LCCT Receives 6.2 Millionth Passenger


SEPANG, March 23 (Bernama) - The Low-Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT), which celebrates its first anniversary Friday, received its 3.7 millionth domestic passenger and 6.2 millionth passenger, since its opening.

"This year, we hope to see an increase in passenger movements of up to 7.4 million," said chairman of Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB), Tan Sri Dr Aris Othman, at a press conference held at the LCCT here today.

Last year, he said, the LCCT recorded passenger movements of 4.7 million and the number was expected to increase due to the rapid growth of low-fare travel worldwide.

"This year, we are anticipating a natural increase in passenger throughput in the coming months due to the Visit Malaysia Year 2007 and the aggressive promotion by the airlines," he said.

Dr Aris said apart from AirAsia, the other airlines using the terminal were Thai AirAsia, Indonesia AirAsia and Cebu Pacific.

He said MAHB planned to expand the LCCT to accommodate Airasia X long-haul operations.

"The expansion is to accommodate Airasia X's use of bigger aircraft for its operations. We also plan to increase the number of aircraft parking bays," he said.

After the upgrade, Dr Aris said, the terminal would have the capacity to accommodate 15 million passengers annually from 10 million currently.

He said the airport operator has ample time to upgrade the terminal because Airasia X has postponed its operations until September.

He, however, declined to disclose the expansion cost.

Built on a fast-track basis within nine months, the construction of the terminal began in June 2005, fully funded by the government.

It started operations on March 23, 2006.

MAHB manages and operates 39 airports in Malaysia, five international, 16 domestic and 18 short take-off and landing ports.

-- BERNAMA

MAHB targets 7.5m passengers at LCCT this year

By Tamimi Omar
Email us your feedback at fd@bizedge.com


Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd targets to handle 7.5 million passengers at its low cost carrier terminal (LCCT) compared with 4.7 million passengers for the nine months last year.

The airport operating company chairman Tan Sri Aris Othman said the terminal had to date handled 6.2 million passengers since its’ opening on March 23 last year.

“We are anticipating an increase in passenger volume in the coming months due to the Visit Malaysia Year and the aggressive promotion by the airlines.”

“Apart from AirAsia, I am pleased to see other airlines such as Thai AirAsia, Indonesia AirAsia and Cebu Pacific utilising this terminal,” he told reporters at the first anniversary celebration of the LCCT in Sepang on March 23.

Aris said the LCCT had a capacity of 10 million passengers and the airport operator was in the final stages of discussion with the government to expand the terminal.

MAHB had said besides the expansion of LCCT at KLIA, additional aircraft parking bays were being prepared to accommodate AirAsia X’s use of bigger aircraft for its operations

Aris said MAHB also targets to increase the LCCT’s revenue contribution in tandem with the increase in passenger traffic. LCCT’s revenue for the first nine months ended Dec 31, 2006 was RM50.8 million or 8.4% of Kuala Lumpur International Airport’s (KLIA) total revenue.

He added that the number of passengers in KLIA was expected to grow by 6.64% to 25.7 million this year from 24.1 million in 2006.

Move low-cost carrier terminal to bigger area: Malaysia Airports
By Zainab Mohd Yatim
March 24 2007
BusinessTimes


THE KL International Airport's low-cost carrier terminal (LCCT) in Sepang should be moved to a bigger area to meet increasing demand for low-cost air travel, said Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) chairman Tan Sri Dr Aris Othman.

"The capacity of the present terminal can be expanded to handle 15 million passengers a year from 10 million now, but it certainly cannot cater to the growing demand for low-cost air travel," he told reporters after launching the first anniversary of the LCCT in Sepang yesterday.

"As such, a new location has to be identified," he added.

MAHB has recommended to the Government that a new LCC hub be built next to the present satellite and main terminal buildings of KLIA.

Apart from budget carrier AirAsia Bhd, which is MAHB's biggest customer at the LCCT, the airport also caters to Thai AirAsia, Indonesia AirAsia dan Cebu Pacific Airways.

Aris said LCCT recorded encouraging growth since it opened on March 23 last year, with high service levels and convenience to passengers.

Last year, the LCCT handled 4.7 million passengers, and this year, the number is expected to grow to 7.5 million.

From January to February this year, the airport recorded some 1.1 million passengers.

Aris said future plans for the LCCT include its expansion to cater to AirAsia X's long-haul flights.

The expansion involves the extension of the apron for wide-body aircraft, expansion of the terminal building, review of the baggage-handling operations, car-park extension and a food court, he added.

Nonetheless, he said the postponement of AirAsia X to begin its services to next year will give MAHB more time to plan for expansion.

On the cost of the proposed expansion at LCCT, Aris said it will be determined by the Government.

Construction of the RM108 million LCCT was completed within nine months.

On contributions of the LCCT operations to MAHB's revenue, Aris said it is expected to increase to some RM100 million this year, accounting for between 15 per cent and 20 per cent of the group's revenue.

was told by the MAHB big boss that the new location for the permanent LCCT is as below...most prob. will start for construction around 2012....

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y59/payrol/lcct.jpg

Make perfect sense because if the current trend continues, the LCCT traffic will overtake the MTB traffic soon, and AirAsia will overtake MAS as the largest airlines in the country too.

This could be a very positive development because with the largest LCC based in KLIA, KLIA has more chances to stake its claim as the air hub in the region. Previously, we simply have no chance against the like of Changi cos they have a strong SIA while our MAS was struggling all the time.

cheers

^^ i thought that site will be the future 3rd and 4th satellite building??

^^ i thought that site will be the future 3rd and 4th satellite building??

Doubt KLIA will ever get there with their current biz plan, well not in billion years:bash:

^^whateverlah white sox....condemn condemn condemn, you only good at that.:ohno:

fairul, are you saying that the current LCC terminal is just temporary..?

Subang-LCCT shuttle service

By LIM CHIA YING


A new shuttle service to and from the Low-Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) in Sepang is now in place at one of Subang Jaya’s premier shopping malls Subang Pa-rade.

The service was introduced in January to cater for folks in Subang Jaya and surrounding neighbourhood.


Shuttle hub: The shuttle buses pick up and drop off passengers outside the entrance to Subang Parade in front of Digital One.
Subang Parade centre manager Anthony Dylan said prior to the service, Subang residents had to travel to KL Sentral to take public transport to LCCT.

“While there are taxis, this service would provide the Subang community with another option of public transportation. They don’t need to go through the hassle of taking the KTM Komuter to KL Sentral before transferring to a bus.

“For students from Sabah and Sarawak who are studying in Shah Alam, they can conveniently hop on-to the shuttle service to go to LCCT to catch their flight,” Anthony said.

The service called Star Shuttle is a tie-up with service provider Uta-magas Sdn Bhd, which owns and operates the fleet of buses.

“We have been toying with this idea of having a pick-up hub from Subang Parade since last year. However, things didn’t quite materialise until January when we spotted a bus parked at the KTM Komuter station, dropping off passengers.

“So we approached the driver to see if he could give us the company contact. We got to speak to the company management who were equally agreeable with the idea and the service started promptly the next day!” Anthony said.

He said the service was very much about giving back to the community.

“It's not just about shopping anymore these days at shopping malls. Our existence depends on customers and it’s only right that we look further than that. We want to be the pride of Subang Jaya and everyone from businessmen to old folks can come to us when they need a service to LCCT,” he said.

The 36-seater buses are new, fully air-conditioned and have a compartment beneath each seat for passengers to store their luggage.

The earliest departure from Su-bang Parade is at 4.45am while the last service is 9.30pm.

Travel time takes about an hour and passengers are advised to be at Subang Parade at least half an hour before the scheduled departure time. One way is priced at RM9 per passenger.

The service is also provided for passengers from LCCT to Subang Pa-rade.

Utamagas director Shahril Azmir Ahmad Shaffie said the service of-fered a cheaper alternative for people to get to the airport.

“We can assure customers that our timing is according to schedule, our buses leave right on departure time and reaches LCCT within an hour, unless there are unforeseen circumstances beyond our control.

“But I would recommend that people call us to let us know the time of their flights so that we can advise them whether they should take our bus or not,” Shahril said.

He added that frequency of buses was between an hour 15 minutes to an hour and a half for peak hours early in the morning, and a two-hour interval for non-peak hours in late morning until evening.

“We have also ordered new 44-seater buses, to operate soon.”

The route to the LCCT traverses through Batu Tiga turnoff to Central Sugar factory before hitting the Elite Highway.

“Unlike KL Sentral serviced by three different bus companies, we serve more suburban areas like Subang, Shah Alam, as well as Pe-keliling station and Jalan Ipoh in Kuala Lumpur,” he added.

Anthony said with the service, there was no need for friends or family to send you all the way to the airport.

“I've seen AirAsia staff taking this service too after being dropped off at our hub by their boyfriends or husbands! Even retirees and businessmen use this service.”

He said the mall was eventually looking into allocating a proper booth for selling tickets.

The hub is located outside the entrance in front of Digital One. Tickets can be purchased from the Utamagas staff seated at a table next to the bunting located at the hub where the bus stops.

For schedule information or enquiries, call 03-4043 8811 during office hours or 017-250 3377.

Alternatively, check the schedule affixed on boards inside the mall.

http://www.starwira.com/

^^whateverlah white sox....condemn condemn condemn, you only good at that.:ohno:

Then prove me wrong:ohno:

^^
nah, based on the original klia masterplan, another satellite building will be identical to the one on the present site. itll be on the square vacant land next to the current satellite building.

Then prove me wrong:ohno:

ok, it was my mistake...u are 100% correct....good luck!

^^whateverlah white sox....condemn condemn condemn, you only good at that.:ohno:

fairul, are you saying that the current LCC terminal is just temporary..?


yes..the current one is temporary...membazir right? somemore..want to expand...dunno la this MAHB..always no planning one..:ohno:

the work for Food Garden aka Food Court at LCCT started already...piling has completed...

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y59/payrol/IMG_2559.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y59/payrol/IMG_2558.jpg

Looks big for a food court, does it equiped with air-conditioning?

Hehe......i want to see gerai mamak (just like Malaysian streets) in the food court :D

^^im not sure about that...its not part of my project...maybe next week i check out the drawings and ui'll inform u...

yes..the current one is temporary...membazir right? somemore..want to expand...dunno la this MAHB..always no planning one..:ohno:

i don't think MAHB will simply demolish LCCT when the new one completed. maybe they will turn it into a warehouse or for logistics...hopefully lah...

i don't think MAHB will simply demolish LCCT when the new one completed. maybe they will turn it into a warehouse or for logistics...hopefully lah...

they will turn it into a warehouse...

Wow... thanks for the updates fairul...:cheers:

WiFi for all airport users from now on
Saturday April 28, 2007
By CHARLES FERNANDEZ
TheStar


http://www.thestar.com.my/archives/2007/4/28/central/p6Aminuddin.jpg

All eyes: (From left) Bashir, Malaysia Airports Technologies general manager
Aminuddin Yaakob, KLIA general manager Daud Hosnan and senior general
manager (operations) Datuk Azmi Murad at the launch of WiFi service at the
Low Cost Carrier Terminal in Sepang.

MALAYSIA Airports is currently upgrading its services and facilities to serve airport users at the Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) better.

Part of the plans include expanding the LCCT to accommodate AirAsia’s long haul operations.

With this, passengers will also have Internet access for free.

The “hotspots” Wifi@LCCT-KLIA service was launched by Malaysia Airports’ managing director Datuk Seri Bashir Ahmad recently.

The enhanced wired and wireless access is available at both the international and domestic departure areas and the public departure concourse.

“This service will enable Malaysia Airports to better serve not only the airlines operating at LCCT-KLIA but its community as a whole,’’ said Bashir.

He said as LCCT-KLIA is an extension of existing facilities at KLIA, the upgrade is an integral part of Malaysia Airports commitment to ensure all their airports remain as one of the leading airports in the world, equipped with the latest technology that benefits both the customers and other airport users.

“We believe this service will further strengthen its position as the best low cost airport in this region,’’ added Bashir.

KLIA was equipped with free wireless access last September and this new technology will support KLIA’s network for many years to come as the capacity has increased 40 times from 622 megabits per second to 10 gigabits per second.

http://i2.tinypic.com/4z3qgiu.png

From Screenshots:

http://www.jeffooi.com/2007/05/lcct_now_everybody_can_die.php#comments

LCCT: Now everybody can die

Oriental Daily News today frontpaged an alarming piece of news about how everybody can fly cheap and die cheap.

A passenger who flew in from Tawau died at the Sepang Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) during the wee hours yesterday. He was believed to have succumbed to asthma attack and there was no ER (emergency room) facilities to attend to him immediately at the cheap airport.

This was not the first, and probably not the last casulaty. Last July, artiste Hani Mohsein died under similar circumstances at the same airport last July.

Immediately after Hani's death, the management of LCCT started stationing paramedics on a 24-hour basis.

Apparently, the medical support didn't kick in when it was needed most for the Tawau-originated traveller.

Bear in mind, the nearest full-fledged medical service is located in Serdang Hospital, besides a clinic operational at KLIA situated nearby. However, it takes about 10 to 15 minutes before an ambulance can arrive to your rescue at the LCCT -- if you are that lucky.

What went wrong again yesterday?

New building for low-cost carrier terminal

MALAYSIA Airports Bhd (MAB) plans to construct a new building for the Low-Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) due to the increasing demand.

Its senior general manager of operations, Datuk Azmi Murad, said the new building would replace the existing LCCT building, which has been operating since March 2006 and located adjacent to the Malaysia Airlines cargo building.

He said the LCCT terminal has been handling seven million passengers per year with four flight operators, including AirAsia, and was close to reaching its maximum limit of 10 million passengers.

“The demand by low-cost carriers has increased steadily every year with an average of 30 per cent and with the new building, the LCCT can handle 25 million passenger per year with new facilities,” he told reporters after launching the company’s airport literacy programme for journalists in Kota Kinabalu today.

The airlines now operating at the LCCT are AirAsia, Thai AirAsia, Indonesia AirAsia and Cebu Pacific Airways.

Azmi said AirAsia is now serving 71 destinations in the Asia Pacific region and the need for a new building would be much higher after the launch of its flight services to China.

“On the new LCCT building, we are still in discussions with AirAsia on what they need before the project commenced. The government will announce details of the new building soon,” he said. - Bernama

LCCT baru RM1.7b di KLIA siap 2010

LCCT baru RM1.7b di KLIA siap 2010
Oleh Abdul Halim Yusoff


KUALA LUMPUR: Terminal baru syarikat penerbangan tambang murah (LCCT) serba canggih dan selesa bernilai RM1.7 bilion akan dibina di Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa KL (KLIA) bagi menggantikan LCCT sedia ada yang semakin sesak.

Sumber berkata, LCCT lengkap dan menawarkan kemudahan lebih selesa kepada penumpang dan syarikat penerbangan, akan dibina di atas tapak bersebelahan kawasan meletak kereta tidak berbumbung KLIA dan dijangka siap menjelang 2010.
Pembinaan terminal baru itu adalah sebahagian daripada projek mengikut Inisiatif Pembiayaan Swasta (PFI) dalam Rancangan Malaysia Kesembilan (RMK-9) bagi mempertingkatkan prasarana fizikal di KLIA.

“Kementerian Pengangkutan sedang melakukan penilaian terperinci kertas cadangan yang dikemukakan Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB), syarikat pengendali lapangan terbang di seluruh negara baru-baru ini, selepas mendapat restu Unit Perancang Ekonomi (EPU), Kementerian Kewangan.

Sumber itu berkata, sebuah konsortium Bumiputera sudah dikenal pasti untuk melaksanakan projek itu yang dijangka bekerjasama dengan beberapa syarikat kejuruteraan dan pembinaan terkemuka tempatan termasuk UEM Group dan IJM Bhd.

Beliau berkata, LCCT baru itu akan mempunyai keupayaan mengendalikan 25 juta penumpang setahun.
“Keunikan cadangan pembinaan terminal baru ini ialah pada konsep rekaan modular yang membolehkan proses pembesaran mudah dilakukan untuk menampung 25 juta lagi penumpang jika ada keperluan pada masa depan,” katanya sambil menambah LCCT baru itu dijangka mampu menampung pesawat besar seperti Airbus A340, Airbus A380 dan A330.

“Sejajar aspirasi kerajaan untuk meliberalisasikan perkhidmatan udara mulai 2009 dan menjadikan KLIA hab penerbangan serantau, pembinaan LCCT yang lebih selesa adalah antara perkara yang perlu dilakukan,” katanya.

Sumber itu berkata, LCCT sedia ada seluas 32,590 meter serba ringkas dibina bersebelahan terminal kargo, dijangka sesak sepenuhnya menjelang hujung tahun depan.

Menjelang tempoh itu, LCCT bernilai RM108 juta itu dijangka menguruskan lebih 10 juta penumpang setahun, lebih daripada keupayaan maksimumnya.

Unjuran kendalian penumpang itu dibuat dengan menyandarkan kepada arah aliran peningkatan penumpang AirAsia dan unjuran perkembangan menggalakkan AirAsia X, syarikat penerbangan tambang murah jarak jauh sekutu AirAsia yang memulakan operasi tahun ini.

Peningkatan berterusan penumpang akan menyebabkan kesesakan di terminal dan apron, menimbulkan isu keselamatan dan meningkatnya kelewatan penerbangan.

Berdasarkan arah aliran penumpang perkhidmatan LCCT sekarang, jumlah penumpang tambang murah akan mengatasi penumpang perkhidmatan penuh antara tahun 2013 dan 2025.

Selain AirAsia dan syarikat sekutunya Thai AirAsia dan AWAir, antara syarikat penerbangan tambang murah serantau lain yang sudah menggunakan LCCT ialah Cebu Pacific Airlines. Sementara rundingan dengan beberapa syarikat lain sedang berjalan.

Beliau berkata, tapak pembinaan LCCT baru itu sudah termasuk dalam pelan induk pembangunan KLIA yang dibina pada 1996 membabitkan kos RM10.5 bilion. Bagaimanapun LCCT sedia ada terpaksa dibina sebelum ini bagi menampung peningkatan mendadak penumpang perkhidmatan tambang murah AirAsia.

Terminal baru itu akan menyelesaikan pelbagai isu terutama membabitkan keselesaan penumpang kerana tapak itu bercantum dengan kompleks terminal sedia ada, memudahkan perhubungan pengangkutan bas dan ERL ke ibu kota.

LCCT baru RM1.7b di KLIA siap 2010

LCCT baru RM1.7b di KLIA siap 2010
Oleh Abdul Halim Yusoff


KUALA LUMPUR: Terminal baru syarikat penerbangan tambang murah (LCCT) serba canggih dan selesa bernilai RM1.7 bilion akan dibina di Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa KL (KLIA) bagi menggantikan LCCT sedia ada yang semakin sesak.

Sumber berkata, LCCT lengkap dan menawarkan kemudahan lebih selesa kepada penumpang dan syarikat penerbangan, akan dibina di atas tapak bersebelahan kawasan meletak kereta tidak berbumbung KLIA dan dijangka siap menjelang 2010.

Terminal baru itu akan menyelesaikan pelbagai isu terutama membabitkan keselesaan penumpang kerana tapak itu bercantum dengan kompleks terminal sedia ada, memudahkan perhubungan pengangkutan bas dan ERL ke ibu kota.

Am I right or not?

http://img30.picoodle.com/img/img30/9/7/21/f_13m_453b564.jpg

too far from 14 L ....abang tony will hate this unless they're going to build new runway closer to the terminal..

http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/5710/klia1li4.jpg

the KLIA Master Plan is like the above picture that i posted.

KLIA Masterplan:
- 2 Main Terminal Building
- 4 Satelitte Building
- 2 Cargo Zone
- 3 Runaway


for the new LCCT, maybe MAHB will construct new terminal building to serve the purpose.

satelitte B building tender already be given and the purpose is to cater international flight.

satelitte C & D maybe could be build in 5-8 years from now.

but so we will see they going to demolish Concorde Inn and the KLIA Quarters zone there or they will remain until they plan to develop satelitte C & D.

that's why KLIA Mosque built far away from the MTB A.

the new runway is redundant and dangerous. also it wont allow simultaneous use of 14 R/32 L because they are in the same direction, hence, it kills off the benefits of building the new runway. If they still want to build short runway, it will be better off to be situated next to runway 14 L/ 32 R next to Sepang Circuit, there's much more space there and not redundant. The purpose of building new runways is to allow multiple/simultaneous use.

Is there proposal of an aerotrain connection between Satellite building A to C or B to D if ever built because it is quite far apart from each other?? :nuts:

IATA criticises different tax rates at budget airline terminals

KUALA LUMPUR: The International Air Transport Association on Monday criticised Malaysia's move to cut departure tax at its two budget airline terminals, saying it was discriminatory to other carriers and warning it could hurt tourism in the country.

In June, departure tax for international passengers at the Low Cost Carrier Terminals, or LCCT, in Kuala Lumpur and in Kota Kinabalu was dropped by up to 51 percent to RM25 (US$7.40; euro5.40).

The rate already incorporates security charges.

The rate for domestic flights was cut by 33 percent to RM6 (US$1.78; euro1.30).

At the Kuala Lumpur main terminal and other airports nationwide the departure tax for international passengers remains at RM51 (US$15.10; euro11.03).

For domestic travelers, the tax is RM15 (US$4.44; euro3.24).

The Geneva-based IATA, the governing body which regulates international air transport, said its member airlines have been dealt a cost disadvantage by the lower tax charges at Malaysia's LCCTs.

IATA director general Giovanni Bisignani has written to Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to call for a level playing field for all airlines operating in Malaysia, the body said in a statement.

IATA member airlines account for 90 percent of Asia Pacific traffic and play a key role in Malaysia's economy through employment opportunities and the wider benefits of aviation and tourism, Bisignani said in the letter.

"The discriminatory charges scheme distorts competition and hinders the growth of IATA member airlines, resulting in sub-optimal benefits to Malaysia and a negative impact on efforts to promote tourism,'' he said.

Bisignani also said such discriminatory practice goes against the rules of the International Civil Aviation Organization to which Malaysia is a signatory, and called for it to be immediately removed.

"All airlines and their passengers should be offered the same level of charges and incentives in order to maximize growth,'' he added.

Malaysia has said it cut the tax rates as part of efforts to become a regional hub for low cost carriers in Asia.

It hopes to woo more carriers to its low-cost terminals, which are currently used only by Southeast Asia's biggest no-frills carrier AirAsia and by the Philippines' Cebu Pacific.

Malaysia faces stiff low-cost airline and terminal competition from Singapore and Thailand. - AP

Source : The Star
Link : http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/8/9/nation/20070809193257&sec=nation

New, bigger LCCT to be built

By V.P. SUJATA

PUTRAJAYA: A new and bigger Low-Cost Carrier Terminal for the KL International Airport will be built in three to four years' time as the current LCCT is nearing its full capacity of 10 million passengers a year.

The new terminal with the capacity to accommodate 30 million passengers a year will be located closer to the main terminal.

