KUALA LUMPUR: AIRASIA Group, Asia’s largest low-cost carrier, plans to move its entire operations to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) by January next year.

Business Times has learnt that the group’s affiliates — AirAsia Bhd (AirAsia), Thai AirAsia, Philippines AirAsia, Indonesia AirAsia, AirAsia X Bhd and Indonesia X — had agreed to relocate to the main terminal.

The decision was made following the revised passenger service charges (PSCs) by Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) on Monday.

It is also learnt that AirAsia senior management had consulted Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) management on the matter.

The airline’s management will also present its relocation and operational requirements to the airport operator on November 7.

“AirAsia Group is serious about moving to KLIA main terminal. The decision to move is due to the lower PSC.

“With the reduction of PSC at KLIA, AirAsia intends to move its operations as soon as the new charges are applicable,” said sources yesterday.

In a statement on Monday, AirAsia and AirAsia X had said the services at KLIA and klia2 were not at par, and passengers enjoy far superior services at the main terminal.

AirAsia and its affiliates are now the largest klia2 operator, capturing 98 per cent of flights at the terminal.

Prior to klia2, AirAsia Group was operating at the previous low-cost carrier terminal, which is located nearby KLIA. The group moved to klia2 in 2014 within three weeks.

With about two months left before the new year begins, AirAsia is confident of moving its entire operations at KLIA, said the sources.