KUALA LUMPUR (July 25): Air traffic right (ATR) applications jumped 210% year-on-year in the second quarter of 2022 (2Q22), according to the Malaysian Aviation Commission (MAVCOM).

In its quarterly ATR report published on Monday (July 25), for the period of April 1 to June 30, 2022, MAVCOM said that in 2Q22, there was a higher application rate, with a total of 32 applications submitted, comprising 28 international and four domestic routes.

The commission said this reflected a 47.6% increase in ATR applications from 1Q22, and a significant 210% rise compared to the corresponding period in the previous year (2Q21).

It said the notable rise was driven by the reopening of Malaysia’s international borders in April 2022 coupled with airlines mapping out their international network to align with the reopening of international borders by other countries.

Additionally, the commission reported that the jump in ATR applications in 2Q22 was further supported by airlines exploring new sectors to strengthen their networks.

This was indicated by ATR applications for several new routes from secondary airports in Malaysia, namely Johor Bahru and Penang, to ASEAN destinations.

The commission also highlighted greater flight capacity into Australia and New Zealand by Malaysian carriers, particularly via the fifth freedom, from Indonesia to Australia, and Australia to New Zealand.

MAVCOM executive chairman Datuk Seri Saripuddin Kasim said the aviation landscape remains challenging, but the commission is pleased to report a healthy increase in ATR applications, which signifies the steady recovery of airlines.

“Furthermore, we are happy to support the decision by airlines to explore new sectors as a recovery strategy with the approval of ATRs for new routes such as Penang to Denpasar, Phnom Penh and Pekanbaru as well as Johor Bahru to Phnom Penh, Pekanbaru and Kualanamu.”

For the quarter under review, MAVCOM approved 31 out of the 32 ATR applications received from airlines, representing a 96.8% approval rate, which was higher compared to the 95.4% approval rate reported for 1Q22.

Of the 31 ATR approvals, AirAsia received the highest number of approvals, totalling 11 ATRs, followed by Batik Air Malaysia and AirAsia X, which received seven and six ATR approvals respectively. Both MY Jet Xpress Airlines and Raya Airways were awarded three ATRs each, and MABKargo was awarded one ATR approval.