The Express Rail Link services, which were initially planned for the current LCCT would not proceed, as it would be connected with the new LCCT later.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak announced this after chairing the Cabinet Committee Meeting on Public Transportation here today. He said the current LCCT would undergo further expansion to increase its capacity to accommodate 15 million passengers annually.

"The Cabinet committee had agreed to the construction of the new LCCT and for immediate allocation for the expansion of the current LCCT which will soon reach its maximum capacity.

"The new LCCT will take three to four years to complete while the current one would be converted for some other use," he said, adding that low-cost carrier AirAsia would be operating the new LCCT.

The current LCCT, built at a cost of RM108mil started operations in March last year. Among the expansion plans for it are work on the arrival and departure lounges, and the carpark.

He said the plan for the new LCCT would be finalised in a month.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy, who was present at the meeting, said the current LCCT, which was designed as a warehouse, would be converted into a cargo terminal when the new LCCT starts operating.

He said although the Government anticipated the current LCCT would reach maximum capacity soon, they had to build it first before they could plan the bigger LCCT.

Najib also said that the Transport Ministry was taking steps to address complaints by the disabled community that RapidKL and Rapid Penang buses were not disabled-friendly despite their earlier appeals.

really hope a very good design will be considered as it will be a permanent structure....

The new LCCT terminal is going to cost $1.7 billion. Newspaper said 3-4 years to complete. They can fastrack it what. Sure no aerobridge one. It better have aerotrain to the KLIA main terminal.

aiyo so expensive. Can build entire new airport for Penang

Approval for new low-cost carrier terminal
Friday August 10, 2007
By V.P. SUJATA

PUTRAJAYA: A new and bigger low-cost carrier terminal (LCCT) for the KL International Airport will be built in three to four years as the current LCCT is nearing its capacity of 10 million passengers a year.

The new terminal, which will be able to handle 30 million passengers a year, is to be located closer to the main terminal than the present LCCT.

Therefore, the Express Rail Link service, which was initially planned for the current LCCT, would not go on but would be connected to the new one instead.

In announcing this after chairing the Cabinet Committee Meeting on Public Transportation here yesterday, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the current LCCT would undergo further expansion to increase its capacity to accommodate 15 million passengers annually.

“The Cabinet committee has agreed to the construction of the new LCCT and for immediate expansion of the current LCCT,'' he said.

The current LCCT, built at a cost of RM108mil, started operations in March last year.

He said plans for the new LCCT would be finalised in a month.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy, who was at the meeting, said the current LCCT, which was first designed as a warehouse, would be converted into a cargo terminal when the new LCCT starts operations.

Najib also said that the Transport Ministry was taking steps to address complaints by the disabled community that RapidKL and Rapid Penang buses were not disabled-friendly.

Earlier, Najib also announced improvement to the public transportation system in Sabah and Pahang using funds from the Public Transport Trust Fund.

New LCCT Will Be Built, Existing LCCT To Be Expanded, Says Najib
Updated : 09-08-2007


PUTRAJAYA, Aug 9 (Bernama) -- A new low-cost carrier terminal (LCCT) will be built near the KL International Airport (KLIA) to accommodate 30 million passengers a year while the existing one there will be expanded to cater to an additional five million passengers annually.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said today the location and allocations for the projects would be confirmed later.

"We need to expand the existing LCCT despite the building of the new LCCT because the new LCCT will take four years to complete," he told reporters after chairing the meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Public Transportation here.

He said the existing RM108-million terminal, which was opened in March last year, was being operated at its almost full capacity of 10 million passengers a year.

The new LCCT would be connected by rail link as well, he said, adding that the present LCCT would not be wasted because it would be converted to other use once the new LCCT was ready.

Najib said the expansion of the present LCCT would include the apron area to cater to wide-bodied aircraft and the aircraft parking bay.

About 4.6 million travellers used the LCCT last year.

He said the construction of a new LCCT and expansion of the present one was not meant for AirAsia only as other low-cost carriers could also use the facilities.

On other matters, Najib said the cabinet committee approved the Sabah government's request to buy locomotives and build 30 level crossing at a total cost of RM72 million, of which RM50 million would be given as soft loan under the Public Transport Fund and the balance as grant from the federal government.

The committee also approved in principle a request to build bus terminals in Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, Tawau and Kuantan, he added.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy told reporters later that the new LCCT would be located closer to the KLIA and would in fact be part of the KLIA.

LCCT under MAHB
Tuesday August 14, 2007
By B.K. SIDHU
TheStar


PETALING JAYA: Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) is likely to add one more airport under its wings when the new low-cost carrier terminal (LCCT) is up and running by the turn of the decade.

It may still be early days as details of the new LCCT – which will be housed next to the existing KL International Airport (KLIA) – will only be announced in a month’s time but, sources said, management wise, it would go to MAHB.

The Government announced last week that a new LCCT, that could cater up to 30 million passengers a year, would be built close to the KLIA at an undisclosed amount.

It is learnt that MAHB would not only just manage the airport but would also be involved in the construction by way of preparing all the ground work – from design to issuing out tenders – for the various jobs.

In any case, this new airport is a recommendation by MAHB and it only makes sense for the airport operator to be involved from the onset so that the airport shapes up to the way it had recommended.

In February, StarBiz reported that MAHB had recommended to the Government for a new LCCT to be built next to the present satellite and main terminal buildings at KLIA.

Unlike the existing LCCT, where linkages are only by road and air, the new LCCT will also be linked by rail as the Express Rail Link from KLIA and KL Sentral will be extended. The two airports will also be linked by a sky train.

Under the original master plan for KLIA, there should be ample land bank to house four satellite buildings, two terminal structures and five runways. If all the buildings are constructed, KLIA should be able to handle 100 million passengers a year.

Currently, AirAsia, its Thai and Indonesian subsidiaries, as well as Cebu Pacific Airways operate from the existing LCCT. Over the next few months, AirAsia X will begin flying long haul from the same terminal. More low-cost carriers are expected to use the new terminal.

Besides managing the KLIA and the current LCCT, MAHB manages 37 other airports in the country. It recently won rights to manage the Sabiha Gokcen International Airport in Turkey in a RM9.1bil deal and, prior to that, Astana International Airport in Kazakhstan. It is also involved in the management of Hyderabad and New Dehli airports in India.

Better times are ahead for MAHB that has waited for a long time for its financial restructuring to be completed. In fact, details of a new plan on how it should move to remove its overhang of the RM800mil it owes the Government are expected to be announced soon.

One clear sign that the financial restructuring is at its tail end is the offloading of its role in the Formula 1 championships to Khazanah Nasional Bhd in a deal valued at RM389.35mil.

Analysts are also taking a closer look at MAHB these days given its effort to get more business.

An analyst felt that MAHB would be better placed to drive through operational improvements with the financial restructuring overhang resolved as it would remove investors' concerns and allow for more earnings clarity, going forward.

^^ I hope they will switch back to the use of aerobridge when it is built. I really hate walking under the hot sun or in the rain just for their sake of saving the little cost. Mr. Fernandez, please bear in mind that M'sia is a tropical country and it is not nice to force the travellers to sweat under the scorching sun or be drenched in the downpour just for walking from the gate to the plane. We only have dry and wet season in M'sia so the weather is definitely not suitable to have open air type departure. Also, there are a lot of flies in the plane and very annoying. I asked the FA why and she told me because LCCT is close to KLIA cargo which deals with animal/meat. So, I'm sure there are a lot of ppl like who are willing to pay RM 5-RM10 more for that to be switched back to aerobridge.

^^ What's wrong with that ? I really like the open air connection to the plane like in LCCT compared to aerobridge in KLIA.

alot of people like aerobridge but let's accept the way they do business. It save a lot when MAHB charge rm 35 for every usage of aerobridge. If you can afford extra rm 10-20, you should go for MAS instead.

First budget hotel in airport
Updated : 16-08-2007
Media : The Star


KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will have the world's first budget hotel housed in an international airport when Tune Hotels.com ¡V the hotel chain of budget airline AirAsia ¡V opens in the Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) at KL International Airport next year.

The move will see Tune Hotels.com adding yet another hotel to its fast-growing chain, which already includes hotels in Johor, Penang, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu.

Its deputy chief executive officer Mark Lancaster said in a press conference here yesterday that the hotel would offer a five-star sleeping experience at one-star price for the 20 million-odd passengers who transit at the LCCT each year.

¡§This is to fulfil the needs and to provide convenience for all low-cost carrier passengers, going with the theme of 'Now everyone can fly, now everyone can stay'.

¡§The new hotel will have 260 rooms on six floors, spread over more than 4,000 sq m. The ground floor will house the lobby and the rest will be taken up by renowned food and beverage retail outlets,¡¨ he said.

The event saw Tune Hotels.com and Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) signing a memorandum of understanding with MAHB represented by its general manager of commercial services Umar Bustamam and Tune Hotels.com by its co-founder and director Dennis Melka.

Also present was Tune Hotels.com founder Datuk Tony Fernandes, who at a separate event earlier had launched AirAsia¡¦s new in-flight magazine named Travel 3Sixty.

The glossy 96-page monthly English magazine covers an array of topics including travel, entertainment, lifestyle and fashion.

Produced by an in-house team, the magazine is also aimed at being a platform to showcase AirAsia¡¦s extensive routes, services and fare promotions.

While it is currently only available on flights from Malaysia, Fernandes, also AirAsia Bhd group chief executive officer, said the magazine ¡§should also be available on flights from Thailand and Indonesia in about a month's time.¡¨

An online version of the magazine is also on the way.

First budget hotel in airport
Updated : 16-08-2007
Media : The Star


KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will have the world's first budget hotel housed in an international airport when Tune Hotels.com ¡V the hotel chain of budget airline AirAsia ¡V opens in the Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) at KL International Airport next year.

The move will see Tune Hotels.com adding yet another hotel to its fast-growing chain, which already includes hotels in Johor, Penang, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu.

Its deputy chief executive officer Mark Lancaster said in a press conference here yesterday that the hotel would offer a five-star sleeping experience at one-star price for the 20 million-odd passengers who transit at the LCCT each year.

¡§This is to fulfil the needs and to provide convenience for all low-cost carrier passengers, going with the theme of 'Now everyone can fly, now everyone can stay'.

¡§The new hotel will have 260 rooms on six floors, spread over more than 4,000 sq m. The ground floor will house the lobby and the rest will be taken up by renowned food and beverage retail outlets,¡¨ he said.

The event saw Tune Hotels.com and Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) signing a memorandum of understanding with MAHB represented by its general manager of commercial services Umar Bustamam and Tune Hotels.com by its co-founder and director Dennis Melka.

Also present was Tune Hotels.com founder Datuk Tony Fernandes, who at a separate event earlier had launched AirAsia¡¦s new in-flight magazine named Travel 3Sixty.

The glossy 96-page monthly English magazine covers an array of topics including travel, entertainment, lifestyle and fashion.

Produced by an in-house team, the magazine is also aimed at being a platform to showcase AirAsia¡¦s extensive routes, services and fare promotions.

While it is currently only available on flights from Malaysia, Fernandes, also AirAsia Bhd group chief executive officer, said the magazine ¡§should also be available on flights from Thailand and Indonesia in about a month's time.¡¨

An online version of the magazine is also on the way.

^^ Where is the location? At the present LCCT or close to KLIA terminal?

The Star Online > Nation

Thursday October 11, 2007



Long queues at LCCT

http://www.geocities.com/klbloke/lcctcrowd.jpg
Jam-packed: AirAsia’s domestic and international counters are kept busy with the huge throng of passengers checking-in to get back home for Hari Raya.
SEPANG: It was a sea of people at the Low-Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) which saw an 80% increase in travellers the past two days.

The queues were long as people waited to get on AirAsia flights to various destinations yesterday.

Many of them looked like they were returning home after a long stay in Malaysia. Many were carrying electrical items and large toys.

AirAsia has also increased flights to several popular destinations like Tawau, Sandakan, Phuket and Solo to cater to the increasing number of travellers.

A spokesman for the airline company said that some of the additional flights were fully booked.

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LCCT 'bursting at the seams'
By Jennifer Gomez

15 November, 2007

SEPANG: The Low-Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) here is bursting at the seams. The growing popularity of budget travel is taking its toll on the airport's facilities and services -- from the baggage screening as one enters the terminal building, the departure halls, and up to the collection of luggage on arrival.

With 25,000 passengers a day catching close to 200 flights, there are no distinct areas for the different processes passengers must go through -- it's a hodgepodge of people.

Hard to miss as one enters the terminal are the scores of passengers sitting on their trolleys because of the lack of seats in the main area.

Rashidah Majidi, 42, who was travelling back to Kuching with four of her children and three nieces, complained about the lack of seats at the airport.

"It's also very warm. Although my flight is at 5pm I came early because I didn't want to get stuck in the perpetual long queues here. It's so much cooler and more convenient at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport."

Indonesian medical officer Robby Nur Adieya, sitting on his trolley looking somewhat resigned as he waited for his flight to Jakarta, told the New Straits Times that he had been warned about the lack of seats at the LCCT by a colleague.

To ease the long lines at the check-in counters, AirAsia staff were conducting Personal Digital Assistant check-ins. A guest officer was also trying to get passengers to use the self check-in machines for those with no luggage.

The international departure hall was just as bad as hundreds of passengers squeezed into two lines in narrow aisles at each departure exit.

There was also confusion over which lines to join as several of the flight information displays were not working.

Adding to the congestion was the fact that not all facilities were fully utilised. Yet another line formed after passengers cleared Immigration and made their way to the X-ray screening security check-point.

Only two of the three checkpoints were manned.

The international flight arrival area was chaotic, and a number of passengers complained about the long wait to collect their bags.

Both the international and domestic departure halls have a single food and beverage outlet each, which were jam-packed.

Outside the terminal, the 1,100-bay car park was also a mess with cars parked indiscriminately.

A spokesperson for Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd, which runs the terminal, said there were plans to expand the terminal while a new LCCT is being built nearer to the KLIA.


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^^ In fact, that's the reason why I like LCCT very much compared to KLIA :D Scenes of a crowded terminal is already enuf to make my day :D But LCCT should improve services for the disabled and the elderly, my 77 y-old grandma didn't get the promised assistance on her flight to Alor Setar.

http://www.geocities.com/klbloke/lcct.jpg

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

AirAsia calls for better facilities at terminal
By Jennifer Gomez

16 November, 2007

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Tony Fernandes does not want marble floors, travellators or aero-bridges at the Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT). The chief executive officer of AirAsia Bhd will settle for more seating, less passenger congestion, better flight information and more retail outlets.

He just wants LCCT operator, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB), to improve facilities and services at the terminal.

Fernandes' comments come in the wake of a New Straits Times report yesterday that the LCCT was bursting at the seams with passengers generally unhappy with the situation.

"AirAsia passenger volume has grown from 200,000 five years ago to 18 million currently, and we are looking to hitting 30 million in five years.

"We are not small anymore and MAHB needs to keep pace with our growth and expansion," he added.

Fernandes said the recent accolade of being named Airline of the Year 2007 by the Centre of Asia Pacific Aviation was testimony to its rapid progress.

A MAHB spokesman had earlier indicated that budget airlines should not compare the LCCT to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), given its budget travel concept.

Fernandes said that while he did not expect the same standards at KLIA, the LCCT needed to offer an adequate number of seats, a flight information display system and more retail offerings.

"The MAHB must get the little details right. We are trying to get more retail outlets into the LCCT in terms of food and beverage and merchandising, but approvals are slow.

"With more retail offering, travellers would be able to walk around and shop as opposed to looking for places to sit."

Fernandes added that AirAsia fully subscribed to the logic of lower expectations.

But MAHB needed to lower its fees, both for airlines and passengers, he said.

"Using the same argument that we should not expect the services and facilities in KLIA, why then are the same charges levied on other airlines that use KLIA placed on us," he asked.

Fernandes is also concerned about the potential delay in MAHB's expansion plans for the terminal building, adding that AirAsia had made the request a year ago.

"We understand that the job (for the extension) has not been tendered out. What's more, the planned new and bigger LCCT will only be ready in 2014. By then, we would have lost our competitive advantage," he said.

Fernandes said the aviation industry the world over was making rapid progress and that competition was getting tougher.

"We are also creating spin-offs for other sectors in the economy. For instance, more businessmen are using our services now. This means that foreign companies would be prompted to set up regional offices here due to the ease and affordability of travel."

MAHB, when contacted, indicated that it would be coming up with a statement soon on issues raised.


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120 million budget has been allocated for the expansion of the current LCCT...work to start next year...

^^ Eh, kan dia kata nak bina LCCT baru di sebelah KLIA MTB :? :?

^^ Eh, kan dia kata nak bina LCCT baru di sebelah KLIA MTB :? :?

read the full article please...the permanent wont be ready by 2014

Ohh... tapi kalau overcapasity kan dia boleh alihkan sesetengah flight ke KLIA ? Especially AK's medium haul to Hanoi, P/Penh, S/Reap, Shenzhen, Macau , Manila Clark and D7's Gold Coast service.

Why the development of klia very slow?:ohno:Changi International Airport had already built Terminal 3 and can handle 70 millions of passengers^^

Why the development of klia very slow?:ohno:Changi International Airport had already built Terminal 3 and can handle 70 millions of passengers^^

No long term planning. Government bureaucracy and red tape. Too much politics. Only say want to make KLIA a hub but no follow through. The y always start doing things when it is already too late.

The whole changi airport was master planned in the 70s and it is now complete. Went to the terminal 3 open house and the terminal is awesome with lots of skylights and the green wall by the baggage claim is amazing.

But I don't see any problems if Air Asia X is given rights to operate from KLIA MTB to avoid overcapasity of Air Asia's operations at LCCT... I think the cost will be slightly higher but it's not going to be an issue if Air Asia X impose a small amount of additional airport tax for using KLIA instead of LCCT...

Really sometimes KLIA looks like a ghost town with small passenger flow.. if Air Asia X is given permission to operate all its 15 aircrafts from KLIA this will surely adds colour to the airport

I hope MAHB will starting to build LCCT in December 2007 and this will make klia the biggest airport in south east asia^^^^and can handle 70 millions of passengers:banana:

I guess belum ade plan for LCCT pun, kalau ade pun short-term capacity sajer.

They should start planning a 40mil capacity LCCT next to KLIA now!!! Construction have to start the day after planning completed.

1 hour ago

KUALA LUMPUR (AFP) — Malaysia is finalising plans to build a permanent low-cost carrier terminal, replacing a temporary facility opened last year which budget airline AirAsia has rapidly outgrown, a report said Friday.

The no-frills terminal, a warehouse-style structure 10 minutes drive from Kuala Lumpur International Airport, has drawn complaints about overcrowding and a lack of facilities ever since it opened in March 2006.

Malaysia's airport operator said it had been designed to cope with 10 million passengers a year but the huge expansion of its main user, AirAsia, meant it had been overwhelmed.

Malaysia Airports Holdings managing director Bashir Ahmad told the New Straits Times that the operator was planning to build a new terminal able to handle 30 million passengers.

"We have identified the site which we believe will be ideal for low-cost operations and will also provide a link to the Express Rail Link," he said, referring to the airport train which goes to downtown Kuala Lumpur.

"We are in final discussions with the government to put these plans into effect," he added.

In the meantime, an expansion of the existing low-cost terminal is scheduled to begin early next year, to provide more space for food and retail outlets, and to accommodate wide-bodied planes, he said.

Bashir said the current site -- far from the rail link and the main international airport -- was chosen because it already had an apron to service aircraft, allowing the terminal to be completed in nine months.

"We meant it to be temporary because we knew that if low-cost travel continued to grow, we would need a new site and bigger facility," he told the daily.

Since then AirAsia has taken over domestic flights from troubled national carrier Malaysia Airlines, and expanded into long-haul routes with sister carrier AirAsia X.

AirAsia is also pushing to be allowed to use Kuala Lumpur's original Subang Airport, which lies closer to the city.:banana:

Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd managing director Datuk Seri Bashir Ahmad responds to several issues that were raised on the Low-Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT), including congestion and suitability of its site.
Q: Why was the LCCT built?

A: AirAsia moved to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) in mid-2002 and began to expand its operations and needed more space at the main terminal for check-in counters and departure gates.

Based on AirAsia's model, KLIA did not want to use the aerobridges, the baggage or the check-in systems. Also AirAsia needed to have power-in, power-out apron operations. As long as Air Asia remained at the main terminal, its growth would have been hindered.

To enable them to grow, the best solution was to provide them a separate facility to meet their operational requirements which would then enable them to have greater operational efficiency. So we decided to look for a place to build a separate facility for low-cost airlines. We managed to identify seven sites where the facility could be built.
Q: What was the basis of your choice of the present site?

A: We needed a site where we could build a terminal for 10 million passengers with an apron to position 20 aircraft at one time. The present site was chosen because a ready-made apron was already in place and the land was flat and this allowed for the LCCT to be built quickly. It was completed within nine months.

Q: Was the distance from the main terminal and transport arrangements taken into account?

A: Yes, they were. After discussions between AirAsia and the Ministry of Transport, it was agreed that the present site met the immediate requirements for a temporary site.

Q: Why temporary?

A: We meant it to be temporary because we knew that if low-cost travel continued to grow, we would need a new site and bigger facility and had identified possible locations. These locations could not be used for this immediate purpose as they would require a lot of earthworks.

Q: What problems cropped up during the design stage?

A: We had to design a terminal to suit the existing apron. Normally it is the other way around. That is why we have an I-shaped terminal. However, even the design of the terminal was after discussion with AirAsia.

There were some differing views. For example, we wanted the terminal to be air-conditioned and they didn't. We also did not agree to their design of the baggage system but we managed to resolve the issues.

Q: Why is the LCCT congested?

A: The terminal is designed to handle 10 million passengers per year and to be expanded to 15 million passengers in 2012 based on AirAsia's original forecast.

However, three events changed this. Firstly, AirAsia managed to secure more international rights than originally expected. Secondly, AirAsia was given more domestic routes. And thirdly, AirAsia expanded its business model to include long-haul operations which they were quite adamant would not be their plan when the terminal was designed.

Based on AirAsia's business model, the terminal and apron were designed for a narrow-bodied aircraft fleet. Nevertheless, we recognise the expansion of their business model and are prepared to accommodate this expansion. Malaysia Airports is managing the terminal and it is also meant for other low-cost carriers.

Q: How are you going to overcome the congestion?

A: There was a suggestion that AirAsia should use the main terminal for its wide-bodied, long-haul operations. However, this was not suitable for AirAsia as they wanted to have a quick transfer for their passengers. Although we felt this may create congestion, we acceded to their request to operate from the LCCT.

Q: Have you done any upgrading?

A: We have been continually carrying out improvements such as walkways, additional seats and even a food court which will be opened shortly.

When the terminal was designed, we had to ensure there was sufficient space for the movement of passengers so there was less space for retail and food outlets. In the proposed expansion of the airport, we hope to address this issue.

In the meantime, we are looking at AirAsia's request to have food carts in the terminal. Our expansion plans include almost doubling the operating space.

We hope to start construction early next year. We are looking at various options to meet their wide-bodied operations. We will have more meetings to finalise the design for the expansion. Work is expected to take about 12 months as we will be carrying out renovations on an operating terminal.

Q: What about a permanent terminal?

