Annual Report 2020

GROUND TEAM RED Ground Team Red (GTR) is our technology- based ground handling arm, which serves all AirAsia as well as third-party airlines in Malaysia and Singapore. Since its establishment in 2017, this 50:50 joint venture with Singapore’s SATS Limited has set up a fully digitalised Airport Control Centre in klia2, as well as an Air Cargo Hub at KLIA Air Cargo Terminal 1 (KACT1), catering to diversification into the provision of cargo service. Business for the year was greatly impacted by the reduced number of flights, necessitating stringent cost management to maintain sustainable margins. This included a reduction in headcount, placing additional pressure to maintain a high level of productivity and efficiency. Cross departmental deployment of personnel, however, helped to build and improve internal capabilities proving that more can be done with less. Among the highlights of the year were handling repatriation/rescue flights as well as cargo only flights, where cargo had to be securely strapped in the cabin area. The utmost priority, however, was keeping Allstars safe, and this was reflected in complete adherence to all relevant standard operating procedures (SOPs) while maintaining a high level of service delivery. Going forward, GTR is preparing for a gradual recovery in air travel and freight operations. As the National Covid-19 Vaccination Programme gets under way, its immediate focus is to ensure readiness to be able to contribute to vaccine handling in Malaysia with industry leading cold chain facilities in KACT1. At the same time, GTR is looking to expand its cargo terminal operations across Malaysia as it creates synergies with Teleport’s growing business. Eventually, GTR will resume plans to expand to other key Asean markets such as Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand. All the while, it will continue to invest in digital technologies for enhanced productivity and service quality. 81 ANNUAL REPORT 2020