KUALA LUMPUR (May 3): AirAsia X Bhd (AAX) said today it will be filing a defence in response to Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd's (MAHB) claim that the airline owes it RM34.88 million in outstanding airport charges, rent and late payment charges.

MAHB's wholly-owned subsidiary Malaysia Airports (Sepang) Sdn Bhd had on April 27 filed a suit on AAX.

"The company's solicitors are of the opinion that Malaysia Airports (Sepang)'s claim can be legally defended, and further there are sums to be deducted and set off against charges imposed by Malaysia Airports (Sepang)," AAX said in a filing with Bursa Malaysia today.

The airline added that it will make the necessary announcement on any further material development in the matter in due course.

On April 30, MAHB announced that the lawsuit was filed against AAX after the airline refused and/or failed to pay the outstanding amount despite numerous demands.

In response, AAX chief executive officer Benyamin Ismail said on May 1 that the airline has consistently made monthly payments to the airport operator.

In today's filing, AAX said Malaysia Airports (Sepang)'s RM34.88 million claim entails RM33.42 million being outstanding airport charges, RM864,686.70 being outstanding late payment charges for the outstanding airport charges, RM583,746.93 for outstanding rent payment, and RM17,214.69 for outstanding late payment charges in respect of the outstanding rent payment.

The circumstances leading to the filing of the claim by Malaysia Airports (Sepang) is based on its contention that AAX had failed and/or neglected to make payment of the above-listed items, it said.

"There is no material financial and operational impact on the company as expenses of this nature are in the ordinary course of business and the same have been provided for in the financial statements. There are also no foreseeable losses arising from the claim," added AAX.

AAX shares closed down 0.5 sen or 1.3% at 38 sen, with 4.81 million shares done, bringing a market capitalisation of RM1.58 billion.