A: We have identified the site which we believe will be ideal for low-cost operations and will also provide a link to the Express Rail Link (ERL). It will also not conflict with the original masterplan for the airport. We are in final discussions with the government to put these plans into effect. We are also looking at a facility that can handle 30 million passengers.

Q: What do you think of AirAsia's growth?

A: I think they have done extremely well to have grown so much within such a short time.:banana:

^^ there was a meeting regarding the expansion of LCCT last tuesday......still in tender stage...

^^ there was a meeting regarding the expansion of LCCT last tuesday......still in tender stage...

^^estimating how long it will take to complete if now is in tender stage ?:)

^^estimating how long it will take to complete if now is in tender stage ?:)

construction work will only take 12 months ....so it all depends on when the contractor will start their work...i assume that the work will start early next year since the ARO project and food garden will complete by year end..

^^ What would happen to the current LCCT (and its planned expansion) once the permanent LCCT is completed? Would it be a waste? Or would they turned it into something useful?

^^ What would happen to the current LCCT (and its planned expansion) once the permanent LCCT is completed? Would it be a waste? Or would they turned it into something useful?

The building will be turned into a cargo terminal. That was the original plan for the site until AirAsia needed its own terminal urgently. I remember the freight forwarders complaining about lack of cargo facilities at KLIA, not sure whether the situation has changed.

construction work will only take 12 months .....

so, we will never going to have a jaw dropping-designed low cost terminal aren't we?...it's ok. but plz don't give the project to Ting Pek King:ohno:

sorry i have a silly question here..what's the different between AK and QZ? bcoz i'm going to book a ticket to jakarta...so, they give an option between AK and QZ....

so, we will never going to have a jaw dropping-designed low cost terminal aren't we?...it's ok. but plz don't give the project to Ting Pek King:ohno:

sorry i have a silly question here..what's the different between AK and QZ? bcoz i'm going to book a ticket to jakarta...so, they give an option between AK and QZ....

no such this as silly question la..heheh..

AK is Air Asia..QZ is Air Asia Indonesia...still the same thing...just under different code...but if ur flying with QZ...most prob. u will fly in their Boeing 737-300...

^^thanks buddy, having a horrible experience flying 737-300 KL-KK is enough! damn cramped....

^^thanks buddy, having a horrible experience flying 737-300 KL-KK is enough! damn cramped....
And you think the A320's are any better ?! :)

no better legroom on A320 but i can assure of better ride and wider aisle. One B733 AK based somewhere (outside KUL) has problem on flight. I'll post more about it.

no better legroom on A320 but i can assure of better ride and wider aisle. One B733 AK based somewhere (outside KUL) has problem on flight. I'll post more about it.

^^..ya..personally i prefer A320 when on my way back to Sandakan from KL...it is more comfortable compare to B737-300:)

i've already made a flight booking to jakarta on this january...and i'm going to go onboard the A320...my first time ever with airasia...and A320..

have u bought priority boarding, on the whole its not so bad as u think, just remind yourself how little you paid.

about your signature....democracy is the victim not the problem, it is its abusers that are the problem

yup...i bought express boarding as well...:yes: overall, rm410 return for KL-jakarta. some say they even got as cheap as rm260, is that possible?...i mean for just a month advance booking?

Big expansion plan for LCCT
Thursday December 13, 2007
By CHARLES FERNANDEZ
TheStar

A BIG expansion plan has been made for the low-cost carrier terminal (LCCT) in Sepang, and construction work is expected to start soon.

The expansion project, located next to the LCCT international departure area, will increase the terminal’s maximum capacity by 50% from the current 10 million to 15 million passengers annually.

According to Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) senior general manager (operations) Datuk Azmi Murad, the details of the expansion plan are being discussed with the government.

“The expansion work is expected to be completed between nine and 12 months. Based on our projection, the terminal should reach its maximum capacity of 15 million by 2011,’’ he said.

Azmi said this during a recent media briefing of the LCCT expansion programme in Sepang.

He said that so far, the LCCT had been able to handle the increasing number of passengers, mostly Air Asia customers.

Azmi said there was still sufficient room to accommodate more passengers until the expansion project was completed.

He said as of Nov 25, the LCCT had already recorded a total of 6.7 million passengers and would likely hit the seven million mark before the end of this year.

“The passenger volume is increasing and it is imperative that the expansion be completed on time. We will keep to schedule,’’ he said.

Azmi said that the MAHB was also looking into complaints about insufficient seating both at the main and international terminal lounges.

He said that other factors contributing to the congestion at the LCCT would also be studied.

“Apart from increasing the number of chairs, the number of parking lots would also be increased from the current 1,100 to 1,350 to complement the expansion,’’ he said.

Azmi said passengers could look forward to an improvement in baggage scanning procedures, check-in counters, more eating outlets and systematic feeder bus services operating between the LCCT and the main terminal building.

expension? i thought they going to build a brand new one? :dunno:

New, bigger LCCT to be built
Source : The Star
By V.P. SUJATA

PUTRAJAYA: A new and bigger Low-Cost Carrier Terminal for the KL International Airport will be built in three to four years' time as the current LCCT is nearing its full capacity of 10 million passengers a year.

The new terminal with the capacity to accommodate 30 million passengers a year will be located closer to the main terminal.

The Express Rail Link services, which were initially planned for the current LCCT would not proceed, as it would be connected with the new LCCT later.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak announced this after chairing the Cabinet Committee Meeting on Public Transportation here today. He said the current LCCT would undergo further expansion to increase its capacity to accommodate 15 million passengers annually.

"The Cabinet committee had agreed to the construction of the new LCCT and for immediate allocation for the expansion of the current LCCT which will soon reach its maximum capacity.

"The new LCCT will take three to four years to complete while the current one would be converted for some other use," he said, adding that low-cost carrier AirAsia would be operating the new LCCT.

The current LCCT, built at a cost of RM108mil started operations in March last year. Among the expansion plans for it are work on the arrival and departure lounges, and the carpark.

He said the plan for the new LCCT would be finalised in a month.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy, who was present at the meeting, said the current LCCT, which was designed as a warehouse, would be converted into a cargo terminal when the new LCCT starts operating.

He said although the Government anticipated the current LCCT would reach maximum capacity soon, they had to build it first before they could plan the bigger LCCT.

Najib also said that the Transport Ministry was taking steps to address complaints by the disabled community that RapidKL and Rapid Penang buses were not disabled-friendly despite their earlier appeals.

- New terminal > located closer to the main terminal
- Current LCCT > expansion

Source:http://www.malaysianwings.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=7297&st=0&start=0

The KLIA Latest Masterplan showed in recent LIMA07

Pics by Naim

you can see the Future LCCT TERMINAL
http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/1827/klia1fu7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/2730/klia2ce8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

^^^ wow!

http://www.geocities.com/aseantraveler/captrans.jpg (http://www.tunehotels.com/facilities_captrans.asp)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2128/2189206329_b0e17f943e.jpg?v=0

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2107/2189206003_83d2dcb8b3.jpg?v=0

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2134/2189993054_589e79a590.jpg?v=0

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2233/2189205051_85ec92a3d4.jpg?v=0

That food court, is it open 24 hours like those inside the terminal?

Low cost airports and terminals developing in Germany, Finland, Kuala Lumpur and China
Airports are becoming increasingly more attuned to the needs of the LCC segment. In Germany, Cologne Bonn Airport launched a new internet platform - cologne-bonn-connect.com (http://www.cologne-bonn-connect.com/) – in Aug-07 which offers potential passengers a simple “look and book” link, listing the best connections via Cologne/Bonn, combining more than 100 destinations of the airport’s partners, Germanwings and TUIfly.

The innovation has been credited with already bringing in 400 extra passengers per day, with the airport now targeting 1,000 additional passengers per day by the end of 2008 just from the new platform.

It contributed to a record year for Cologne Bonn Airport – its fifth in succession. In 2007, the airport handled 10.5 million passengers, up 6% year-on-year, with LCCs “again playing a large part in the considerable increase in passenger figures”. The East European market, and in particular Russia, Romania and Bulgaria, showed a strong upward trend with an increase of 20%. There were also positive developments in LCC services to Austria, Turkey and Greece. With ten new LCC connections planned for Summer 2008, the airport is targeting 10.7 million passengers this year.

Meanwhile, Finavia, the governing body of Finnish airports, has introduced a so-called “low cost” concept at Turku Airport in Finland. The currently empty maintenance building will be converted into a passenger terminal, which will have capacity for between ten and 12 flights per day, at the beginning of Apr-08. Wizz Air will be the first airline to take advantage of the concept, launching international services between Turku and Gdansk, Poland.

The concept of low-cost services was first introduced by Finavia at Tampere-Pirkkala Airport in 2003. The same pricing model will now allow LCCs to operate from Turku Airport (http://www.finavia.fi/airport_turku). Finavia’s subsidiary, Airpro, will rent the terminal and operate passenger and ground handling services.

The new terminal will operate on the basis of Finavia’s low-cost concept, which means that a single service provider produces, prices and carries out all of the services that airlines require. Airlines will continue to pay the usual airport charges, such as landing fees and navigation and security charges, as per Finavia’s current price list.

In other low cost airport developments, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) plans to fast track the Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) (http://www.klia.com.my/LCCTerminal/) expansion project at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, attributed to the rapid growth in traffic generated by AirAsia. MAHB is scheduled to issue tenders shortly to expand the facility by 35,000 sqm facility, which will increase capacity by 50% to handle 15 million passengers p/a.

MAHB Managing Director, Dato’ Bashir Ahmad stated when the terminal originally opened in early 2006, “we expected it to hit its 10 million capacity by 2012. But traffic at the terminal has already surpassed 7 million last year and looks likely to hit full capacity much earlier than anticipated”. The LCCT is a temporary solution and current plans call for the development of a permanent low cost terminal in three to four years time near the main terminal. However, AirAsia is reportedly lobbying for the re-opening of the former Kuala Lumpur gateway, Subang Airport, for LCC services.

In China, airport planners are starting to factor LCC needs into their capacity developments. Xiamen Airport plans to construct a new terminal for the exclusive use of LCCs. The USD36 million, 72,000 sqm terminal will replace Terminals 1 and 2. Xiamen Airport (http://www.xiagc.com.cn/enweb/index.asp) handled 8.6 million passengers in 2007 and forecasts 10 million in 2008, making it the fourth largest airport in China. A timeframe for the LCC terminal opening was not disclosed. AirAsia and Tiger Airways already operate at the airport and are reporting solid load factors on their routes to Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, respectively.

To the west, Wuhan Tianhe International Airport (http://www.whairport.com/), in Hubei Province, has released a long-term development Master Plan that calls for the construction of four new terminals and runways. The airport is currently operating just one terminal. The future Terminal 3 will be the largest among the four terminals with total capacity of 30 million passengers p/a, while Terminal 4 will cater exclusively to LCCs, although a potential opening date was also not disclosed.

All these developments would be welcomed by the LCC movement, but could raise concerns by legacy airline groups.

Lokasi Terminal Penerbangan Tambang Murah kekal dikenal pasti

MALAYSIA Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) berada pada landasan tepat untuk mencapai sasarannya bagi mengendalikan 100 juta penumpang setahun di Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Kuala Lumpur (KLIA) pada masa depan.

Pengarah Urusannya, Datuk Seri Bashir Ahmad, berkata pihaknya yakin mencapai sasaran itu kerana telah mengenal pasti lokasi bagi membangunkan Terminal Penerbangan Tambang Murah (LCCT) kekal yang mampu menampung antara 25 hingga 30 juta penumpang setahun.

Tahun lalu, KLIA mengendalikan 26 juta penumpang termasuk tujuh juta penumpang di Terminal Penerbangan Tambang Murah (LCCT).

Pembinaan LCCT baru itu adalah sebahagian Pelan Induk KLIA, iaitu rancangan jangka panjang pembangunan kawasan seluas 100 kilometer persegi di Sepang.

“Kita sedia maklum bahawa LCCT sedia ada tidak dapat menampung peningkatan bilangan penumpang di masa depan,” katanya kepada media selepas menyambut pendaratan sulung, penerbangan murah Singapura, Tiger Airways dari Singapura di LCCT-KLIA Sepang, semalam.

Hadir sama bagi menyambut ketibaan 122 penumpang penerbangan Tiger Airways yang menggunakan pesawat Airbus A320 pada jam 10.45 pagi, itu semalam ialah Pengurus Besar Kanan (Operasi) MAHB, Datuk Azmi Murad.

Bashir berkata, LCCT baru itu akan dibina di atas tapak bersebelahan kawasan sewaan pesawat dan berhampiran kawasan meletak kereta tidak berbumbung KLIA, Sepang dan dijangka siap sepenuhnya menjelang 2010.

“Kita sudah kenal pasti salah satu lokasi sesuai untuk membangunkan LCCT baru adalah di lokasi berhampiran tempat letak kereta tidak berbumbung KLIA dan rancangan pembangunannya menjadi sebahagian pelan induk yang baru disiapkan MAHB baru-baru ini.

“Kerja pembinaan terminal terbabit akan dimulakan dalam tempoh tiga hingga empat tahun lagi dan berharap mampu menggantikan LCCT sedia ada yang semakin sesak," katanya yang tidak mendedahkan kos sebenar pembinaan LCCT kekal itu.

Selain Tiger Airways, sebuah lagi syarikat penerbangan dari Singapura yang melakukan pendaratan sulung di KLIA ialah Jetstar Asia kira-kira 4 petang, semalam.

Mengulas lanjut, Bashir berkata, pelaksanaan projek terbabit juga merangkumi rancangan menyambung perkhidmatan rel ekpres, Express Rail Link Sdn Bhd (ERL) dari KLIA ke LCCT baru bagi meningkat keselesaan pengguna terminal terbabit.

Bashir berkata, LCCT sedia ada pula akan dinaikkan taraf menjadi pusat pengendalian perkhidmatan kargo.

“Apabila pembinaan LCCT baru berkenaan siap sepenuhnya, MAHB akan mempertimbangkan untuk menjadikan terminal sedia ada sebagai kawasan pengendalian kargo.

“Menjadikan LCCT sedia ada sebagai kawasan pengendalian kargo adalah satu daripada pilihan yang kita ada, namun ia akan dimuktamadkan kemudian,” katanya.

Pada masa sama, Bashir berkata, LCCT sedia ada tetap akan diperluaskan, walaupun pembinaan terminal baru akan dilaksanakan berikutan pertambahan mendadak penumpang dalam tempoh setahun ini.

“Kita berharap pembinaan terminal tambahan itu akan siap sepenuhnya menjelang hujung tahun ini dan paling lewat, awal 2009,” katanya.

LCCT expansion to begin next month
By Woon Wu Lin, 01 Feb 2008 7:20 PM
TheStar

SEPANG: Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) expects work on low-cost carrier terminal's (LCCT) expansion to begin next month, said its managing director Datuk Seri Bashir Ahmad.

The expansion work would increase LCCT's capacity to 15 million passengers annually from the current capacity of 10 million.

Speaking to reporters at the welcoming of Tiger Airways’ inaugural flight from Singapore on Feb 1, he said construction would be completed by the end of this year or early next year.

Bashir said MAHB had submitted a proposal to the government for a new LCCT in one of its satellite plots of land to replace the current one, targeting its completion in three to four years.

The new LCCT would have a capacity of 25 million passengers annually and located closer to the Express Rail Link (ERL), which links KL Sentral to KLIA, he added.

Bashir said the current LCCT would be converted for others uses. “We have many options. One of the options is that it can be used for cargo instead.”

On its proposed theme park near KLIA, Bashir said “an announcement would be made in two to three months time”.

i wish they start new LCCT by this year!

LCCT may become cargo hub when new terminal is up
By EILEEN HEE (http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/2/2/business/20216332&sec=business)

SEPANG: Malaysia Airports Holding Bhd is considering turning the existing Low-Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) into a cargo transportation hub when the new LCCT is ready in the next three to four years.

This was one option being considered, said managing director Datuk Seri Bashir Ahmad.

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2008/2/2/business/b_05tiger.jpg
Stewardesses posing next to a Tiger Airways plane.

He said the shift to the new location was imminent as the LCCT would not be able to accommodate the projected growth in passenger volume.

The LCCT has the capacity to handle 10 million passengers annually. This capacity would increase to about 15 million passengers upon completion of renovation work by year-end.

“Expansion work on the LCCT will commence by end of this month,” Bashir said after welcoming Tiger Airways, the second Singapore Airline-owned low-cost carrier to utilise the LCCT.

On the new LCCT next to the KL International Airport (KLIA) main terminal, he said it would handle 25 million to 30 million passengers annually.

He also said an announcement on a theme park in KLIA would be made in the next two to three months.

With its inaugural flight yesterday, Tiger Airways has become the 56th international airline to fly to KLIA.

“The arrival of Tiger Airways is a good indication particularly for LCCT-KLIA towards attracting more airlines.

“The service will further strengthen air connectivity between Malaysia and Singapore as it complements the current service by Malaysia Airlines and Singapore Airlines,” he said.

AirAsia and Jetstar Asia also started flying the same route yesterday.

Tiger Airways took to the skies from Singapore in September 2004 with two aircraft in its fleet and three routes in its network. Within three years of operation, it now flies to more than 25 destinations across eight countries in Asia Pacific on a fleet of brand-new Airbus A320 aircraft.

hey, anybody could dig any info on new lcct?...rendering maybe?

LCCT expansion to begin next month

By Woon Wu Lin
Email us your feedback at fd@bizedge.com


SEPANG: Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) expects work on low-cost carrier terminal's (LCCT) expansion to begin next month, said its managing director Datuk Seri Bashir Ahmad.

The expansion work would increase LCCT's capacity to 15 million passengers annually from the current capacity of 10 million.

Speaking to reporters at the welcoming of Tiger Airways’ inaugural flight from Singapore on Feb 1, he said construction would be completed by the end of this year or early next year.

Bashir said MAHB had submitted a proposal to the government for a new LCCT in one of its satellite plots of land to replace the current one, targeting its completion in three to four years.

The new LCCT would have a capacity of 25 million passengers annually and located closer to the Express Rail Link (ERL), which links KL Sentral to KLIA, he added.

Bashir said the current LCCT would be converted for others uses. “We have many options. One of the options is that it can be used for cargo instead.”

On its proposed theme park near KLIA, Bashir said “an announcement would be made in two to three months time”.

Fajarbaru clinches RM124m deal from MAHB

Email us your feedback at fd@bizedge.com


KUALA LUMPUR: Fajarbaru Builder Group Bhd has clinched a RM123.9 million job from Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) to undertake the design and expansion of the low-cost carrier terminal (LCCT) in Sepang.

Fajarbaru via wholly owned Fajarbaru Builder Sdn Bhd obtained the letter of acceptance from MAHB last Friday, the company told Bursa Malaysia yesterday.

It said the contract period was 11 months with commencement of work scheduled for April 7, 2008.

The project was expected to contribute positively to Fajarbaru’s earnings and net assets for the financial years ending June 30, 2008 and 2009, added the company, which was formerly Fajar Baru Capital Bhd.

Fajarbaru’s net profit in the second quarter ended Dec 31, 2007 rose 9.8% to RM2.13 million from RM1.94 million a year earlier, helped by gains from its construction operations and a RM931,545 profit guarantee. Revenue, however, fell by a third to RM17.13 million from RM25.65 million.

Cumulative net profit for the six months grew 0.7% to RM3.05 million while revenue surged 25.7% to RM42.83 million.

“The group has submitted several tenders and the directors are confident that the group would be able to secure some contracts which are under negotiation,” Fajarbaru told the exchange last month.

after complain n talk n complain n talk n more complain n more talk....only now dey decided the contractor???? waaaa....so slow

i'm confused....is that 'expension of existing LCCT' or 'buidling a whole new terminal at new location'?

^^ KUALA LUMPUR: Fajarbaru Builder Group Bhd has clinched a RM123.9 million job from Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) to undertake the design and expansion of the low-cost carrier terminal (LCCT) in Sepang.

Fajarbaru clinches RM124m deal from MAHB

Email us your feedback at fd@bizedge.com


KUALA LUMPUR: Fajarbaru Builder Group Bhd has clinched a RM123.9 million job from Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) to undertake the design and expansion of the low-cost carrier terminal (LCCT) in Sepang.

Fajarbaru via wholly owned Fajarbaru Builder Sdn Bhd obtained the letter of acceptance from MAHB last Friday, the company told Bursa Malaysia yesterday.

It said the contract period was 11 months with commencement of work scheduled for April 7, 2008.

The project was expected to contribute positively to Fajarbaru’s earnings and net assets for the financial years ending June 30, 2008 and 2009, added the company, which was formerly Fajar Baru Capital Bhd.

Fajarbaru’s net profit in the second quarter ended Dec 31, 2007 rose 9.8% to RM2.13 million from RM1.94 million a year earlier, helped by gains from its construction operations and a RM931,545 profit guarantee. Revenue, however, fell by a third to RM17.13 million from RM25.65 million.

Cumulative net profit for the six months grew 0.7% to RM3.05 million while revenue surged 25.7% to RM42.83 million.

“The group has submitted several tenders and the directors are confident that the group would be able to secure some contracts which are under negotiation,” Fajarbaru told the exchange last month.

after complain n talk n complain n talk n more complain n more talk....only now dey decided the contractor???? waaaa....so slow

from day one..i knew the contract would go to Fajar Baru...i would be very suprised if this project would go to other contractor......i posted the renderings ages ago..only now they would start the work..:ohno:
the expansion is a short term solution..

guess the VO would be another RM60million..heheh

When will they start building the permanent LCCT? IMO, they better spend the money in building the permanent terminal rather than expand the temp. one and use for a few years only. Also, I hope when they build the permanent terminal, it is able to cater for 50 Mil. passengers as forecasted by Air Asia rather than the planned 30 Mil.

When will they start building the permanent LCCT? IMO, they better spend the money in building the permanent terminal rather than expand the temp. one and use for a few years only. Also, I hope when they build the permanent terminal, it is able to cater for 50 Mil. passengers as forecasted by Air Asia rather than the planned 30 Mil.

according to press sources, expanding the current lcct from 10mil to 15mil capacity will only take 9-12 months. while building the permenent one that cater 25 mil with expansion plans for 50 mil will take at least 24 to 36 months. so i guess the expansion is to cater growth for the next 24 to 36 months while waiting for the real deal.

So, they think it is wise to spend RM 124M just to use the temp. LCCT for another 2-3 years? I think this is not justified. IMO, the current LCCT is already like a war zone during the peak hours. So, let it be for the next 3 years and spend the money on the new terminal with better facilities.

First, they did not inform the public the current LCCT is not permanent.
Now, they want to give more temporary "projects" to feed the contractors?
hmm...suspicious.....

So, they think it is wise to spend RM 124M just to use the temp. LCCT for another 2-3 years? I think this is not justified. IMO, the current LCCT is already like a war zone during the peak hours. So, let it be for the next 3 years and spend the money on the new terminal with better facilities.

