I refer to the report M'sia to step up offensive to become regional aviation hub (May 28) in which the Malaysian government announced its plans to offer more "attractive deals" and to spend RM10 million to woo airlines to KLIA away from Changi.

The aviation business is time-sensitive and regulated. Any delay is a loss in revenue. Engineering and maintenance, or E&M in industry jargon, is the lifeline of an aircraft operation.

A plane may experience technical problems while in flight. Certain problems must be repaired at the next stop, say KLIA for instance, while some can be deferred until the aircraft returns to its homebase. It's the pilot's decision.

Now, let's look at what Changi has to offer. Airframe manufacturer Boeing, Airbus and even Fokker has a spare part base in Singapore. Many manufacturers of aviation components have their maintenance base or at least a site office on the island.

Not far away at Paya Lebar Airport, Singapore Technology Aerospace's (ST Aero) subsidiary, Sasco, has maintenance, repair and overhaul support for a range of commercial aircrafts — B747, B767, A300 and A310, with new additions MD-11 and DC-10. It is not surprising if support for Airbus giant A380 is also in the pipeline.

Airlines which use Changi airport are assured that spare parts and expertise are available if technical problems arise. Is the same support available in KLIA? Or do we just tell the pilot that spare parts or technical expertise would be coming from Singapore?

In summary the growth of KLIA as a hub must be complemented by the existence of E&M capability of the aircraft types landing here. It matters a lot to an airline to know that E&M facilities are available.

Waiving parking and landing charges is not the answer to getting airlines to fly here. It is too costly to an airline if its aircraft is delayed because spare parts and services are not available in KLIA or SAAS Subang, but have to be ordered from Singapore.