Macau Airport does not believe in LCCT concept

CAM Macau International Airport Company advisor Antonio Jose Rato, speaking at CAPA's LCCs & New Age Airlines in North Asia Conference in Macau, stated (05-Sep-2012) the airport does not believe in the concept of constructing a separate terminal for LCCs. Mr Rato believes the LCCTs in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur are "now considered a mistake", pointing out the high cost of the new LCCT that is almost complete at Kuala Lumpur International Airport and the recent decision to demolish the Budget Terminal at Singapore Changi. Mr Rato said that while LCC passengers are interested in cheap fares "they don't expect to have low service at the airport". He stated from an airport perspective, having a separate LCCT is frequently more expensive than having one terminal for all carrier types because of the need to duplicate services and systems including check-in, security and immigration. Mr Rato said Macau International Airport expects further LCC growth in Macau but does not believe the airport's LCC penetration rate will reach 50%. The airport is currently serviced by 10 LCCs and has an LCC penetration rate of around 30%.