IMHO, to let it be for the next 3 years doesn't look like a wise decision as they projected 8-9 mil will use LCCT in year. yes, that same LCCT which has a design capacity of 10 mil/year.

if you agree that w/ tony that LCCT is "bursting at it's seams", wait till next year if they DIDN'T do anything to expand. compare to airports like o'hare, altanta, jfk, this is nothing.

my opinion, they misstep on how many people/monkeys will use LCCT/LCC. now, their original grand masterplan (2 MTB w 4 STB) doesn't fit right with the expected future market and said plan has to be adjusted. Remember that LCCT was not in the master plan in the first place but a reactionary measure to overcrowding in the MTB due to airasia popularity.

just my 2 cents

First, they did not inform the public the current LCCT is not permanent.
Now, they want to give more temporary "projects" to feed the contractors?
hmm...suspicious.....

actually....Datuk Bashir of MAB did a made a statement during the opening ceremony of the LCCT that the terminal is not a permanent one...

i've posted this before last year...now i'm gonna post it again..perhaps there will be few changes in the design..

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y59/payrol/DSC05715.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y59/payrol/DSC05714.jpg

actually....Datuk Bashir of MAB did a made a statement during the opening ceremony of the LCCT that the terminal is not a permanent one...

i've posted this before last year...now i'm gonna post it again..perhaps there will be few changes in the design..

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y59/payrol/DSC05715.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y59/payrol/DSC05714.jpg

But, did he announce that it would be a temp. one before they even started building it? What's the point of announcing it only when it was built? You can't do anything coz it is already there? Money is already wasted. To me, they should not build the current LCCT in the first place. To build it quickly so that it can claim to have the first LCCT in the region and then spend another RM200M plus a few years later to expand the temp. terminal is a joke and a waste of funds. They should just force Air Asia to keep using the Main terminal and spend all the time and money to properly design a good perm. one. There are a lot of over-crowded airports in the world that are still being used. They didn't just spend the money like the way the M'sian gov't does. Take London Heathrow for instance. They are over crowded for decades and just opened their new terminal recently (a perm. one) but not building a temp one and keep expanding it. LAX too, their Intern'l terminal is always very crowded at night and they too didn't do what our gov't did.

But, did he announce that it would be a temp. one before they even started building it? What's the point of announcing it only when it was built? You can't do anything coz it is already there? Money is already wasted. To me, they should not build the current LCCT in the first place. To build it quickly so that it can claim to have the first LCCT in the region and then spend another RM200M plus a few years later to expand the temp. terminal is a joke and a waste of funds. They should just force Air Asia to keep using the Main terminal and spend all the time and money to properly design a good perm. one. There are a lot of over-crowded airports in the world that are still being used. They didn't just spend the money like the way the M'sian gov't does. Take London Heathrow for instance. They are over crowded for decades and just opened their new terminal recently (a perm. one) but not building a temp one and keep expanding it. LAX too, their Intern'l terminal is always very crowded at night and they too didn't do what our gov't did.

if you ask me..KIASU is the best word...hope you understand:)

Construction of new LCCT may start this year
By Kamarul Yunus Published: 2008/04/02

SHANGHAI: Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) may convert one of its designated satellite terminal buildings at the KL International Airport (KLIA) in Sepang into a permanent 30-35 million passenger capacity low-cost carrier terminal (LCCT) to be built this year.

Managing director Datuk Seri Bashir Ahmad said MAHB is talking with the government on the location and design for the permanent LCC terminal.

"The construction of the new LCC terminal may start this year. But the cost of the project has yet to be determined," he told Malaysian journalists covering the Airport Council International's (ACI) 2007 customer services and facilitation conference here yesterday.

There are four designated satellite buildings at the KLIA, of which one is already in operation that can accommodate 25 million passengers.

At the same time, Bashir said, MAHB will continue to expand the existing temporary LCCT in KLIA and the construction of the second satellite building.

"Work on the expansion of the existing LCCT is going to start soon. At the same time, discussion is taking place to build a permanent LCC terminal to cater to between 30 million and 35 million passengers in future," he said.

Bashir said the proposed permanent LCCT would also have train connection to the KLIA main terminal for the convenience of commuters.

On another development, Bashir said MAHB is confident that British Airways would make a comeback and fly to KLIA.

"We are talking with the British Airways and they seem to have shown interest to come back to KLIA. They like Malaysia as part of their flight destinations but need time to study and evaluate the economic aspects," he said.

He noted that several airlines that had discontinued flights to KLIA later returned, including Lufthansa, KLM and Qantas (through its subsidiary Jetstar). MAHB expects four or five new airlines to fly to KLIA this year, but Bashir declined to reveal their identities. "They prefer to announce themselves," he said.

[sze="5"]LCC terminal: Need for extensive upgrade plan[/size]
By Anna Maria Samsudin
Published: 2008/04/03



MALAYSIA needs a comprehensive plan to expand and manage its low-cost carrier (LCC) terminal or risk losing out to regional rivals competing for the increasingly lucrative budget air travel pie.

Although ideas have been mooted, the main worry is that execution will be slow and this could hamper growth.

Work to expand the existing low-cost carrier terminal (LCCT) in the KL International Airport will only start on April 7 this year and take about a year to finish.

There are long-term plans to have a permanent LCCT but the authorities have yet to make a firm announcement.






On the other hand, Singapore, which is playing catch-up with Malaysia, is moving fast.

Although its budget terminal is built to handle two million people or one fifth the capacity of its Malaysian rival, its passenger flow is smoother, allowing it to handle 50 per cent more than its design.

"Expansion works are already taking place to double the size of the facility to 50,000 sq m from 25,000 sq m so that we are able to handle four million passengers by 2008," an official at Changi airport told Business Times during a visit to the island republic.

Why is it that Singapore's terminal does not resemble Kuala Lumpur's that is often described as bursting at the seams?

One explanation could be its better planning. The Changi Airport official explained that the terminal has a modern baggage check-in system apart from the flight scheduling of anchor tenant Tiger Air.

The LCCT still uses an old system, as suggested by anchor tenant AirAsia Bhd, where bags need to be scanned before checking in.

Singapore also has facilities like free Internet stations, a wider variety of food and retail outlets as well as ample seats.

On top of that, the efficient transportation system linking the city centre to other terminals within Changi airport also helps smoothen the flow.

Frost & Sullivan analyst Kenneth Chan said Malaysia is not alone in grappling with the growth of the budget airline industry. However, the situation needs improvement because the role of airports has changed.

"Gone are the days when the airport is just an arrival or departure gateway. Consequently, airports are also considered as revenue generators for a nation as a whole," he said.

Asia now faces the challenge of managing the industry's growth. This means that budget terminal operators should find ways to increase operational efficiencies and service turn-around-time (TAT) for airlines and passengers alike.

"The operators will have to understand clearly the demands of the different end users - airlines, passengers, airport employees and non-travelling visitors - in order to supply high-quality products and services.

"It is imperative for the operators to understand fully the LCC business model. Airlines have to have quick TAT, in line with their business mission and vision, while passengers want a hassle-free experience with certain levels of facilities standards, comfort, and luxuries," he added.

Work on permanent LCCT to start this year
By CHOW HOW BAN

SHANGHAI: Work on the permanent low-cost carrier termina (LCCT) in KL International Airport (KLIA) is likely to commence this year, said Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) managing director Datuk Seri Bashir Ahmad.

He said the new LCCT, which would have a capacity of handling 30 million to 35 million passengers per annum, would replace the present one, which could only handle 10 million passengers per annum.

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2008/4/4/business/b_8bashir.jpg
Datuk Seri Bashir Ahmad.
“We (MAHB) are in discussion with the Government to look for a place to build the permanent LCCT because the present one will be outgrown in terms of passenger demand,” he told the Malaysian media at the two-day Airports Council International conference here.

The permanent LCCT would be built in the masterplan area to provide easier connectivity with KLIA’s main terminal, Bashir said, adding that the existing building would also be expanded to handle 15 million passengers per year “very soon.”

“We fully agree that the current terminal needs to be expanded because based on AirAsia’s forecast, we will achieve 10 million passengers per annum earlier than 2012,” he said.

The existing RM108mil LCCT, built on a temporary site near the cargo-handling area, started operations two years ago.

Currently, AirAsia, Thai AirAsia, Cebu Pacific Airlines, Tiger Airways and AWAIR operate from the LCCT.

On expansion of KLIA, Bashir said MAHB also planned to build the second satellite terminal as the number of passengers would exceed the airport’s capacity of 25 million passengers per annum in future.

MAHB was working with its consultants to ascertain the kind of future commercial development around the airport, he said, adding: “There have been many suggestions like a theme park and golf course. We should make an announcement soon.”

Make Air Asia pay for it !!!!!!

But, did he announce that it would be a temp. one before they even started building it? What's the point of announcing it only when it was built? You can't do anything coz it is already there? Money is already wasted. To me, they should not build the current LCCT in the first place. To build it quickly so that it can claim to have the first LCCT in the region and then spend another RM200M plus a few years later to expand the temp. terminal is a joke and a waste of funds. They should just force Air Asia to keep using the Main terminal and spend all the time and money to properly design a good perm. one. There are a lot of over-crowded airports in the world that are still being used. They didn't just spend the money like the way the M'sian gov't does. Take London Heathrow for instance. They are over crowded for decades and just opened their new terminal recently (a perm. one) but not building a temp one and keep expanding it. LAX too, their Intern'l terminal is always very crowded at night and they too didn't do what our gov't did.

If you noticed, the temporary LCCT looks like a cargo warehouse and after the expansion it will resemble an even bigger cargo warehouse. It is so because once the properly design permanent LCCT is ready, the temporary LCCT will be converted into well...a cargo warehouse.

As per the KLIA masterplan, the very spot the temporary LCCT is occupying today was originally meant for the future expansion in airport cargo activities. Hence the site shall be reverted back to cargo use once the permanent LCCT is completed. By then KLIA cargo activities should have expanded enough to require additional warehouse space.

Congrats to MAHB...good planning!

well dengilo...airasia could pay for the new building but you know... sooner we have to pay for it.... maybe, mau guna tangga naik kapal terbang pun kena bayar RM10...or everytime you masuk LCCT you kena bayar tol RM2...ha ha...kidding guys...

LCCT Passenger Traffic Figure Grows 30 Pct Yearly

ALOR STAR, April 6 (Bernama) -- The passenger traffic figure at the Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT), Sepang has increased by 30 per cent yearly in 2006 and 2007.

Malaysia Airports Holding Berhad senior general manager (operations) Datuk Azmi Murad said he expected the growth would continue for years to come as more airlines from the Asian region had applied to operate from the LCCT.

"MAHB has taken a proactive measure to expand the LCCT to accommodate 15 million passengers from 10 million at present," he told reporters after launching the MAHB Security and Health Campaign at the Sultan Abdul Halim Airport, here Sunday.

He, however, declined to reveal the cost of the project, which would take off the ground this month and scheduled for completion in 11 months' time.

The LCCT passenger traffic figure is expected to reach 9.5 million by the end of the year from 7.7 million last year at a yearly growth rate of 30 per cent from 4.8 million in 2006. Azmi said five airlines were operating form the LCCT, namely the Malaysian AirAsia, Thai AirAsia, Indian AirAsia, Tiger Airways (Singapore), and Cebu Pacific Airways (the Philippines).

"The opening of the LCCT to more airlines would not affect Malaysia Airlines (MAS), rather it has benefitted from the passenger spill-over," he said.

He said MAHB was handling between 580 and 590 passenger and cargo (MASkargo) flight arrivals and departures daily.

On the LCCT security, he said MAHB adhered to the standard procedure to ensure the safety of passengers and strive for zero accidents.

Budget taxi drivers go on strike at LCCT

http://www.nst.com.my/Tuesday/National/2213941/insidepix1
Two taxi drivers playing chess during the strike yesterday. More than 600 budget taxi drivers refused to ferry passengers until their grouses were resolved. — NST picture by Izhari Ariffin


SEPANG: Hundreds of passengers were left in the lurch when budget taxi drivers at the low-cost carrier terminal (LCCT) went on strike yesterday.

However, premier taxis and the terminal's buses were operating.

More than 600 taxi drivers refused to provide transport to customers as they felt that the sale of budget taxi coupons were being tampered with.

Taxi Drivers Welfare Association committee member S. Sri Tharan said budget taxi drivers were irked by what they claimed were biased ticketing operations.

He claimed taxi operator Mesra Indah Jaya Sdn Bhd had been promoting the premier service more than the budget one.

"There are usually around three rows of budget taxis for hire and one row of the premier taxis.

"Today (yesterday), there were seven rows of premier taxis and it seemed absurd that so many people would choose premier taxis over the budget ones," said Sri Tharan, who has been a taxi driver for 18 years.

Mesra Indah Jaya assistant manager Nor Hisam Bajuri denied Sri Thrana's claims.

He said no instructions had been given to staff to limit sales of budget taxi services. He did, however, promise to investigate the matter. Nevertheless, the taxi drivers were not satisfied with the assurance.

They also complained about having to pay nine per cent commission as well as toll charges.

Gary Chong, the special assistant to Seputeh member of parliament and Kinrara assemblyman Teresa Kok, attempted to diffuse the situation by inviting the drivers to a meeting today.

The drivers accepted the invitation but still refused to take passengers until their grouses were addressed.

Budget taxi drivers still unhappy with commission rates
BY ELAN PERUMAL

BUDGET taxi drivers from the LCCT Terminal who staged a strike since Monday ended their protest at noon yesterday after being persuaded to do so by Senior Selangor state executive councillor Teresa Kok.

More than 400 drivers went on strike to vent their frustrations with the management company that operates the ticketing counters at the LCCT.

They claim that Mesra Indah Jaya Autopart Services and Trading Sdn Bhd (MIJ) had been deliberately issuing premier tickets to passengers who went to the counters with the intention of buying budget tickets.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/4/16/central/m_4taxi.jpg
Standstill: Taxis parked outside the LCCT during the strike.

“We believe the MIJ counters are offering passengers premier tickets in their bid to rake more money from the 9% commission due to the company.

“We are also unhappy over the high amount of commission charged on us as we are already paying toll on behalf of the company,” taxi driver Mohamad Nor Jamaluddin said.

Kok’s office had been holding meetings with the taxi drivers since Monday night before she went at the terminal’s taxi station at 9am yesterday.

She said the taxi drivers had ended the strike with the condition that one of them would be positioned at the ticketing counters so that passengers would not be offered premier tickets if they had not asked for one.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/4/16/central/m_4taxidrivers.jpg
Relaxed: Taxi drivers spending their time playing checkers and other board games.

“This is only a temporary arrangement and we want Malaysia Airport Bhd (MAB) to resolve this matersoon,” she said.

Kok was also puzzled why MIJ had postponed a meeting between the company, the taxi drivers and her office that was scheduled at 9am yesterday.

Budget taxi drivers go on strike at LCCT

http://www.nst.com.my/Tuesday/National/2213941/insidepix1


good, go ahead..i think we got a good bus services already...

i mati akal when i think of this problem !!!NOT ONCE did i ever had a problem with taxis in bangkok or changi!!!only KLIA so fuc...g fed up with the same old shit.airport saja cantik but this!!!

malaysian taxis the worst in the world......

i mati akal when i think of this problem !!!NOT ONCE did i ever had a problem with taxis in bangkok or changi!!!only KLIA so fuc...g fed up with the same old shit.airport saja cantik but this!!!

dats bcoz u dont want to choose other alternative......naiklah erl, cheaper and faster......y u wanna waste ur time n money with taxi.....

kalau di LCCT...u can always choose the bus....tak sampai rm10 pun....

good, go ahead..i think we got a good bus services already...

tak rugi apa2 pon... main la chess kot2 leh dapat duit:lol::lol::lol:

Budget taxi operators call off strike

SEPANG: Budget taxi operators at the low-cost terminal have called off their strike.

S. Sri Tharan, a committee member of Persatuan Kebajikan Pemandu Teksi (PKPT), said they decided to call off the strike as it would cause a lot of disruptions at the airport.

He said the association would have a meeting on Friday with Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad, Mesra Indah Jaya Autoparts and Services (which is in charge of the taxi coupon system) as well as the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board.

On Monday, hundreds of passengers were left stranded when more than 600 budget taxi drivers decided to go on strike at the low-cost carrier terminal, claiming that Mesra Indah Jaya preferred to sell coupons for premier taxis. The company has denied this.

dats bcoz u dont want to choose other alternative......naiklah erl, cheaper and faster......y u wanna waste ur time n money with taxi.....

kalau di LCCT...u can always choose the bus....tak sampai rm10 pun....

This statement can be applied for travelling individuals, but then, for travelling family + luggages, obviously they have to opt for taxi...

Its true the option is there but the bottom line is, it doesnt have to come down to thisl
I rather drive to the airport if the long term parking is reasonable but of course notlah even the actual uncoverd long term lot sudah jadi hutan!!!Just imagine if they charge 20 -30 RM a day. i think overnite the limo service out of business.Malaysia BOLEHHHH

MAHB hopes to settle issues fast
By CHARLES FERNANDEZ

MALAYSIA Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) wants to see an end to problems concerning budget taxi drivers at the Low-Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT).

The company's corporate communications general manager Norliza Kamaruddin said it met the Commercial Vehicles Licensing Board (LPKP) and the taxi operators to discuss the issues raised by the drivers.

The budget taxi drivers went on strike on Monday and Tuesday claiming that Mesra Indah Jaya Autopart Services and Trading Sdn Bhd (MIJ) had been deliberately issuing premier tickets to passengers who went to the counters with the intention of buying budget tickets.

They said MIJ counters are offering passengers premier tickets in their bid to rake more money from the 9% commission due to the company.

“Most of the time business is slow and this was an opportunity for MIJ to make big bucks.

“Since a temporary truce was arranged, everything is back to normal,'' said the driver.

“While Malaysia Airports acknowledged the issues, further discussions will be made with various parties to resolve the problems,'' said Norliza.

Norliza added that MAHB was also improving the existing dedicated taxi waiting area with better facilities for taxi drivers who are waiting for their turns to pick up passengers.

The budget taxi drivers ended their protest on Tuesday afternoon after being persuaded to do by Senior Selangor state executive councillor Teresa Kok.

They ended the strike with the condition that one of them would be positioned at the ticketing counters so that passengers would not be offered premier tickets if they had not asked for one.

Phase two of LCCT

Construction of the second phase of the Low-Cost Carrier Terminal at the KL International Airport will be negotiated through open tender.

Transport Minister Datuk Ong Tee Keat said the first phase of the LCCT, which cost around RM108mil, was constructed through direct negotiations because it was a fast-track project.

"The second phase is expected to cost RM123mil. The Government has a long-term plan to construct a new LCCT at a different site in KLIA.

"When this is completed, the existing LLCT will be converted into a cargo complex," he told Wee Choo Keong (PKR - Wangsa Maju).

Low-cost terminal not just for AirAsia: Minister
Published: 2008/05/13


THE low-cost carrier terminal (LCCT) at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang built in 2005 is for the use of all low-cost airlines and not just for AirAsia, the Dewan Rakyat was told yesterday.

Transport Minister Datuk Ong Tee Kiat said the government decided to build the LCCT after considering several matters, including the need for such airlines to have a short turnaround time of 20 minutes which is difficult to realise at KLIA’s main terminal.

Besides, the operations of these airlines do not require many facilities that are needed by full-service airlines, such as aerobridges and airline lounges, he added.

The LCCT construction also helps overcome passenger congestion at peak periods at arrival counters, departure halls and parking lots, he said when replying to Wee Choo Keong (PKR-Wangsa Maju) during Question Time.

"At present, low-cost airlines such as AirAsia X, AirAsia Thailand, AirAsia Indonesia, Cebu Pacific and Tiger Airways also use the LCCT at KLIA,” he pointed out.

Ong also disclosed that due to the urgent need for the LCCT, its construction was awarded on a direct negotiation basis to Fajarbaru Builder Group Bhd which had the necessary experience.

"There is not enough space to expand the present LCCT to cater to more than 15 million passengers a year, so the government has short-term plans to build a new LCCT at a new site at KLIA,” he added.

The existing LCCT, according to him, will be converted at a reasonable cost into a cargo complex. — Bernama

Dewan Rakyat: Tee Keat tells why no open tender for LCCT upgrade
By : Reports by V. Vasudevan, B. Suresh Ram, Eileen Ng, R.S. Kamini, Ili Liyana Mokhtar and Joseph Sipalan

THE House was told yesterday that the contract for the upgrading of the low-cost carrier terminal (LCCT) was awarded to Fajarbaru Builder Group Bhd through direct negotiations because the government did not have time to launch an open tender system.

Transport Minister Datuk Ong Tee Keat said there was an urgent need to upgrade the LCCT to accommodate the increasing number of passengers, which is on the rise from the current 10 million to 15 million annually until 2015.

He also said low-cost carriers like Air Asia had launched long-haul flights, causing an increase in traffic beyond the terminal's carrying capacity.

Ong was replying to a question from Wee Choo Keong (PKR-Wangsa Maju) on why the government did not call for an open tender for the project,

"We did not have time to launch an open tender as the passenger volume was increasing rapidly, so we decided to negotiate directly with Fajarbaru Builder," said Ong, adding that the upgrading would cost RM100 million.

He also told the House that the government had drawn up long-term plans to resolve the congestion at LCCT, which included the building of a new complex in the Kuala Lumpur International Airport compound.

Ong rebutted a remark by Lim Guan Eng (DAP-Bagan) that the ministry was practicing cronyism by awarding the upgrading project to Fajarbaru Builder.

To prove his point, Ong said the proposed RM123 million complex at KLIA was currently open for tender.

Mudajaya unit gets RM15m job

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KUALA LUMPUR: Mudajaya Group Bhd’s unit Mudajaya Corp Bhd has obtained a letter of intent from Tune Hotels Sdn Bhd to build a low-cost hotel building worth RM15 million near the Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT).

The construction firm said yesterday the hotel project, which will have 220 rooms, was expected to contribute positively to the earnings and net assets of Mudajaya for its fiscal year ending Dec 31, 2008 (FY08).

Mudajaya aso said its special purpose vehicle RKM Powergen Pte Ltd had obtained an additional term loan facility of RM40.2 million from India’s PTC India Financial Services Ltd to finance the setting up of 350 MegaWatt Unit-1 coal based thermal power project in Chhattisgarh, India.

Up-to-date, the firm said RKM had been granted a total term loans facilities of some RM917.7 million.

Mudajaya unit gets RM15m job

Email us your feedback at fd@bizedge.com


KUALA LUMPUR: Mudajaya Group Bhd’s unit Mudajaya Corp Bhd has obtained a letter of intent from Tune Hotels Sdn Bhd to build a low-cost hotel building worth RM15 million near the Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT).

The construction firm said yesterday the hotel project, which will have 220 rooms, was expected to contribute positively to the earnings and net assets of Mudajaya for its fiscal year ending Dec 31, 2008 (FY08).

Mudajaya aso said its special purpose vehicle RKM Powergen Pte Ltd had obtained an additional term loan facility of RM40.2 million from India’s PTC India Financial Services Ltd to finance the setting up of 350 MegaWatt Unit-1 coal based thermal power project in Chhattisgarh, India.

