government had not made a decision on MAHB’s proposed new LCCT.

Meanwhile, AirAsia group chief executive officer Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes said yesterday the carrier would finalise the funding for its own proposed LCCT, named KLIA East@Labu, by April. The cost of the LCCT, excluding land cost, is estimated at RM1.6 billion.

The budget carrier is partnering Sime Darby Bhd to build the Labu terminal. On Monday, Sime Darby obtained the government’s nod to proceed with the project.