Don't Announce New Air Routes Before Government's Approval, Says Transport Minister

KUANTAN, July 20 (Bernama) -- AirAsia Bhd has been asked not to announce applications for new air routes and more frequency of flights to the media until the government has approved the applications.
Transport Minister Datuk Ong Tee Keat said such announcements were not proper as the applications were still being processed.
"This is not the way. The announcement must be made after the government has approved the application," Ong told reporters after attending the swearing-in ceremony for committee members of the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Pahang here today.
AirAsia's chief executive officer, Datuk Tony Fernandes, recently announced the low-cost carrier's intention to increase the daily frequency of flights on its Kuala Lumpur-Singapore route.
Ong said applications to get new routes and more flights were made not only by AirAsia but by other airlines as well who do not make any announcement until approval is secured.
This, he said, was because procedures and conditions had to be followed and the government had to determine the feasibility of the routes based on passenger load and benefits to the government.

tunku : don't bother tee kiat. kalimullah just pick up his phone, the approval will be coming to tony's desk right away.that's why they dare to announce before the government approves it.