Up-to-date, the firm said RKM had been granted a total term loans facilities of some RM917.7 million.
bukan LCCT tu temporary jer ka.. nanti kata nak tukar jadi cargo warehouse.. or LCCT tetap akan buat area tu gak.. coz kalau buat kat lain jadi hotel tu cam tak praktikal laa:nuts::nuts:

^^ the new LCCT sebelah current LCCT jer....and the old LCCT yeap mcm u cakap akan jadi gudang.... so to build a hotel shud not be a problem...

^^ the new LCCT sebelah current LCCT jer....and the old LCCT yeap mcm u cakap akan jadi gudang.... so to build a hotel shud not be a problem...



oooo i see... :nuts::nuts::nuts:

silap...the new lcct will be opposite the main terminal building..its across pan pacific klia...the current work now is the expansion of the current (soon the be warehouse) lcct terminal..which is in progress at the moment...

so what jieloe said about the hotel is right...it wont be practical for the hotel to be constructed at the current area unless it will be build at the permanent site later..

yeah sokong u fairul. Permanent LCCT will be build in front of Main terminal on the current outdoor car park (closed already) site.

silap...the new lcct will be opposite the main terminal building..its across pan pacific klia...the current work now is the expansion of the current (soon the be warehouse) lcct terminal..which is in progress at the moment...

so what jieloe said about the hotel is right...it wont be practical for the hotel to be constructed at the current area unless it will be build at the permanent site later..

:nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts:

:nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts:

and your point is?

hope the hotel has a reason to be build at the current area...

Cab services at both KLIA and LCCT give a poor impression to foreigners
Monday June 9, 2008
VALLEY VIEW
By CHARLES FERNANDEZ
TheStar

NEVER mind the locals; imagine what the foreigners would think the moment they step into the country through our world-renowned airports.

Being confronted by taxi touts the moment they step out of the arrival lounge is surely an unpleasant experience they never expected to encounter at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). The problem of touts has always been there but why is it the authorities are unable to deal with it.

I remember the announcements made via the PA system reminding tourists to ignore taxi touts at the arrival lounge, but shouldn't the authorities make sure that there are no taxi touts instead of just informing them to take such taxis?

Most of the victims are first-time visitors to the country who are unfamiliar with the transport system and facilities and therefore become easy targets for the touts, who mislead them into taking their services.




http://www.thestar.com.my/archives/2008/6/9/central/m_pg12taxis.jpg

There goes the fare: Budget and premier taxi drivers can only watch
in despair as passengers are lured into vans at the LCCT.




Malaysia Airports Bhd (MAB) chairman Tan Sri Dr Aris Othman, he said although they had received several complaints, the problem was beyond MAB's jurisdiction as it came under the purview of the Transport Ministry and the Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development Ministry.

Frequent travellers find it frustrating when the authorities cannot deal with some basic requirements expected of a world-class destination, and a real hard look at the situation of shortage of taxis at the airport will allow touts to be in business.

And again, if we are serious about attracting tourists and businessmen to Malaysia, we need to improve the taxi service, as it is in a taxi that foreign visitors get their first impression of our country.

It is not difficult to figure out why all the good feelings about our country evaporate the moment the tourists are greeted by touts, and now this scourge is also rampant at the Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT).




http://www.thestar.com.my/archives/2008/6/9/central/m_pg12sepang.jpg

Victims of touts: Passengers getting into a van
at the Low Cost Carrier Terminal in Sepang.




For the record, just after five days it began operations on March 25, 2006, the LCCT was already tainted by the presence of taxi touts. Although there are now more than 600 premier and budget taxis operating there, touts are going about luring passengers discreetly.

However, unlike the KLIA main terminal where the queue for taxis is long and many passengers find it frustrating to wait in line, taxis are not a problem at the LCCT – the problem lies with taxi touts.

It is time the authorities work towards revamping the airport taxi service to make it a reliable public transport system for both tourists and local commuters. Sadly, although numerous promises have been made, the problem of touts persist at the airport.

A foreigner once commented that if anyone had nice things to say about Malaysia, it certainly would not include the airport taxi service which is filled with touts. If we are serious about KLIA and LCCT becoming world-class airports then we no choice but to rid the problem of touts comprehensively. Of course this requires strict enforcement and taking stern action against the touts.

When this happens, hopefully our visitors will have a more pleasant experience in Malaysia.

MAHB: Passenger traffic may ease in Q4
Published: 2008/06/20, BusinessTimes

A slowdown in passenger traffic is likely in the fourth quarter of this year, says Malaysia Airport Holdings Bhd’s (MAHB) senior operations general manager, Datuk Azmi Murad.

He said the overall passenger traffic grew by 78 per cent in April-May 2008 as compared with the same period last year while traffic at Low-Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) was up 30 per cent.

“For the third quarter, people have planned their travel. If there is a slowdown, then it could be in the fourth quarter due to the price increase,” he told reporters after the ground-breaking ceremony for Tune Hotels in Sepang today.

Azmi said other domestic airports did not see any slowdown.

On the expansion of LCCT, he said it would be ready by the first quarter of 2009.

It will accommodate 15 million passengers, up from 10 million passengers currently. — Bernama

MAHB: LCCT expansion works to be finished in 11 months
By LOONG TSE MIN


SEPANG: Work on the expansion of the Low-Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) is “on track” and should be completed in 11 months, says Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) operations senior general manager Datuk Azmi Murad.

The expansion, being undertaken by MAHB, is expected to boost the LCCT capacity by 50% to 15 million passengers a year from 10 million at present.

“A permanent site for the LCCT will be decided at a later stage,” Azmi told reporters at the launch of Touch 'n Go payment facility for parking at the LCCT and KL International Airport (KLIA) yesterday.

MAHB had previously announced that a permanent terminal, which would handle up to 35 million passengers a year, was expected to be built in three to four years.

On the current expansion, Azmi said MAHB would be adding another 400 seats in the waiting areas.

Meanwhile, toll fare payment operator Touch 'n Go Sdn Bhd expects an average revenue of RM240,000 per month from the parking facilities at the KLIA and LCCT.

Chairman Datuk Yahya Yaacob said the company expected to capture about 10% revenue of the parking payment traffic at the two airports as the remainder would likely be in cash. The two airports are the 23rd and 24th parking payment sites for Touch 'n Go.

On the impact of high petrol prices, Touch 'n Go chief operating officer Hasni Zarina Mohamed Khan said the company expected a slowdown in road traffic.

This, she said was likely to be offset by the higher use of light rail transit and monorail where the Touch 'n Go card could also be used.

On the surcharge for the use of its card for parking, Hasni said: “Some sites have it, and some do not.

“I think it's a matter of convenience for the customer, with the charge being only about 10 sen or 20 sen more.”

There were also plans in the near future to expand the use of the Touch 'n Go card for retail outlets at both airports, Yahya added.

Following the high acceptance rate in the Klang Valley, it also planned to expand the use of its system for parking payment to Johor Baru and Penang by next year, he said.

Penumpang LCCT ditingkat 15 juta

SEPANG 24 Jun – Kapasiti penumpang Terminal Penerbangan Tambang Murah (LCCT) di sini akan ditingkatkan daripada 10 juta kepada 15 juta orang setahun selepas kerja menaik taraf lapangan terbang itu siap menjelang Mei 2009.

Pengurus Besar Kanan Operasi Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd. (MAHB), Datuk Azmi Murad berkata, kerja menaik taraf LCCT telah dimulakan pada bulan lalu dan dijangka memakan masa selama 11 bulan.

‘‘Kerja menaik taraf berjalan lancar dan dijangka siap mengikut jadual asal.

‘‘Selepas disiapkan, LCCT akan dapat menampung kapasiti penumpang sehingga 15 juta orang berbanding 10 juta sekarang,” katanya kepada pemberita selepas pelancaran kemudahan Touch ‘n Go untuk tempat meletak kenderaan di Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Kuala Lumpur (KLIA) di sini hari ini.

Sebanyak 7.6 penumpang menggunakan LCCT pada tahun lalu dan jumlahnya dijangka meningkat kepada sembilan juta tahun ini sekali gus menghampiri kapasitinya sebanyak 10 juta penumpang setahun.

Kemudahan

Ditanya mengenai pembinaan bangunan LCCT yang kekal, Azmi berkata, projek pembangunannya belum dimulakan.

Sementara itu, menurut beliau, pihaknya bercadang memperluaskan kemudahan Touch ‘n Go di lapangan-lapangan terbang antarabangsa di bawah seliaan MAHB.

‘‘Kita akan mengkaji supaya kemudahan ini turut diperkenalkan di beberapa lapangan terbang antarabangsa seperti di Kota Kinabalu, Kuching dan Pulau Pinang,” katanya.

Beliau berkata, kemudahan tempat meletak kenderaan di KLIA merupakan antara yang terbaik di dunia dan mendapat pengiktirafan Majlis Antarabangsa Lapangan Terbang (ACI).

‘‘Tempat meletak kenderaan KLIA mendapat tempat kedua dalam penilaian yang dijalankan oleh ACI baru-baru ini,” katanya.

Dewan Rakyat: Report me if there's proof of shady LCCT deals, says Khairy
V. Vasudevan, Eileen Ng, Joseph Sipalan, Irdiani Mohd Salleh and Ili Liyana Mokhtar


KHAIRY Jamaluddin (BN-Rembau) yesterday challenged Wee Choo Keong (PKR-Wangsa Maju) to repeat outside Parliament his claims of shady dealings in the new Low-Cost Carrier Terminal expansion project.

He said the allegations were baseless and made behind the protective veil of parliamentary immunity.

"If the MP for Wangsa Maju has the proof, why does he not lodge a report with the ACA (Anti-Corruption Agency) so I can be investigated.

"Alternatively, I challenge him to repeat his statement outside Parliament, so I can take legal action against him."

Khairy, who is also the Umno Youth deputy chief, said this at the beginning of the debate on the Ninth Malaysia Plan Mid-Term Review, in response to Wee's remarks earlier in the day.

Wee attempted to defend his statement, saying that he did not make any direct reference to Khairy.

However, Khairy stood his ground, saying that he had reviewed the recording of Wee's remarks several times, in which Wee had mentioned Khairy's constituency in direct reference to the allegations.

Khairy said Wee's allegations were made without proper research or evidence.

"These are not the hallmarks of a first-class MP. My advice to the Wangsa Maju MP is to sit down, keep quiet and do not embarrass yourself."

Earlier, during the debate on the 9MP Mid Term Review, Wee implied that Khairy might be linked to Fajarbaru Builder Group Bhd, formerly known as Syarikat Pembenaan Fajar Baru (Rembau) Sdn Bhd.

Wee questioned the rationale behind the decision to award the RM123.9 million project to the group, which he said had no experience in building airports.

While he did not make any direct reference to Khairy, Wee said the company's origins were coincidentally the same as the constituency of "someone's son-in-law".

Quoting off Kelantan exco Datuk Husam Musa's blog, Wee said the company's name change was done for reasons only known to it and it was awarded the contract before Transport Minister Datuk Ong Tee Keat even knew it had been decided.

Wee charged that Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) had been "very efficient" in issuing the letter of acceptance to Fajarbaru on March 19, less than a month before the project's start date of April 7.

"Fajarbaru received the letter within two days, on March 21. This shows that MAHB is very efficient, but it decided not to pay any attention to RM113 million in debts owed to it by AirAsia."

He noted that Fajarbaru seemed to hold a "very special" position for a company whose core business was investment holding and provision of management services.

Wee said among the government projects it had acquired without having to go through open tender were the current LCCT terminal, the TNB headquarters, Seremban bus terminal, Control Public Health Laboratory and the National Library, apart from the new LCCT and new Penang airport projects.

Later, Khairy said the BN government's economic measures, including the removal of fuel subsidies, were aimed at re-engineering and strengthening the economy.

Describing the subsidy removal as "economically necessary", he said the country was now forced to employ efficient reallocation of resources.

However, he stressed that the move needed to be tempered with "humane economics" to ease the financial burden of the less fortunate.

Khairy said the move had dispelled a sense of false competitiveness and encouraged the country to pursue its true level of competitiveness, while weaning itself off of its dependency on foreign labour.

Khairy denies involvement in LCCT
by Kevin Tan
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KUALA LUMPUR: Backbencher Khairy Jamaluddin (Rembau-BN) has denied any involvement with any low-cost carrier or company that is developing the low-cost carrier terminal (LCCT) at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).

He was responding to Wee Choo Keong (Wangsa Maju-PKR), who earlier insinuated that Khairy may have benefited from the development of low-cost carriers and the LCCT, during a debate on the Ninth Malaysia Plan's mid-term review in Dewan Rakyat yesterday.

"I am not involved with any low-cost carrier. Neither am I involved in any companies that are involved in the construction of the LCCT in Sepang nor did I get any benefits from them," Khairy said.

The Rembau MP, who is also Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's son-in-law, said he was willing to be investigated by the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) if there was proof linking him to the allegation.

"I want to warn the honorable MP from Wangsa Maju not to abuse his parliamentary immunity to make baseless allegations, either due to the fact that he did not do his homework or have a bad intention against me.

"As an MP and a man, I challenge Wangsa Maju MP to make a police report if he has solid proof and repeat his allegations outside of the House, so I can take legal action against him," he said.

Calling Wee a "liar" who did not portray himself as a "first-class MP", Khairy said he "should sit down and keep quiet instead of embarrassing himself". "That is why he (Wee) was sacked by the DAP once upon a time."

At this point, Wee stood up and clarified that he did not accuse Khairy of being involved in those projects but hinted that it could be a certain "son-in-law".

In response, Khairy said he expected Wee, whom he described as someone with a "shallow mind", to come up with such an excuse but he pointed out that Wee mentioned a certain company called Fajar Baru Rembau and linked it to him.

This led to a war of words between Khairy and Wee until Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia intervened. Proceeding with his debate, Khairy said one of the 9MP's objectives was to stop relying on "false competitiveness" through subsidies and foreign labour.

Praising the government's decision to reduce the fuel subsidy as "courageous" since it was an unpopular move, he cited an article by an Australian columnist, Michael Backman, who said it was the single most important microeconomic reform in Malaysia for years.

"We contrast this with the populist approach taken by the opposition which is irresponsible," Khairy said, referring to Backman's article that painted Pakatan Rakyat de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as an "opportunist" who would do anything to get into power.

"This is not a propaganda by Barisan Nasional but this is writing at the international level that recognises the government's approach to re-engineer the economy to become more sustainable in the long term," he added.

Khairy, however, also said there must be "humane economics" in the re-engineering of the economy and urged the government to widen the social security net to help the poor, who are facing painful structural ajustments.

Among others, Khairy said he concurred with other MPs who proposed that the government review the poverty line, which may be artificially suppressed, or find ways to increase the people's disposable income.

He also suggested that the government make houses more affordable by encouraging banks to offer soft loans to purchasers, and provide guarantees to the banks to lower their interest rates for mortgages.

On the New Economic Policy (NEP), Khairy said its defenders should not be apologetic because the original goals of the NEP, which included eradicating poverty regardless of race, were still appropriate although its implementation needs to be improved.

"We need to have a new understanding of the social contract and NEP so they would not be disputed," he added.

Concurring with Datuk Ibrahim Ali (Pasir Mas-independent), who proposed a new Bumiputera Economic Congress to re-affirm the bumiputeras' economic interests, he said it should include non-bumiputeras as it would affect their interests.

Khairy also urged the government to hasten the setting up of the third National Economic Consultation Council and get all parties, both bumiputeras and non-bumiputeras as well as the opposition, to agree on a framework based on the social contract and the NEP.

Premium cabbies serving LCCT seek petrol subsidy


SEPANG: Premium taxi drivers of the Low Cost Taxi Association servicing the KLIA Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) route are appealing to the Government for petrol subsidy, up to RM1.70 a litre.

“After taking our passengers where they want to go, our earnings are usually only enough to fill up our petrol tanks,” said association deputy president Alwi Mahruf yesterday.

He urged the Government to grant a subsidy of between RM1.50 and RM1.70 a litre for the 220 premium taxies that do not use natural gas.

Alwi said the premium taxis use higher end vehicles such as Nissan Cefiro 3.0 and Hyundai Sonata 2.0, which have larger boot space and would use more petrol as they are able to carry heavier luggage.

He said the Finance Ministry rejected the association’s appeal on Friday because the high fares for their premium taxis did not justify petrol subsidy.

A passenger taking a premium taxi from the LCCT to Kuala Lumpur can expect to pay about RM92.40 and about RM77.30 for Petaling Jaya.

However, Alwi said a premium taxi driver would need to fork out about RM52.90 worth of petrol and toll charges for a 2-way LCCT-KL trip. They are not allowed to pick up passengers outside of the LCCT.

“Also, the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB) is approving too many permits for premium taxis. At LCCT, most of the passengers take the budget taxis and the bus.

“There are too many premium taxis and we have to wait more than two hours for a passenger,” he added.

He cautioned that many premium taxi drivers would have their vehicles repossessed if petrol subsidy was not granted soon.

Premium cabbies want 3,000 litres of subsidised fuel


PETALING JAYA: The Low Cost Taxi Association wants 3,000 litres of subsidised petrol monthly for its Premium Taxi drivers plying the LCCT route.

Association deputy president Alwi Mahruf said the 720 litres approved by the Finance Ministry was insufficient for the premium taxis – usually Hyundai Sonata 2.0 and Nissan Cefiro 3.0 vehicles – which are not fitted with natural gas cylinders as they require a larger boot space to carry more luggage.

“The subsidy we have been given will only last 10 to 11 days,” he said.

“For vehicles that go on outstation journeys, the subsidy will not last more than five days,” he added.

Alwi said that vehicles of four association members were repossessed recently as they could not make ends.

Let’s go shopping
Story and photos by CHARLES FERNANDEZ


JUST spend a minimum of RM250 at either the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) or the Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) in the next 10 months and stand to win prizes totalling RM2.7mil.

The KLIA shopping campaign launched by Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) features three shopping contest each with its own prizes.

Themed Magic 10 celebrations the contests are being held in conjunction with KLIA’s 10th anniversary.

MAHB chairman Tan Sri Dr Aris Othman launched the campaign, the fifth installation, offering grand prizes of two lots of RM50,000 cash each, a RM30,000 holiday package and a RM420,000 Lexus GS300.

“This year the shopping campaign features three contests instead of the usual one.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/9/5/central/m_18klia.jpg
It’s on: (from left) Umar, Aris, Mastercard Worldwide vice-president and senior country manager for Malaysia and Brunei Jimmy Cheah and Malaysia Airports senior general manager (operations) Datuk Azmi Murad (second from right) at the launch.

“The shopping contest will take place every week for 12 weeks and it will end June next year,’’ said general manager (Commercial Services, Malaysia Airports) Umar Bustaman.

Any shopper who spends a minimum of RM250 will be rewarded with an instant gift while a higher spending of RM500 will qualify them for the grand prize of each contest.

Shoppers could also take part in another weekly contest that offers RM5,000 cash each week for the next 36 weeks.

Umar said the airport would also host several shows and activities.

“We aim to provide passengers and visitors the best of KLIA and Malaysia through this campaign,’’ added Umar.

Meanwhile, Aris added that to further enrich the shopping experience in KLIA, there would be a 14-month Satellite Retail Optimisation Project (SROP) at the airport.

“The first phase of the SROP is due for completion in October. This will significantly change the look and feel of the shopping outlets at the Satellite building,’’ said Aris.

He said the SROP covered four phases and once completed next year, there would be an additional 26 outlets.

Bursting at the seams


LONG queues at immigration counters and waiting for more than an hour to collect a checked-in luggage are a common angst for budget airline passengers who arrive at the low-cost carrier terminal (LCCT) in Sepang.

Barely three years old and the LCCT is already operating at its full capacity €“ bursting at the seams, some may define €“ as a result of the (unforeseen) tremendous growth of budget airline passengers, particularly that of AirAsia group.

Besides the AirAsia group, the LCCT also services the Philippine’s Cebu Pacific Airways and Singapore’s Tiger Airways.

For the interim comfort of budget airline passengers, Malaysia Airport Holdings Bhd (MAHB) has embarked on an extension plan for LCCT. The extension will increase the annual passenger capacity from the current 10 million to 15 million upon completion in March 2009.

According to MAHB senior general manager of operation services Datuk Azmi Murad, the proposal for a new LCCT has been submitted to the government for approval but its location has yet to be determined.

“We are still waiting for the government to give us the green light for the project, hence we are not able to confirm when the project will be implemented and completed,” Azmi says.

He, however, confirms that the proposed terminal comes with a capacity for 30 million passengers per year, with scope for expansion should the need arise.

But AirAsia X Sdn Bhd CEO Azran Osman-Rani feels that MAHB’s expansion plans are too conservative compared to the growth of AirAsia group.

“Failure to anticipate the growth of our passenger numbers will result in severe capacity shortage again in the short future,” he says.

AirAsia group expects its total passengers to exceed 15 million in 2010 and 28 million by 2014.

While the overcrowded situation in LCCT is severe, KLIA, despite its state-of-the-art facilities and award-winning status, is found to be lagging behind its regional rivals, namely Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport and Singapore’s Changi Airport.

The trend is partly attributable to national carrier MAS’ capacity trimming, while other regional airlines such as the Emirates, SIA, Etihad and Cathay Pacific continue to expand their operations.

In addition, many international airlines that have left KLIA since the 1997/98 Asian financial crisis, such as British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, ANA and Air France, have not returned but have continued to fly to Suvarnabhumi Airport and Changi Airport.

According to the Airports Council International, there are currently 105 airlines that fly to Bangkok’s airport, more than 70 airlines to Singapore’s Changi and less than 50 to KLIA.

Passenger traffic recorded in 2003 at Suvarnabhumi Airport was 30.2 million, Changi Airport was 24.7 million and KLIA was 17.5 million.

In 2007, the numbers rose, with Suvarnabhumi Airport recording a passenger traffic of 41.2 million; Changi Airport 36.7 million and KLIA 26.5 million. Passenger and cargo traffic is a good gauge of an airport’s strength, which is strongly correlated to a country’s economic performance because airport is the heartbeat of a country’s trade and tourism industries.

The group founder and AirAsia CEO Datuk Tony Fernandes feels that the AirAsia group’s low-cost business model and growing flight frequencies and destinations are able to draw more passengers to KL hub, which will ultimately boost Malaysia’s economy.

“We have a dream to bring in passengers from all over the world to our Kuala Lumpur hub, and we believe we are on the right path to achieving this dream because of what we can offer our passengers.

“The unfortunate thing is, our dream is hampered because we do not have a good airport infrastructure to support our plan to make it bigger for Malaysia’s industry,” he says.

Therefore, he expresses hope for the airport management sector to be liberalised and open to competition for the benefit of the aviation industry as a whole.

In Britain, for instance, the Competition Commission recently issued a provisional report recommending the British Airport Authority (BAA) to sell three of the seven airports under its management.

The recommendation is to address competition problems that arise from the monopolistic behaviour of BAA in managing its airports, such as its lack of responsiveness to the needs of its airline customers and lack of initiative in capacity planning.

Airports in Malaysia are managed under the monopoly of MAHB, a government-linked company.

i believed there are few mistakes in the article above...

