The fact that the Aviation Department has directed that Boeing 737-400 cannot land at the Sultan Azlan Shah Airport is a setback to Perak. This has caused all flights by Flying Fox Airways which is scheduled to take off today to be forced to be cancelled. I call on the Federal Government and state government to be answerable.
Today, 13.12.2013, is supposed to mark a new day in the Perak aviation service but it is unusual to see that the Aviation Department has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAMN) to Flying Fox Airways two weeks before take off with instructions that Boeing 737-400 cannot land in the Sultan Azlan Shah Airport.
In May, the Deputy Transport Minister, Datuk Abdul Aziz said during the opening of the Sultan Azlan Shah Airport that the runway was extended from 1800 meters to 2000 meters thus allowing Airbus and Boeing 737-800 to land. The Menteri Besar, Dato Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir also said that the state government hopes that the airport can be turned into a transportation hub.
Though the Deputy Transport Minister has said so, the last-minute directive from Aviation Department has stated otherwise. The capacity of Boeing 737-400 is 168 pax compared to the Boeing 737-800 which has a capacity of 179 pax, excluding Business Class seats. The official website of the Malaysian Airport Authorities states that the airport can afford a Boeing 737. It raises questions of what had happened in between then and now.
Boeing 737-800 is an upgrade of Boeing 737-400. The length of the body of that Boeing is 39.5 meters, which is 3 meters more than Boeing 737-400. The Maximum Take Off Weight (MTOW) is 79000kg compared to Boeing 737-400 at 68000kgs. Be it at take off, landing or parking facilities, Boeing 737-800 has higher requirements to fulfill. If what was said by the Deputy Transport Minister is true, the smaller Boeing 737-400 can surely land in the Sultan Azlan Shah Airport. However, what has happened now proves that the Deputy Transport Minister’s statement is incorrect and is solely with the purpose of words to please the people.
Furthermore, Airbus requires a minimum of a 2500 meters runway. The upgraded Ipoh Airport has only 2000 meters, again proving that the Deputy Transport Minister’s statement is wrong. The Federal Government should take responsibility on the statement made by the Deputy Transport Minister in terms of the ability to land of the airbus and Boeing as they are answerable to the people.
Whilst the Menteri Besar has stated that he hoped the airport in Ipoh can attract more air carriers to come in, this incident does no good for the state government. This only scares away air carrier companies from joining the Sultan Azlan Shah Airport. Long term, it will cost investors to lose confidence in Perak. The state government has to assume the responsibility in this.