MELAKA: International flights are set to return to the Melaka International Airport at Batu Berendam (LTAM) as part of plans to turn it into a preferred aerospace and business aviation hub, says Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh (pic).
The Melaka Chief Minister said talks had already started with Indonesian carriers for more connectivity between LTAM and cities in the republic.
“The state government is in the midst of discussions with seven airlines to operate commercial flights at LTAM,” Ab Rauf told reporters after opening a Mustafa Jewellery outlet at a shopping mall here yesterday.
His announcement comes after The Star reported recently that local airlines that had been operating in LTAM had ceased operations, citing a lack of passengers and inadequate aircraft.
Speaking to reporters yesterday, Ab Rauf said the loss of those local carriers would not affect LTAM’s viability as an aviation hub. He said the state government would also hold talks with an Italian helicopter manufacturing conglomerate next month to discuss the possibility of turning LTAM into a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) centre.
Ab Rauf said the decision by two airlines to cease operations at LTAM recently was purely commercial.
“The state government has nothing to do with the decisions made by these airlines,” he said.
Ab Rauf said the airlines cited a lack of passengers as well as inadequate aircraft to continue operating at LTAM.
“These airlines have decided to use their planes to serve more lucrative routes,” he added.
On Tuesday, The Star reported that there were no longer commercial flights at LTAM and local tourism players said that the loss of service was rare.
A check at the airport found that check-in desks, a baggage carousel, and other counters had been empty since last month, with all flights, including those to Pekan Baru, Indonesia and Penang, no longer available.