Bursting at the seams


He, however, confirms that the proposed terminal comes with a capacity for 30 million passengers per year, with scope for expansion should the need arise.

But AirAsia X Sdn Bhd CEO Azran Osman-Rani feels that MAHB’s expansion plans are too conservative compared to the growth of AirAsia group.

“Failure to anticipate the growth of our passenger numbers will result in severe capacity shortage again in the short future,” he says.

AirAsia group expects its total passengers to exceed 15 million in 2010 and 28 million by 2014.



When the new LCCT is built, it will be overcrowded again. Has MAHB ever consulted with Air Asia regarding their own project pax. growth forecast?

Air Asia perlu pindahkan semua penerbangan antarabangsa ke KLIA .

Barulah masuk akal sikit.

Caj semua penumpang cuma beza 3 ringgit je kan ?

Air Asia perlu pindahkan semua penerbangan antarabangsa ke KLIA .

Barulah masuk akal sikit.

Caj semua penumpang cuma beza 3 ringgit je kan ?

You know la malaysia government and companies....to them the rakyat along with the Indonesians should get the shit facilities..it's abhorrent that MAHB did not forsee that LCCT would be so crowded..the expansion is pretty late. We get Puduraya and LCCT while the mat salleh get KLIA..the problem is the mat salleh going to Bangkok and Changi....making KLIA like a pretty pathetic white elephant but a very beautiful white elephant nontheless :lol:.No point building 10 billion simoleon airport when the rakyat can't afford to use it :lol:

Anyway skyprince, if Air Asia pindah to MTB, mana laku nanti...nanti air fare naik...rakyat pun susah.

You know la malaysia government and companies....to them the rakyat along with the Indonesians should get the shit facilities..it's abhorrent that MAHB did not forsee that LCCT would be so crowded..the expansion is pretty late. We get Puduraya and LCCT while the mat salleh get KLIA..the problem is the mat salleh going to Bangkok and Changi....making KLIA like a pretty pathetic white elephant but a very beautiful white elephant nontheless :lol:.No point building 10 billion simoleon airport when the rakyat can't afford to use it :lol:

Anyway skyprince, if Air Asia pindah to MTB, mana laku nanti...nanti air fare naik...rakyat pun susah.

* Air Asia begged MAHB to build a LCCT so MAHB can charge a lower airport tax.
* MAHB builds a LCCT in record time cause it's suppose to be temp. and reusing a cargo facility. MAHB has to build LCCT anyway cause the MTB is gettting crowded. too crowded -> worse airport experience.
* MAHB misjudge airasia growth rate. to be honest, nobody has seen an airline grow that fast. can anybody tell me which airline grow like air asia rate consistently?
* MAHB LCCT agrees to expand the LCCT and build a proper LCCT. bulding a proper LCCT means changing the master plan. to be fair, the masterplan was conceive when LCC hasn't existed yet.

* KLIA has 26+ million passanger last yeat. 7+ million plus is from LCCT. total capacity is (MTB = 25mil, LCCT= 10 mil). move LCCT to KLIA, it means a very very crowded airport. people like you guys will complain about the long line, MAHB has no plaining, etc. etc.
* if AirAsia wasn't being too cheap in the first place, MAHB might build a 2nd satelite building today.
* what every the numbers they giving, it's just projection. be prepared, sure. but if air asia doesn't meet the numbers, would you still blame MAHB for building a nice white elephant?

A permanent LCCT has to be build asap no matter what, given AirAsia's achievements.

Simple.

KLIA has plenty of land. Build it somewhere big enough for a 15-20mil terminal. There must be sufficient space for AA planes to park and some space for future expansion. This area should not be too far from MTB, or better still connect it with MTB.

Connect the LCCT with 2 rails: the inter KLIA shuttle like Satelite to MTB and the ERL.

The new terminal must be of higher standards than the current LCCT. Multi-storey terminal and covered carparks. Design can be similar to MTB but with more practicality such as huge food court areas and an inhouse terminal for LCCT buses. Have better lounges for departing passengers and proper baggage collection area. I suggest the new LCCT have some aerobridges for AA international flights instead of having to walk miles on the tarmac. And AA pls have ur low-cost hotel at this new LCCT not near the old LCCT.

After all the above is done, then MAHB should plan to build the Satelite 2 and perhaps a new runway.

why don't the gov allowed airasia to plan the new lcct. like jetblue is alowed to builed jfk terminal 5. i seen its once on discovery channel. the low cost carrier is building its in 18 mth only.a very cool terminal building with skybridge on all 30 gates which is design to acomadate a320 only which reduced the construction cost. the current system of waitimg 4 the gov to make ready the money, then lease it to mahb is taking too long?and a waise of public fund. the new terminal should be builed like any other development.in which the capital is colected via isue of shares or bond.and then they get the revenue from the operation to pay off divident. then all people will be happy,the user will haye a new sparking terminal rather than a cargo building today and the investor get $$$ and airasia can expaned futher. but this is my opinion only.

building on that idea of yours... why don't Air Asia just apply to design, buy the 'land', build the terminal and operate it on their own? Saves a lot of trouble (and money) all round, no?

I have no quams about a container-like terminal as long as it is functional, clean and air conditioned. Oh and comes with dirt cheap airport tax (or maybe even no tax!)

IMO, MAHB should not handle LCCT.Gahmen should let someone take care of LCCT and let it compete with the MTB, so that these two airports will compete to attract customers and airlines.I am sure MAHB will always try to make LCCT inferior to the NTB.Just my 2 sen la.

why don't the gov allowed airasia to plan the new lcct. like jetblue is alowed to builed jfk terminal 5.

If you dig up back old news regarding this LCCT you would see that Air Asia was pretty much involved since its conceptual design. In fact, most of the facilities in the LCCT were built with full consultation with Air Asia. The CEO himself has confirmed on Air Asia involvement.

But now, when the terminal is bursting at its seam, Air Asia makes 180 degree turn and blame Malaysia Airport in having bad planning.

:ohno:

IMO, MAHB should not handle LCCT.Gahmen should let someone take care of LCCT and let it compete with the MTB, so that these two airports will compete to attract customers and airlines.I am sure MAHB will always try to make LCCT inferior to the NTB.Just my 2 sen la.

If KKIA T2 can have relatively decent and surprisingly classy design for a LCCT, there's no reason why KLIA cannot have the same for their new LCCT, unless MAHB wanted to made the future LCCT looks like a second fiddle in KLIA...

Deputy minister plans to persuade taxi touts to lay off LCCT
Friday October 24, 2008

PUTRAJAYA: Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department T. Murugiah will meet taxi touts plying the Low-Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) in Sepang and persuade them not to operate there.

“I have a list of 14 licence plate numbers of private cars, which are often seen around LCCT.

“They were given to me by the taxi drivers at LCCT. But we can’t take any action against them because we don’t have proof.

“For instance, they can say they are there at the LCCT to pick up their relatives.

“It’s hard to catch them in the act. So, we want to meet and talk to them to leave the taxi drivers alone,” he told reporters after meeting representatives of taxi drivers association, the Tourism Ministry, the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB), Road Transport Department (JPJ) and the airport authorities, at his office here yesterday.

Murugiah hoped to meet the touts at LCCT on Nov 6, accompanied by JPJ officers and other authorities.

“We promise not to enforce the law against them,” he said, adding that many drivers had complained of being threatened by the touts.

On how he hoped to meet them, Murugiah said he would ask the JPJ to trace the owners of the vehicles. Murugiah, who is tasked with the Public Complaints Bureau, said the CVLB had also frozen the permits of taxis plying the LCCT as there was not enough passengers.

Asked if freezing of the permits would not inconvenience passsengers, he said passengers could still take buses, which the CVLB had approved 85 permits to ply the route.

Among others, Murugiah said the taxi drivers also complained of the high number of Skybuses and the 9% charge imposed by the coupon operator on each trip.

Fajarbaru may get more LCCT works
05 Nov 2008 12:33 PM

KUALA LUMPUR: Fajarbaru Builder Group Bhd may get another RM40 million worth of works from its current RM123.9 million job to upgrade the low-cost carrier terminal (LCCT).

"There will be some extra works, so it may come up to RM165 million," its chief executive officer and managing director Datuk Low Keng Kok said after its AGM here yesterday.

Fajarbaru was awarded the project in March this year to undertake the expansion of the LCCT. It is bidding for a few other projects, including a major government job.

"We are also bidding for another project worth RM200-RM300 million," he said.

"We were also recently short-listed by Australian investors to tender for a project in Kuantan. They are building an industrial estate. But we are not too sure of the exact value of the project as they are still contemplating how many phases they want," he added.

For the year ended June 30, 2008, the group's net profit doubled to RM14.68 million from RM7.75 million the previous year but revenue was halved to RM87.61 million from RM123.24 million.

Its order book stands at more than RM500 million, which would keep it busy until 2011.

Low said it could see better profits due to falling steel and oil prices.

He added that it was also keen to move into property development and would be looking to acquire land in city areas like Klang Valley, Penang and Johor.

The group has about RM40 million cash at hand. "Next year, we foresee if economy will be this slow, we believe there will be opportunities for land purchase," he said.

[B]
Among others, Murugiah said the taxi drivers also complained of the high number of Skybuses and the 9% charge imposed by the coupon operator on each trip.

Bunch of cry babies!!!Who would hesitate to get in a cab if they provide good ,clean and honest service to KL.But noooo couponlah, Line uplah etc etc
I Think these people running the taxi services should go on a lawatan sambil belajar to bangkok and singapore!!:ohno:

A number of taxis operating like thugs, no wonder Skybus and other buses to LCCT is very popular, as i witnessed in KL Sentral!

KLIA, LCCT belum capai sasaran

SEPANG 6 Nov. - Kadar aliran penumpang di Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Kuala Lumpur (KLIA) dan Terminal Penerbangan Tambang Murah (LCCT) di sini meningkat sedikit dan masih belum mencapai sasaran yang ditetapkan.

Pengurus Besar Kanan Operasi, Malaysia Airports Holding Bhd. (MAHB), Datuk Azmi Murad berkata, pada awal tahun ini, KLIA dan LCCT disasarkan akan mengalami pertumbuhan lima peratus atau 28 juta penumpang.

''Bagi tempoh Januari hingga September, KLIA dan LCCT mengendalikan kira-kira 27.5 penumpang dan keadaan sekarang mungkin agak sukar untuk kita capai sasaran awal kerana keadaan ekonomi dunia tidak menentu. Tetapi angka tersebut adalah lebih tinggi berbanding tempoh yang sama tahun lalu.

''Kita juga menyaksikan kemasukan penumpang yang tinggi melalui syarikat penerbangan tambang murah. MAHB juga yakin apabila AirAsia memulakan penerbangannya ke Perth baru-baru ini dan ke beberapa destinasi antarabangsa baru, kemasukan penumpang akan bertambah,'' katanya kepada media selepas majlis sambutan penerbangan baru dari Dhaka, Bangladesh melalui syarikat penerbangan Best Air di KLIA di sini hari ini.

Terdapat kira-kira 55 syarikat penerbangan yang beroperasi di KLIA dan LCCT yang mana lima daripadanya syarikat penerbangan tambang murah, tambahnya.

Tahun lalu, KLIA dan LCCT mengendalikan kira-kira 26.5 juta penumpang dengan jumlah keseluruhan trafik bagi 39 lapangan terbang di negara ini menguruskan kira-kira 45.2 juta penumpang.

Ditanya mengenai sasaran tahun depan, Azmi memberitahu MAHB terpaksa menetapkan sasaran yang lebih rendah iaitu empat peratus berbanding lima peratus pada tahun ini.

Penetapan unjuran itu adalah berdasarkan keadaan ekonomi global yang semakin tidak menentu, kata beliau.

MAHB bagaimanapun, mengharapkan kemasukan lebih banyak pelancong daripada negara-negara yang tidak terjejas oleh krisis kewangan global seperti China dan India.

Selain itu, beliau yang enggan mengulas lanjut berkata, MAHB kini mengadakan perbincangan dengan beberapa syarikat penerbangan antarabangsa untuk mendarat di KLIA dan LCCT sebagai lanjutan daripada Forum World Route baru-baru ini.

Proposed terminal needed to replace Sepang as it reaches full capacity
By SARBAN SINGH


SEREMBAN: The Negri Sembilan government has proposed that an airport be built to replace the low-cost carrier terminal (LCCT) in Sepang.

Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said the state had held talks with Sime Darby Group and AirAsia over the matter.

“We are all agreeable that we need a new airport to replace the LCCT,” he said at a press conference yesterday.

A working paper had been submitted to the Transport Ministry.

Mohamad said although the authorities had in principle agreed to the proposal, a comprehensive paper would be tabled to the Cabinet for final approval.

The construction of the new airport, on a 2,800ha area at the state’s central corridor in Labu, would be financed by the private sector, he said.

“AirAsia is already facing some difficulties at the LCCT as its volume of passengers has almost reached full capacity. This way, Negri Sembilan will also have an airport of its own,” he said.

The three parties hoped to start talks with Malaysia Airports Bhd soon.

Sime Darby owns the land where the proposed airport would be built.

Mohamad said the state came up with the idea after the Federal Government rejected a request from AirAsia to move its operations to the old aiport in Subang.

Asked if it was viable for the state, Sime Darby Group and AirAsia to proceed with the project amid the uncertain economic outlook, Mohamad said it was a good time to do so as construction costs would be low.

Mohamad said that with the completion of the dual-track rail project between Seremban and Gemas by 2012, more people would relocate to the southern part of the state and the demand for air travel would also increase.

^^

Er, Labu??

Having it built inside KLIA area will make the complaint of the LCCT being far from MBT is eliminated, so better built it according to the KLIA masterplan!

^^ semua nak menyusahkan orang jer! pentingkan diri saja.

I'm okey with it as long as no taxpayers money are being used.
IT surely is better as it will break the MAHB monopoly.

^^ labu is near seremban. i think going to seremban just to get a flight is not going to work for me. better just leave it at KLIA, equi-distance from KL and seremban.

Mohamad Hasan is a politician, while Tony Fernandez is a pure businessman. their heads are different and i don't think it will be materialised...at all!

it is just a cakap kosong ahli politik...

wat lame proposal ??? better i suggest build LCCT next to my house!!! want to shift LCCT to wth Labu? where's tat?

ridiculous lah .. u AirAsia cant shift out of KLIA ok!

If it was for Tony to decide he would want to operate out of the old sungei besi airport!!

wat lame proposal ??? better i suggest build LCCT next to my house!!! want to shift LCCT to wth Labu? where's tat?

ridiculous lah .. u AirAsia cant shift out of KLIA ok!

Where is Labu?

To give you an idea where is Labu............take a look at KTM Komuter network...

Batang Benar ---> Nilai (official interchange to KLIA)---->Labu----> Tiroi ---> Seremban...

Doesn't make sense to me!

who care if its too far from kl, even klia is 60km away from kl.so another 10 will not make much of a difference. and it is free. no tax payer money is being used, no state land is to be given away.most importantly no MAHB who just keep asking for money.in fact this is built by private sector, if they fail,let it be.if it suceed than congrats. airport is just like any other money making entities.so lets the entrepeneurs manage,whether they make any money from it, it up to them

lets look on how much klia had cost us, malaysian.
10bil in construction cost
the mistakes of building that many carkpark
1bil yearly are given by MOF to klia
MAHB is a lost making company(with gov is the s/h)
subsidies to klia express
construction of LCCT which is a big mistake as the MTB is underutilised
the expansion of LCCT
the next expention of LCCT
a new LCCT (built by tax payers money) to be built.

how much tax payers money are the gonna spend when you could get the same thing for FREE, and maybe a better managment and facilities.

how much tax payers money are the gonna spend when you could get the same thing for FREE, and maybe a better managment and facilities.

Haven't you learn anything? Nothing is FREE in this world. There will always be a catch.

in economic terms,everything in this world is not free, if you gets s'thng for free, than someone else have to pay for it....but consider this most of use who is the taxpayers dont have to pay,in term we gets it free, but the uses of the airport,the renter of shop there had to pay......its sure is a lot better, considering all of use right now pay for the airport that we rarely use...

^^ 26mil a year use the airport. that's almost every malaysian use the airport. what's full use by your standards?

Proposed terminal needed to replace Sepang as it reaches full capacity
By SARBAN SINGH


SEREMBAN: The Negri Sembilan government has proposed that an airport be built to replace the low-cost carrier terminal (LCCT) in Sepang.

Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said the state had held talks with Sime Darby Group and AirAsia over the matter.

“We are all agreeable that we need a new airport to replace the LCCT,” he said at a press conference yesterday.

A working paper had been submitted to the Transport Ministry.

Mohamad said although the authorities had in principle agreed to the proposal, a comprehensive paper would be tabled to the Cabinet for final approval.

The construction of the new airport, on a 2,800ha area at the state’s central corridor in Labu, would be financed by the private sector, he said.

“AirAsia is already facing some difficulties at the LCCT as its volume of passengers has almost reached full capacity. This way, Negri Sembilan will also have an airport of its own,” he said.

The three parties hoped to start talks with Malaysia Airports Bhd soon.

Sime Darby owns the land where the proposed airport would be built.

Mohamad said the state came up with the idea after the Federal Government rejected a request from AirAsia to move its operations to the old aiport in Subang.

Asked if it was viable for the state, Sime Darby Group and AirAsia to proceed with the project amid the uncertain economic outlook, Mohamad said it was a good time to do so as construction costs would be low.

Mohamad said that with the completion of the dual-track rail project between Seremban and Gemas by 2012, more people would relocate to the southern part of the state and the demand for air travel would also increase.

Negeri Sembilan bakal ada lapangan terbang
Oleh Hussain Said



Pembangunan bersepadu seluas 2,800 hektar tak lama lagi

SEREMBAN: Negeri Sembilan bakal memiliki sebuah lapangan terbang apabila projek koridor pembangunan bersepadu membabitkan kawasan seluas 2,800 hektar berdekatan Kampung Gadong Jaya, Labu, dekat sini, dibangunkan dalam tempoh terdekat.

Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, berkata pada dasarnya projek pembinaan lapangan terbang itu yang akan dibangunkan syarikat Sime Darby sudah dipersetujui dan kertas mengenainya akan dikemukakan pada mesyuarat Kabinet.



Katanya, pembinaan lapangan terbang itu nanti bukan saja menyokong dan mewujudkan rangkaian dengan Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Kuala Lumpur (KLIA) tetapi mampu memacu pertumbuhan ekonomi negeri dan kawasan setempat.

"Selain pembinaan lapangan terbang, kawasan itu akan dibangunkan dengan bandar perubatan, pendidikan, sukan dan pelancongan sekali gus mewujudkan satu zon ekonomi berdaya tinggi dan menguntungkan," katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian kepada pemberita selepas menyampaikan Surat Hak Milik Projek Perumahan Awam Kos Rendah (PAKR) Panchor 1, 11, dan Sikamat 2A, di Padang Awam Rumah Rakyat Panchor, dekat sini.

Hadir sama, Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Perumahan, Kerajaan Tempatan, Kampung Baru dan Pengangkutan Awam negeri, Siow Chen Pin; dan Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri (Adun) Lenggeng, Mustapa Salim.

Seramai 234 penduduk dari ketiga-tiga taman perumahan berkenaan mendapat hak milik sementara masing-masing selepas menduduki penempatan berkenaan sejak 20 tahun lalu.

Mohamad berkata, projek koridor pembangunan bersepadu di Kampung Gadong Jaya itu adalah antara sebahagian daripada lembah pembangunan daerah ini yang dirancang kerajaan negeri selepas Bandar Baru Sendayan yang mula dibangunkan secara berperingkat.

"Setakat ini, kos pembangunan projek itu belum dapat dianggarkan kerana ia akan dimajukan pihak swasta sepenuhnya dan kerajaan negeri yakin projek itu akan memberi impak lebih baik kepada masa depan pembangunan negeri ini terutama di daerah Seremban dan Port Dickson.

"Tambahan pula Seremban dan Port Dickson sudah diiktiraf sebahagian daripada kawasan Lembah Klang yang besar dan projek itu nanti sudah pasti memberi limpahan ekonomi yang mampu memberi manfaat kepada rakyat negeri ini," katanya.

Sementara itu, Mohamad berkata, sebuah syarikat dari Dubai, Emiriyah Arab Bersatu sudah menyatakan persetujuan untuk memajukan kawasan seluas 400 hektar di Bandar Seri Sendayan sebagai bandar pelancongan termasuk membina hotel dan Perkampungan Formula Satu (F1).

how about the proposal of Airasia which had agreed to operate a few flights from Batu Berendam, Melaka? MAHB should have sell away Batu Berendam airport to Airasia n let them fully utilise it besides Malaysian Flying Academy using the airport.

Malacca? How about being a private. I dont c anything now about AK on MKZ.
Labu? No rendering. No news anymore.
New LCCT? No rendering. Not known location. Just take it.

Any news about new LCCT. Just days, i went to LCCT. I saw it is under expansion on Intl side. Was it building new gates. Well, I hope the new LCCT have aerobridges like MTB and STB. Not like the old LCCT. Have to walk. On rain. Thats hard..

ali rustam had ask the fed to operate MKZ ourself. but it looks like the fed are so insisting on MAHB monopoly. for me let go private. at lease we would get better facilies and lower rate if all the airport are competing with each other.probably a better incentive which would leed to more airlines to come in.

LCCT international arrival hall ahead of schedule
By GEETHA KRISHNAN


THE new international arrival hall at the Low-Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) at Sepang in Selangor will open for operation on Dec 15, weeks ahead of its original scheduled date.

The hall is part of the RM160mil new wing constructed under the LCCT expansion plan.

The whole wing is also expected to be fully ready for operation earlier than the original completion date of March 15 next year.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/12/9/central/m_04lcct1.jpg
Spacious and hardly low-cost: Malaysia Airports Bhd (MAB) senior general manager for operations Datuk Azmi Murad at the new international arrival hall within the LCCT’s new RM160mil wing:banana::banana:

According to Malaysia Airports Bhd (MAB) senior general manager (operations) Datuk Azmi Murad, the extension would add 32,000sq m of additional floor space to the existing 28,000sq m available.

“The check-in counters will be increased from 72 to 117 for a smoother passenger flow. The counters usually handle 600 passengers per hour but will soon be able to handle 2,200 passengers an hour,” Azmi told StarMetro.

“The grand total of six baggage carousels will save passengers’ time,” he said.

“With the additional floor space, we will accommodate more retail and F&B outlets, and shower and surau facilities,” Azmi said.

The expansion was implemented following the tremendous increase in passenger load at the LCCT soon after its opening in 2006.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/12/9/central/m_04lcct.jpg
Busy during off-peak too: The Low-Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) in Sepang was built for 15 million passengers initially but handles around 30,000 passengers daily with a 30% increase during holidays

By last year, the LCCT was operating beyond its originally planned capacity of 15 million passengers a year.

Azmi said the new wing could help cope with the 34% growth because once it was fully operational in March next year, the extended terminal could serve 30 million passengers a year.

