MAHB's earnings dip 1.3% to RM389m as operating costs jump

MALAYSIA Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) posted marginally lower earnings for the full year ended December 2013, but the airport operator expects the start of its new budget terminal in May to boost future performance with strong passenger growth and enhancements to its retail and commercial operations.

MAHB has projected passenger growth this year of 9.7 per cent or more than global estimates, following an 18.4 per cent increase to 79.5 million passengers last year.

There were more passenger arrivals at all its airports, in particular KLIA which had a 19 per cent increase to 47.5 million arrivals.