Besides the AirAsia domestic flights and the AirAsia X international services to Thailand, Indonesia and Australia, the LCCT also caters for the Cebu Pacific Airways of the Philippines and the Tiger Airways of Singapore.

“We handle 30,000 passengers daily on regular days but during festivals and school holidays, there is an increase of 30% in passenger load. With the new wing, we can cater for more airlines,” Azmi said.

AirAsia X, meanwhile, is scheduled to start operating the London Stansted-Kuala Lumpur route from the LCCT in March next year.

According to LCCT-KLIA manager Raghbir Singh, measures taken to cope with the surge in travellers during peak seasons include extending the waiting area at the present terminal.

“By taking up the service road previously used by taxis, we have a 3,000sq m frontage for a bigger waiting area with 600 seats,” Raghbir said.

According to Azmi, to ease congestion at the present departure hall, passengers are only allowed to check in once their respective counters are opened. The others have to wait at the seating area.

As for public transport, eight bus companies link the LCCT to Kuala Lumpur, Klang, Shah Alam, Seremban, Malacca, Ipoh and Genting. There are also ample taxi services.

At present, the MAB is toying with the idea of a mechanical carpark because parking bays will soon be limited once the new wing is fully open.

With air fares increasingly becoming cheaper and competitive, resulting in the healthy increase in passenger load, Azmi does not discount the possibility of his company building a permanent and larger LCCT.

“Our holding company Malaysia Airports Holding Berhad (MAHB) owns 100sq km of land in Sepang. So we have enough space for a permanent terminal.

“We have a few locations in mind,” he said.

He also said if AirAsia did succeed in building its own low-cost carrier terminal, the present LCCT could be converted into a cargo warehouse or for other purposes.


...wow!!so fast meh...!!:banana::banana:

Up to Nov 30, passenger arrivals for all airports handled by MAHB increased 5.4% to 42.8 million. Of this, KL International Airport (KLIA) received 15.8 million while the low-cost carrier terminal (LCCT) received nine million. The LCCT is expected to hit the 10 million mark by year-end.

Up to Nov 30, passenger arrivals for all airports handled by MAHB increased 5.4% to 42.8 million. Of this, KL International Airport (KLIA) received 15.8 million while the low-cost carrier terminal (LCCT) received nine million. The LCCT is expected to hit the 10 million mark by year-end.

tahun ni aku dah guna

KLIA - 3X ( 2X out , 1X in )
LCCT - 1X in from Phuket

That means KLIA received 15.8 + 9 = 24.8+ million

MAHB Expects To Remain Profitable Next Year
December 09, 2008 17:41 PM

SEPANG, Dec 9 (Bernama) -- Airport operator Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd expects to remain profitable next year despite a marginal growth forecast in passenger numbers of between one and two percent.

"There will be a drop in passenger numbers but we will see a marginal growth following a slowdown in economic growth," managing director Datuk Seri Bashir Ahmad told reporters at the launch of the new East Zone satellite building and the second phase of the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) shopping campaign here today.

He said MAHB has forecast a five percent growth in passenger numbers for this year after achieving seven percent last year.

Bashir said its profits would be partly boosted by the retail business and the reduction in cost.

MAHB operates and manages 39 airports in Malaysia, with five international, 16 domestic and 18 short take-off and landing (STOL) ports.

MAHB senior general manager operations Datuk Azmi Murad said the Low-Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) will handle an extra 5,000 passengers following completion of its extension exercise in March next year.

This will increase the total handling capacity to 15 million passengers from the current 10 million, he said.

Azmi said the investment involved in the extension work was RM130 million.

He said the facilities for international arrivals at the LCCT will be operational on Dec 15.

On the new East Zone, Bashir said work had started in May this year, taking five months to be completed and providing the area with a more contemporary look.

In conjunction with this, the KLIA shopping campaign also featured a special opening promotion designed to make shopping more attractive at the area.

Under the campaign, there are RM2.7 million worth of prizes to be won. -- BERNAMA

“We expect to partially open the new LCCT international arrival hall on Dec 15 and the wing is expected to be fully operational by March.

“LCCT’s annual passenger capacity will be boosted to 15 million passengers by then from the current 10 million,” he said, adding that the upgrading project cost about RM130mil.

http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/12/10/business/2761800&sec=business

MAHB Expects To Remain Profitable Next Year


SEPANG, Dec 9 (Bernama) -- Airport operator Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd expects to remain profitable next year despite a marginal growth forecast in passenger numbers of between one and two percent.

"There will be a drop in passenger numbers but we will see a marginal growth following a slowdown in economic growth," managing director Datuk Seri Bashir Ahmad told reporters at the launch of the new East Zone satellite building and the second phase of the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) shopping campaign here today.

He said MAHB has forecast a five percent growth in passenger numbers for this year after achieving seven percent last year.

Bashir said its profits would be partly boosted by the retail business and the reduction in cost.

MAHB operates and manages 39 airports in Malaysia, with five international, 16 domestic and 18 short take-off and landing (STOL) ports.

MAHB senior general manager operations Datuk Azmi Murad said the Low-Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) will handle an extra 5,000 passengers following completion of its extension exercise in March next year.

This will increase the total handling capacity to 15 million passengers from the current 10 million, he said.

Azmi said the investment involved in the extension work was RM130 million.

He said the facilities for international arrivals at the LCCT will be operational on Dec 15.

On the new East Zone, Bashir said work had started in May this year, taking five months to be completed and providing the area with a more contemporary look.

In conjunction with this, the KLIA shopping campaign also featured a special opening promotion designed to make shopping more attractive at the area.

Under the campaign, there are RM2.7 million worth of prizes to be won. -- BERNAMA

Ong explains LCCT tender
16-12-2008:

KUALA LUMPUR: Syarikat Pembinaan Fajar Baru (Rembau) Sdn Bhd (now known as Fajar Baru Builders Sdn Bhd) was awarded the project to extend the low cost carrier terminal (LCCT) in Sepang because it fulfilled certain criteria despite offering the third lowest tender price.

In a written reply to Wee Choo Keong (Wangsa Maju-PKR), Transport Minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat said amongst the criteria that the company had fulfilled included submitting a complete proposal with easy calculations as compared to the other companies that also tendered.

“It also has experience in building airports and completed the first phase of the LCCT while having the complete management and equipments.

“It was also the only tender that passed the technical evaluation and the company has strong financial status,” said Ong.

Fajar Baru had submitted tender with offer price of RM86.56 million. Other companies that tendered included Ibizawa Corporation Sdn Bhd (RM111.44 million), Tegap Dinamik (RM132.17 million), Jantayu Padu sdn Bhd (RM85.16 million), Consortium Venture Sdn Bhd & Peambangunan Mitrajaya (RM78.90 million), Sedia Bina Sdn Bhd (RM112.82 million), Subang Teknik (M) Sdn Bhd (RM116.73 million) and Minda Waja (W) Sdn Bhd (RM99.98 million).

LCCT to handle 15m passengers per year: MAHB
Published: 2008/12/20

THE new international arrival hall at the Low-Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) in Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) will be able to handle 15 million passengers per annum once it is fully operational in March next year.

In a statement in Kuala Lumpur yesterday, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) said the hall, which was operational since December 15, would allow international passengers to experience a better and more spacious area.

It said the new arrival hall was part of the RM160 million new wing constructed under the LCCT-KLIA expansion plan.

The new wing is expected to be completed in March next year, it said. MAHB senior general manager, Datuk Azmi Murad, said the expansion was in line with MAHB’s objective to continuously improve its services and facilities to provide better airport experience for passengers and airport users.

LCCT-KLIA currently houses AirAsia, Thai AirAsia, AWAIR, AirAsia X, Cebu Pacific Airways and Tiger Airways. — Bernama

Proposed LCCT to be privately funded
By SARBAN SINGH


SEREMBAN: Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan has told critics to stop making claims that the proposed construction of a new low-cost carrier terminal near Nilai was a waste of government funds.

Mohamad said they should get their information right before making unfounded claims as the proposed project was a privately-financed initiative and the Government did not need to spend a single sen for its construction.

“Some people are saying that this is my project and I intend to give it to my cronies. This is so pathetic,” he told reporters at his office yesterday.

He said even if the state government planned to carry out a project, it would go through the normal tender process.

Mohamad was commenting on claims that the proposed construction of the project was a “brazen” waste of public funds particularly when the economic scenario in the coming months was not expected to be good.

Mohamad had last month said the new airport, to be located between Nilai and Bandar Enstek, would be built to replace the present LCCT in Sepang.

He said the proposed airport, to be build on a 2,800ha area, would be bigger than the present LCCT which could no longer accommodate the increasing passenger volume.

The proposed project would be developed by Sime Darby, which owns the land, and AirAsia.

“We need a new airport as AirAsia now has bigger wide-bodied planes. Its aircraft fleet has also expanded tremendously,” he said yesterday.

He said the proposed airport would also be equipped with aero-bridges and state-of-the-art facilities for passenger comfort.

Mohamad said although Sime Darby, AirAsia and the state government had agreed to the project, the Cabinet would have the final say on the matter.

He expressed hope that the Transport Ministry, Malaysia Airports and the Department of Civil Aviation would support the proposed project.

Two universities and several private institutions of higher learning would also be built in the vicinity of the proposed project, which is located in the state’s central corridor.

Extended arrival hall at LCCT opens


PETALING JAYA: The new international arrival hall at the Low-Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) is now open.

The extended hall adds 32,000 sq m of additional floor space to the existing 28,000 sq m available. When fully operational in March, it will be able to handle 15 million passengers annually.

Malaysia Airports Bhd (MAB) senior general manager (operations) Datuk Azmi Murad said in a statement that the expansion would cater to the growing numbers of low-cost travellers and to enhance passenger comfort level.

The new hall is part of the RM160mil new wing constructed under the LCCT expansion plan.

Six baggage carousels have also been added to further expedite baggage handling while there will be 12 Custom counters and 34 Immigra- tion counters.

The first flight to arrive at the new hall was AirAsia’s AK079 from Hong Kong.

Greater flying comfort since Monday


SEPANG: International passengers arriving at the low-cost carrier terminal at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport will experience a better and more spacious area as the new international arrival hall opened for operation on Dec 15.

The extension has added 32,000sq metre of floor space to the existing 28,000sq metre. The international arrival hall is part of the RM160 million new wing constructed under the LCCT-KLIA expansion plan.

The new wing is expected to be ready in March.

At this hall, six baggage carousels have been configured to further expedite baggage handling. Customs counters have been doubled from six to 12 and 34 Immigration counters are available compared with the previous 12.

The additional floor space will also be utilised to accommodate more retail and F&B outlets, and shower and surau facilities.

Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd senior general manager (operations) Datuk Azmi Murad said: "This expansion is to cater to the growing numbers of low cost travellers, which has seen tremendous increase.

It is also to enhance passenger comfort level and experience when using this hall." -- Bernama

Passengers fume as luggage diverted to Jakarta
Sunday December 21, 2008

PETALING JAYA: More than 100 AirAsia passengers flying in from Bandung, Indonesia, were left fuming at the Low-Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) in Sepang when they discovered that their luggage had travelled to Jakarta instead.

One of the passengers, Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) vice-president Mohd Noor Ab- dullah, said he had arrived at about 5pm at the LCCT but was told that his luggage would only arrive at 11.30pm.

“This is so frustrating, that we are still waiting here in the airport after so many hours.

“It’s bad enough that our 11.20am flight from Bandung was delayed for about two hours. And to now learn that our luggage has been flown to Jakarta instead,” he said yesterday.

He said that there were some passengers who were to take connecting flights to Brunei but were forced to stay back for their luggage.

“I would appreciate it very much if this never happens again,” he said.

When contacted, an AirAsia spokesman said the luggage had to be diverted to Jakarta for safety reasons.

“The Bandung flight had excess luggage, and as the Bandung runway is very short, the plane could not be allowed to take off with the extra load. We had to divert the luggage to Jakarta instead,” she said, but could not elaborate further.

LCCT To Handle 15 Million Passengers Per Annum Once Fully Operational In March 2009


KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 19 (Bernama) -- The new international arrival hall at the Low-Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) in Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) will be able to handle 15 million passengers per annum once it is fully operational in March next year.

In a statement here Friday, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) said the hall, which was operational since Dec 15, would allow international passengers to experience a better and more spacious area.

It said the new arrival hall was part of the RM160 million new wing constructed under the LCCT-KLIA expansion plan.

The new wing is expected to be completed in March next year, it said.

MAHB senior general manager, Datuk Azmi Murad, said the expansion was in line with MAHB's objective to continuously improve its services and facilities to provide better airport experience for passengers and airport users.

LCCT-KLIA currently houses AirAsia, Thai AirAsia, AWAIR, AirAsia X, Cebu Pacific Airways and Tiger Airways.

-- BERNAMA

LCCT mudah dibolosi

Oleh ASRON MUSTAPHA
mohdasron.mustapha@
kosmo.com.my


http://www.kosmo.com.my/kosmo/pix/2008/1222/Kosmo/Negara/ne_01.1.jpg
SEORANG lelaki bebas melalui pintu ketibaan tanpa diperiksa oleh pengawal keselamatan Terminal Penerbangan Tambang Murah (LCCT) di Sepang, semalam.

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SEPANG - Apa sudah jadi dengan tahap keselamatan di Terminal Penerbangan Tambang Murah (LCCT) di sini apabila orang ramai dilihat begitu mudah 'menceroboh' masuk melalui laluan keluar di balai ketibaan dalam negeri di terminal berkenaan.

Cukup dengan sekadar berbohong bahawa anda adalah penumpang, dua pengawal keselamatan yang ditugaskan menjaga laluan tersebut akan membenarkan anda melaluinya tanpa melalui pemeriksaan termasuk terhadap mereka yang membawa beg atau bagasi.

Jika terdapat individu yang mungkin berniat jahat, mereka boleh 'menyeludup' pelbagai senjata mahupun bahan letupan dengan mudah kerana pihak pengurusan terminal LCCT itu dilihat terlalu 'memberi muka' dalam aspek keselamatan.

Kosmo! pernah mendedahkan mengenai keselamatan yang longgar di laluan tersebut sebelum ini tetapi sehingga sekarang nampaknya tidak banyak yang berubah walaupun LCCT pernah berjanji untuk meningkatkan tahap kawalan.

Tinjauan Kosmo! selama dua jam semalam bermula dari pukul 10 pagi mendapati kakitangan LCCT dan orang ramai termasuk warga asing mudah melepasi kawalan pengawal keselamatan yang ditugaskan di balai ketibaan itu.

Apa yang mengejutkan ketika pemberita Kosmo! ingin melalui kawalan mereka, pengawal keselamatan hanya bertanya adakah anda penumpang dan ke mana arah hendak dituju.

Penumpang LCCT kini lebih selesa

KUALA LUMPUR 21 Dis. - Para penumpang antarabangsa Terminal Syarikat Penerbangan Tambang Murah (LCCT) di Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Kuala Lumpur (KLIA) kini menikmati kemudahan yang lebih selesa berikutan pembukaan dewan ketibaan yang baru pada 15 Disember lalu.

Kenyataan Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd. (MAHB) berkata, dewan ketibaan antarabangsa itu merupakan sebahagian daripada projek pembesaran LCCT-KLIA bernilai RM160 juta yang dijangka siap pada Mac tahun depan.

Sebanyak enam karusel bagasi disediakan bagi meningkatkan kecekapan pengawalan bagasi manakala bilangan kaunter kastam ditambah kepada 12 buah berbanding enam buah manakala kaunter imigresen ditambah kepada 34 buah daripada 12 buah sebelum ini, katanya.

''Ruang tambahan di dewan tersebut digunakan untuk menempatkan kedai-kedai runcit serta makanan dan minuman (F&B), bilik mandi pancuran dan kemudahan surau, kata kenyataan itu..

Kini, LCCT-KLIA menempatkan AirAsia, Thai AirAsia, AWAIR, AirAsia X, Cebu Pacific Airways dan Tiger Airways.

LCCT mudah dibolosi

Oleh ASRON MUSTAPHA
mohdasron.mustapha@
kosmo.com.my


http://www.kosmo.com.my/kosmo/pix/2008/1222/Kosmo/Negara/ne_01.1.jpg
SEORANG lelaki bebas melalui pintu ketibaan tanpa diperiksa oleh pengawal keselamatan Terminal Penerbangan Tambang Murah (LCCT) di Sepang, semalam.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


SEPANG - Apa sudah jadi dengan tahap keselamatan di Terminal Penerbangan Tambang Murah (LCCT) di sini apabila orang ramai dilihat begitu mudah 'menceroboh' masuk melalui laluan keluar di balai ketibaan dalam negeri di terminal berkenaan.

Cukup dengan sekadar berbohong bahawa anda adalah penumpang, dua pengawal keselamatan yang ditugaskan menjaga laluan tersebut akan membenarkan anda melaluinya tanpa melalui pemeriksaan termasuk terhadap mereka yang membawa beg atau bagasi.

Jika terdapat individu yang mungkin berniat jahat, mereka boleh 'menyeludup' pelbagai senjata mahupun bahan letupan dengan mudah kerana pihak pengurusan terminal LCCT itu dilihat terlalu 'memberi muka' dalam aspek keselamatan.

Kosmo! pernah mendedahkan mengenai keselamatan yang longgar di laluan tersebut sebelum ini tetapi sehingga sekarang nampaknya tidak banyak yang berubah walaupun LCCT pernah berjanji untuk meningkatkan tahap kawalan.

Tinjauan Kosmo! selama dua jam semalam bermula dari pukul 10 pagi mendapati kakitangan LCCT dan orang ramai termasuk warga asing mudah melepasi kawalan pengawal keselamatan yang ditugaskan di balai ketibaan itu.

Apa yang mengejutkan ketika pemberita Kosmo! ingin melalui kawalan mereka, pengawal keselamatan hanya bertanya adakah anda penumpang dan ke mana arah hendak dituju.

bodoh punya wartawan!! itu bukan immigration check point lah! they don't scan ur bag there!

report tangkap muat...:ohno:

'Kami benarkan'

Oleh ASRON MUSTAPHA
mohdasron.mustapha@kosmo.com.my


http://www.kosmo.com.my/kosmo/pix/2008/1223/Kosmo/Negara/ne_04.1.jpg
KERATAN Kosmo! semalam.

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KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia Airports Holding Bhd. (MAHB) mengesahkan pihaknya memang memberi kebenaran dan kelonggaran kepada penumpang yang telah keluar untuk masuk kembali ke dalam balai ketibaan terminal Penerbangan Tambang Murah (LCCT) bagi membeli tiket bas dan teksi.

Bagaimanapun, MAHB menolak tanggapan bahawa kelonggaran itu mendedahkan LCCT dan orang ramai kepada ancaman bahaya.

Pengerusinya, Datuk Azmi Murad ketika dihubungi berkata, kebenaran itu diberikan memandangkan kaunter tiket teksi dan bas sekarang terletak dalam terminal di balai ketibaan LCCT di Sepang.

"Kita memang menempatkan dua pengawal keselamatan di situ dan memang penumpang diberi kebenaran tetapi hanya untuk membeli tiket.

"Ini kerana kaunter tiket kini terletak di dalam terminal bagi mengelakkan isu ulat seperti yang dilaporkan sebelum ini,'' katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian sebagai mengulas kebimbangan orang ramai mengenai tahap kawalan keselamatan di laluan ketibaan domestik yang mudah diceroboh.

Mengulas lebih lanjut, Azmi menjelaskan, penumpang yang memasuki kembali terminal tidak akan 'tersasar' sehingga ke kawasan kapal terbang kerana laluan berkenaan dikawal pula oleh pengawal keselamatan yang lain.

MAHB gets govt green light on financial revamp
Published: 2008/12/24

AFTER a five-year wait, the government has approved the financial revamp of Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB),(5014) freeing up the airport operator to grow further.

Under the revamp, MAHB will pay RM1.01 billion to the government. This comprises RM508 million cash and the rest would be offset against money it spends to upgrade the low-cost carrier terminal (LCCT) and aero-train in Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).

The restructuring will also establish the framework to review aeronautical charges such as landing and parking charges. MAHB wants to raise these charges as it deems it to be too low.

The revamp is being done as MAHB owes the government some RM826.7 million in fees for operating the KLIA under a long-term concession.

MAHB managing director Datuk Seri Bashir Ahmad said the approved restructuring plan - based on "revenue-share funded capital expenditure" arrangement - addresses MAHB's current capital expenditure obligations to develop or upgrade existing airports in the country.
Previously, MAHB had to incur additional capital expenditure when it developed airports outside KLIA, although it did not have enough revenue.

"Under the new plan, MAHB will pay to the government an increasing share of revenue generated of the whole of MAHB Group, which the government could use for future airport capital expenditure, if it so chooses.

"In this scenario, capital expenditure undertaken by the government would be funded by this revenue share arrangement, which is over and above the current taxation obligations of MAHB to the government," he said in a statement issued yesterday.

MAHB would announce details of the restructuring after formalising all the agreements.

Bashir said the government's approval will pave way for MAHB's new future direction, which will be unveiled before the end of the first quarter of next year. This will include a five-year business plan.

Airlines operating in Malaysia could expect better incentives from MAHB, whereby the proposed enhanced incentive scheme was held back pending approval of the restructuring plan.

Bashir said the plan also unbundles some of MAHB's non-core activities like the Sepang International Circuit (SIC), which will be sold to the government.

The plan to sell SIC, valued at about RM389 million, was first announced in 2001 but a deal was never done.

Bank Islam buka BDC di LCCT



BANK Islam Malaysia Berhad (Bank Islam) meluaskan perkhidmatan runcit tukaran asingnya dengan membuka cawangan pengurup yang pertama di Terminal Penerbangan Tambang Murah, Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Kuala Lumpur (LCCT-KLIA), baru-baru ini.

Cawangan pengurup atau Bureau De Change (BDC) pertama berasaskan syariah itu akan mengendalikan jualan dan belian 27 matawang asing, meliputi semua matawang utama dunia untuk pelanggan tempatan dan luar negara.

Pengarah Urusan Bank Islam, Datuk Zukri Samat (gambar), berkata operasi BDC akan mengukuhkan kedudukan kami dalam sektor runcit tukaran asing dan memanfaatkan pemilik bebas cukai yang mahu membuat pembelian atau jualan matawang asing secara borong pada harga berdaya saing.

“Kami bercadang membuka lebih banyak cawangan BDC di seluruh negara dalam tempoh 12 bulan akan datang bagi menjadikan perkhidmatan itu lebih mudah digunakan dan dicapai sama ada oleh rakyat tempatan dan asing.

“Produk lain yang akan diperkenalkan sepanjang tempoh berkenaan termasuk tunai cek kembara dan remitan,” katanya dalam satu kenyataan, baru-baru ini.

Cawangan BDC di dewan ketibaan antarabangsa baru di Tingkat Mezzanine LCCT-KLIA itu akan menyediakan urus niaga yang selamat, boleh dipercayai dan selesa pada harga yang berdaya saing kepada pelanggan 24 jam sehari.

Sebagai tambahan, beliau berkata, bank kini terbabit dalam perniagaan jual beli tukaran asing menerusi anak syarikatnya BIMB Foreign Currency Clearing Agency Sdn Bhd (BIFCA), yang mempunyai lesen untuk mengimport dan mengeksport nota tukaran asing di pasaran tempatan.

Ulat terus hantui pemandu teksi LCCT

Oleh SUHANA YUSOP
dan AMMAR JAZLAN LELA
berita@kosmo.com.my


http://www.kosmo.com.my/kosmo/pix/2009/0105/Kosmo/Negara/ne_12.1.jpg
ULAT teksi di KLIA menunggu penumpang dan kehadiran mereka menjejaskan pendapatan pemandu teksi limousin. - Gambar hiasan

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KUALA LUMPUR - Masalah 'ulat' teksi di Terminal Penerbangan Tambang Murah (LCCT) di Sepang terus menjadi-jadi walaupun pelbagai usaha diambil oleh pihak berkuasa untuk membendungnya.

Kesannya, nasib kira-kira 1,200 pemandu teksi limousin di terminal itu bagai 'hidup segan mati tak mahu' kerana sukar mendapat penumpang. Mereka dikatakan hanya mendapat satu atau dua trip sehari.

Semuanya gara-gara tiada tindakan konkrit diambil pihak berkuasa untuk menyekat 'ulat' terbabit yang jumlahnya tidak pernah berkurangan malah bertindak sesuka hati mengambil penumpang di terminal itu.

Presiden Pertubuhan Pemandu dan Pengusaha Teksi Limousin dan Kereta Sewa Malaysia (Pertema), Yusof Lahir berkata, lebih parah lagi pemandu teksi terbabit juga terpaksa bersaing dengan perkhidmatan bas yang menawarkan tambang murah di bawah RM10 berbanding caj teksi sehingga RM80.

"Keadaan ini benar-benar menekan pemandu teksi yang ingin mencari sesuap nasi untuk keluarga," katanya ketika dihubungi Kosmo! semalam.

Beliau mendedahkan perkara itu rentetan dakwaan 700 pemandu teksi Airport Limousin Sdn. Bhd. di terminal utama Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Kuala Lumpur (KLIA) yang terpaksa mengikat perut akibat kekurangan pendapatan berikutan kos operasi yang tinggi sementara penumpang pula semakin berkurangan.

Berikutan itu, ada pemandu terpaksa berhenti kerja kerana tidak mampu membayar sewa kenderaan RM165 sehari.

Malaysia Airports to proceed with LCCT plan
By Presenna NambiarPublished: 2009/01/06

The airports operator says the permanent low-cost carrier terminal could be built at a reasonable cost due to the availability of existing infrastructure

MALAYSIA Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) (5014) will go ahead with its plan to build a permanent low-cost carrier terminal (LCCT) under the National Airport Master Plan, which maps out the development of all the airports in the country except Senai Airport, which is privately owned.

"Pending the government's approval, the first phase of this project could be ready by the end of 2011 and could be built at a reasonable cost due to the availability of existing infrastructure," MAHB said in a statement released to Bursa Malaysia yesterday.

The master plan was initiated to set the direction for the future development of airports and the aviation infrastructure in the country.

The study, which started in July 2007, was recently completed and was formulated with feedback from all government agencies, Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia and representatives from all foreign airlines. The study needs the endorsement of the government to be implemented.
The site for the permanent LCCT is believed to be near Runway 2 of the airport.

MAHB said due to its restructuring plan being recently approved by the government, it was now in a position to self-fund the development of the LCCT, something it had done before.

Under the plan, the existing Express Rail Link would be extended for another 1.5km to connect the new LCCT to the existing main terminal.

The LCCT would be built via a multi-modular design, with each module able to handle 15 million passengers.

MAHB also addressed issues highlighted by various parties regarding its working relationship with AirAsia and the congestion of the current LCCT.

MAHB said AirAsia had been given a five-year waiver of all aeronautical charges, excluding passenger service charge, at all airports run by MAHB, when it moved out of Subang in 2002 to KLIA.

This waiver was for both domestic and international flights, which includes landing, parking, aerobridge and check-in counter charges.

AirAsia also enjoyed special rental rates for office space at all airports.

MAHB said while it was not able to accommodate the budget carrier's request for an extension of the waiver once it expired in 2007, a new scheme, which will provide waivers for landing charges and incentives for growth, would be announced with the approval of its restructuring plan.

Go-ahead for Sime Darby and MAHB terminals

PETALING JAYA: Even as Sime Darby Bhd announced it has received government approval to proceed with the proposed private low-cost carrier terminal (LCCT) project in Labu, Negri Sembilan, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) gave some details of its plans to develop a new LCCT at the KL International Airport (KLIA).

MAHB managing director Datuk Seri Bashir Ahmad told StarBiz: “We still need to provide an LCCT at KLIA for airlines other than AirAsia that will fly into Kuala Lumpur.

“As a GLC (government-linked company), we will talk to the government on our plans for the future, with regards to the LCCT.”

MAHB said it has identified a location of for the permanent LCCT at KLIA.

“The new LCCT location (near KLIA) was selected as it would provide excellent connectivity for both landside and airside transfers for passengers as well as baggage,” it said in a statement yesterday.

As for the existing LCCT, Bashir said: “This was always ment to be temporary, we will convert it into a warehouse.”

On whether MAHB’s LCCT project at KLIA would be scaled down as AirAsia would now use the terminal to be built in Labu, Bashir said: “We will have to see about this when we discuss (this) with the government.”

Sime Darby is also a GLC with its major shareholders being Skim Amanah Saham Bumiputera with a 34% stake while the Employees Provident Fund, Permodalan Nasional Bhd and Yayasan Pelaburan Bumiputera has about 14% each, as at Sept 12 last year.

Sime Darby in a statement to Bursa Malaysia yesterday said its LCCT project was an integral part of its Negri Sembilan Vision City (NSVC) project.

NSVC is part of its Central Vision Valley (CVV) property development project spanning Selangor and Negri Sembilan.

Sime Darby and budget airline AirAsia Bhd had proposed to jointly develop and operate the privately funded RM1.6bil LCCT to be known as KLIA-East@Labu.

Meanwhile, MAHB in its statement yesterday said the terminal congestion at the existing LCCT would ease with the recent opening of the newly expanded international arrival hall and the soon to be completed international departure hall and public concourse.

“To further alleviate the congestion, MAHB has appealed to AirAsia to open up more check-in counters per flight as there are many available at the LCCT.

“MAHB has also urged AirAsia to provide additional ground handling staff for arrival baggage as there are now six carousels at the arrival hall instead of two previously,” the statement said.

MAHB, noting AirAsia’s request for a reduction in aeronautical charges, clarified that the charges were approved by the Government and that this was a matter for the government authorities to decide.

“Any increases or decreases in these charges are within the purview of the Government authorities and MAHB fully respects this.

“It needs to be emphasised that the landing and parking charges in Malaysia have not been increased for the last 27 years.

“Therefore, the issue of high aeronautical charges does not arise,” it said.

MAHB: Permanent LCCT Should Be At KLIA


KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 5 (Bernama) -- Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) has implied that it is more logical for the Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) to be at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).

In a statement Monday, the airport operator said it was now in a position to undertake the project with its own funds, thanks to the government's approved restructuring plan.

The National Airport Master Plan study, after considering several locations, has identified a site for the permanent LCCT at KLIA, MAHB said.

"The new LCCT location was selected as it would provide excellent connectivity for both landside and airside transfers for passengers as well as baggage," it said.

The study, which was recently completed, took into account the development of low fare travel in Malaysia, it added.

With the support of the Transport Ministry and Finance Ministry, MAHB initiated the development of the study in July 2007.

"This study is to set the direction for the future development of airports and aviation infrastructure in the country," it said.

MAHB said that besides its involvement, the formulation of the National Airport Master Plan involved all relevant government agencies, Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia as well as representatives of foreign airlines.

"This master plan can be used as a basis for the orderly construction and development of all airports, including permanent LCCTs in Malaysia," it said.

Based on the study, the existing Express Rail Link (ERL) will be extended for an additional 1.5 kilometres to connect the new LCCT to the existing Main Terminal.

The LCCT will be built via a multi-modular design, with each module being able to handle 15 million passengers, MAHB said.

The first phase of the permanent LCCT's development will encompass two modules and a parking apron capable of accommodating at least 60 aircraft of various sizes and configurations, it said.

According to MAHB, the design of the airport terminal will focus on passenger comfort as well as operational efficiency for the low-cost carriers.

"The new terminal will be seamlessly integrated into KLIA's current infrastructure via ERL immediately and via AeroTrain when the second satellite building is constructed," it said.

MAHB said pending government's approval, the first phase of this project could be ready by the end of 2011 and could be built at reasonable cost due to the availability of existing infrastructure.

"When the need arises, in line with KLIA's master plan, a third runway can be built parallel to the second runway as aircraft movements and passenger traffic increases," it said.

"This would offer efficient and quick turnaround for low-cost carriers as there would then be two runways that would be of equal distance from the new permanent LCCT and its parking apron," it added.

On undertaking the project with its own funds, MAHB said self-funding from its own cash reserves was not new to the company.

"Over the last 15 years, MAHB has spent over RM1 billion from its own cash reserves for the building and upgrading of airports such as KLIA for A380 readiness, development of apron and a cargo complex in Penang, and the development of new terminal buildings in Alor Star, Langkawi and Kota Baharu just to name a few," it said.

MAHB said as had been done in the past, it continued to cross-subsidise several loss-making domestic airports and rural services airports.

"This proposal for the new LCCT to be completed in three years' time will provide excellent connectivity with construction at reasonable cost and can be self-funded by MAHB," it said.

-- BERNAMA

'Sistem lapik' taktik ulat LCCT

Oleh HISHAM IDRIS
hisham.idris@kosmo.com.my


http://www.kosmo.com.my/kosmo/pix/2009/0106/Kosmo/Negara/ne_05.1.jpg
RATUSAN teksi 'halal' berbaris panjang menunggu penumpang di LCCT, Sepang semalam.

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http://www.kosmo.com.my/kosmo/pix/2009/0106/Kosmo/Negara/ne_05.2.jpg

SEPANG - Taktik menyumbat penumpang dengan 'sistem lapik' membolehkan ulat-ulat teksi di Terminal Penerbangan Tambang Murah (LCCT) di sini mengaut untung berlipat kali ganda setiap kali penerbangan mendarat.

Melalui sistem tersebut, ia membolehkan ulat-ulat terbabit mendapatkan penumpang dengan mudah kerana kadar tambang yang dikenakan lebih rendah berbanding teksi yang sah, tetapi penumpang terpaksa berkongsi teksi.

Menurut Pengerusi Koperasi Jurupandu Usahawan Airport KLIA Berhad, Alias Mohd. Zakaria, sistem yang digunakan oleh ulat-ulat tersebut membuatkan harga tambang ditawarkan jauh lebih murah berbanding sistem kupon digunakan teksi berdaftar.

Perbezaan harga tersebut membuatkan lebih ramai pengguna percaya bahawa 'ulat' menawarkan harga rendah tetapi tidak mengetahui muslihat di sebalik harga yang ditawarkan.

"Mereka (ulat) tawar RM50 untuk perjalanan ke Kuala Lumpur berbanding kadar yang kita sudah tetapkan iaitu RM92.40 setiap kupon.

"Ini bermakna ulat mampu memperoleh sekurang-kurang RM150 untuk tiga kepala bagi sekali trip berbanding RM92.40 satu kepala untuk satu trip yang kami dapat," katanya ketika ditemui di Hentian Teksi LCCT semalam.

Kosmo! semalam melaporkan masalah ulat di LCCT kini menyebabkan pemandu teksi di situ terpaksa mengikat perut akibat kekurangan penumpang.

Keadaan tersebut pula bertambah buruk apabila daripada sejumlah 21,000 penumpang yang mendarat di LCCT setiap hari hanya kira-kira 1,500 pengguna memerlukan khidmat teksi.

Analysts not calling MAHB’s plan dead yet
by Gan Yen Kuan
Email us your feedback at fd@bizedge.com


KUALA LUMPUR: The government’s approval for the proposed low-cost carrier terminal (LCCT) in Labu, Negri Sembilan — a joint effort between Sime Darby Bhd and AirAsia Bhd — does not necessarily mean the authorities will scrap Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd’s (MAHB) proposal for a permanent LCCT in Sepang just yet, analysts said.

They said the major hurdle to Sime Darby-AirAsia’s proposal was AirAsia’s ability in obtaining financing to fund the construction of the Labu LCCT.

An analyst at Affin Securities said details on the Labu LCCT remained scarce; hence it was too early to judge which proposal would be the final winner.

“The project is a private-financing initiative. AirAsia has to get financing and this is the main risk,” she said. “We are not sure if Sime Darby will help finance the project but we understand that they are likely to only provide land.

“Whether they (Sime Darby-AirAsia) will be able to go ahead with the project remains a question,” she added.

The analyst said the government was unlikely to allow the construction of two separate LCCTs, in Labu and Sepang, as these locations are geographically near to each other.

In the event that the Labu LCCT was the final choice, she said MAHB would likely try to acquire a stake in the Labu airport.

“I don’t think MAHB will sit back and do nothing. But then again, MAHB’s proposal is still awaiting the government’s approval. The final new LCCT could be either one.”

Sime Darby on Monday announced that it had obtained the government’s nod to proceed with the proposed LCCT project in Labu.

On the same day, MAHB issued a four-page statement reiterating that a proposed new permanent LCCT near the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) was part of the National Airport Master Plan.

MAHB had said the location was selected as it would provide excellent connectivity for both landside and airside transfers for passengers and baggage, and that the construction could be self-funded by MAHB at a reasonable cost.

HwangDBS Vickers Research, in its research note yesterday, said: “In our opinion, we don’t think it makes sense for the government to approve AirAsia and Sime Darby a new LCCT in Labu given that it requires the companies to build a whole new facility altogether, while it makes more economical sense to ride on existing facilities (such as the runway and the oil tank farm) in KLIA.”

The research house added that the Labu LCCT project would go against the plan to promote KLIA as an air travel hub in the region.

In a separate research note on Monday, HwangDBS Vickers also said Sime Darby-AirAsia’s plan to build LCCT may take longer than expected, namely more than two years. It said the challenge for AirAsia was in obtaining more funding for the new airport, apart from the existing funding needs for its fleet expansion.

Penang deserves LCCT, says Lim
by Regina William
Email us your feedback at fd@bizedge.com


GEORGE TOWN: Instead of having two low-cost carrier terminals (LCCT) almost right next to each other, there should be one built in Penang, besides expanding the existing Bayan Lepas International Airport, Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said yesterday.

Lim was commenting on The Edge Financial Daily report that Sime Darby and AirAsia Bhd would collaborate to build a RM1.6 billion LCCT terminal in Labu, Negri Sembilan and Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) was also planning to set up a bigger LCCT to replace the existing one.

The Sime Darby-AirAsia joint proposal is for the development of an LCCT on a 2,800ha site owned by Sime Darby in Labu while MAHB has yet to finalise its plans for the expansion of the LCCT.

“Why can’t one of them come to Penang? Why the need for duplication and also conflict between MAHB and the two parties and so much money being poured in.

“I hope this confusion is sorted out and the respective parties will seriously consider building an LCCT in Penang and also expanding the present airport,” said Lim.

He said Penang had been left out despite it being the second highest profit centre for both MAHB and AirAsia.

“Penang is the logistics hub for the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER) and also the northern gateway for the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMTGT), and we need the LCCT and upgraded airport more than the need to build two LCCTs at the same location,” Lim said at a press conference.

He said the deplorable condition at the Penang airport should be seriously looked into by MAHB. “Even the Kota Bharu airport is in a much better condition,” he added.

Lim said he has officially communicated to Transport Minister Datuk Ong Tee Keat and also the other players on the need for the airport expansion and also proposed an LCCT for Penang.

LCCT fire prompts evacuation of passengers, staff


KUALA LUMPUR: A fire at LCCT, the budget airport terminal, has prompted the evacuation of all passengers and staff.

Firemen from Sepang have put out the blaze that is reported to have started about 11am, though witnesses say that smoke is still billowing.

It is believed that the fire broke out at a part of the terminal that is still under construction.

Airport authorities are unable to say when airport operations will resume

Breaking News: LCCT now fully operational after FIRE but flights delayed (Update 2)

KUALA LUMPUR: Budget airport terminal LCCT is now fully operational.

Budget airline Air Asia’s head Datuk Tony Fernandes said that no flights were cancelled due to fire at the LCCT Friday morning but more than 20 flights would be delayed.

Meanwhile, Malaysia Airport Holdings Bhd Senior General Manager Datuk Azmi Murad said that even when the fire was being put out, only check-ins had been briefly halted.

He said the fire started in the storeroom of a duty free shop in the current international departure hall.

“The small fire started at about 11.15am and was caused by a spark from some of the ongoing works near there landing on a box in the storeroom.”

Azmi said it was normal procedure in the event of a fire to evacuate passengers from the airport and stop check-ins.

“The terminal was not closed. There was a lot of smoke but it was a small fire that was put out immediately,” he said, adding that operations fully resumed at 12.30pm.

More to come

MoF, not MoT, to decide on MAHB’s LCCT plan
by Pauline Puah
Email us your feedback at fd@bizedge.com


KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Finance (MoF), not transport, will have to decide on Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd’s (MAHB) proposal to build a permanent low cost carrier terminal (LCCT) at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) in Sepang.

“MAHB is a GLC (government-linked company) under the MoF. People may think that it’s under the jurisdiction of MoT. Actually it’s not,” Transport Minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat told The Edge Financial Daily yesterday.

He said MAHB had yet to finalise the site location for the proposed permanent LCCT in Sepang. However, it is learnt that MAHB will be submitting the masterplan to the government soon.

Sime Darby Bhd announced on Monday that it had obtained the government’s approval to proceed with its proposed LCCT in Labu, Negri Sembilan. The proposed airport KLIA East@Labu is a collaboration with AirAsia Bhd. It surprised people because the government had last year said it would support MAHB’s proposal.

On the same day, MAHB issued a statement reiterating that it was more viable and reasonable to have the LCCT at KLIA. It said the identification of a location of the new permanent LCCT at KLIA was the result of the National Airport Master Plan initiated in July 2007 by MAHB with the support of the transport and finance ministries.

A government source familiar with the matter yesterday told The Edge Financial Daily it would not be a surprise if the MoF was directed to relook at MAHB’s proposed airport. He said since MAHB had yet to finalise the details of its proposal, “we cannot simply sit back and wait for them”.

Asked about his ministry’s stand on the LCCT at KLIA, Ong said the matter would have to be decided by MoF and MAHB. “At the end of the day, you must be able to see whether this is viable or not,” he said.

Ong said the matter of having two LCCTs had yet to be brought up in the cabinet.

LCCT beroperasi semula selepas kebakaran pagi tadi


SEPANG: Operasi Terminal Penerbangan Tambang Murah (LCCT) di sini dibuka semula kira-kira jam 1 petang tadi selepas kebakaran di sebuah stor di Balai Berlepas Antarabangsa dipadamkan.

Ketua Pengarah Imigresen, Datuk Mahmood Adam, berkata semua aktiviti keluar masuk membabitkan penumpang antarabangsa dihentikan kira-kira sejam setengah mulai jam 11.30 pagi sebagai langkah keselamatan.

"Saya yakin tidak ada kebocoran daripada segi keselamatan berlaku berikutan kejadian itu," katanya.



Ketua Eksekutif Kumpulan AirAsia Berhad, Datuk Seri Tony Fernandez, berkata 25 daripada 200 penerbangan hari ini akan disusun semula.

"Bagaimanapun tidak ada penerbangan yang dibatalkan dan operasi berjalan seperti biasa," katanya.

Pengurus Besar Kanan Malaysia Airport Holdings Bhd (MAHB), Datuk Azmi Murad pula berkata terminal itu tidak ditutup berikutan kejadian itu tetapi urusan keluar dan masuk penumpang dihentikan sementara mengikut peraturan keselamatan.

Fire at Malaysia's budget terminal
Published: 2009/01/09


A FIRE broke out at Malaysia’s budget airport terminal today, forcing the evacuation of all passengers and staff and the suspension of flights, its main tenant AirAsia said.

AirAsia’s chief executive officer Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes said the blaze, which occurred at a new section now under construction, had been extinguished and that there were no reports of injuries.

“The fire has been put out. I’m proud of how my staff responded quickly to evacuate the people despite the alarm not working. Hopefully we can resume operations in the next one hour,” he said.

Fernandes said the fire broke out at 11.15am, and confirmed an hour later that it had been extinguished.

“There are no reports of injuries, no one is hurt,” he said.

AirAsia officials said the blaze, which brought operations to a standstill, had produced a lot of smoke but failed to trigger the fire alarms. Staff, nevertheless, shepherded all those in the terminal outside the building.

The new section of the Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) where it occurred is due to be opened in the next few months.

An eyewitness at the scene, 31-year-old businessman Cham Ze Hoe, said that at least two fire engines had arrived at the terminal.

He said he joined a large crowd of people standing outside the building when he arrived to catch his flight but was prevented from going inside.

“I was stuck in a bus outside the LCCT and I thought it was a traffic jam ... I got down from the bus and walked towards the terminal,” he said.

“I could see smoke coming from the LCCT building. There were hundreds of people standing outside.”

The LCCT which opened in 2006 is located 20 kilometres (13 miles) from the capital’s main facility, the Kuala Lumpur International Airport. It is used by AirAsia as well as Cebu Pacific and Tiger Airways.

AirAsia yesterday unveiled plans to shift to its own US$460 million airport outside Kuala Lumpur and abandon the overcrowded LCCT which it has rapidly outgrown.

The warehouse-style terminal, built at a cost of US$29.2 million, was designed to handle 10 million passengers a year. - AFP

PROPOSAL TO MAHB

LCCT should remain at current site. Capacity expansion of up to 60mn pax p.a. by converting neighbouring cargo terminals (i.e. KLAS and MASKargo)
for passenger use. Shuttle bus to link MTB and LCCT
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/207/472147380_6784a4a188_o.jpg

Cargo complex to be shifted to a new larger permanent site in KLIA southwest quadrant (comprising cargo complex, free zone and runway)
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/211/472147386_c681ad6ff2_o.jpg

Rail infrastructure to be extended to link all terminals/facilities
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/182/377129157_e78eadfdf7_o.jpg

MoF, not MoT, to decide on MAHB’s LCCT plan
by Pauline Puah
Email us your feedback at fd@bizedge.com


KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Finance (MoF), not transport, will have to decide on Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd’s (MAHB) proposal to build a permanent low cost carrier terminal (LCCT) at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) in Sepang.

“MAHB is a GLC (government-linked company) under the MoF. People may think that it’s under the jurisdiction of MoT. Actually it’s not,” Transport Minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat told The Edge Financial Daily yesterday.

He said MAHB had yet to finalise the site location for the proposed permanent LCCT in Sepang. However, it is learnt that MAHB will be submitting the masterplan to the government soon.

Sime Darby Bhd announced on Monday that it had obtained the government’s approval to proceed with its proposed LCCT in Labu, Negri Sembilan. The proposed airport KLIA East@Labu is a collaboration with AirAsia Bhd. It surprised people because the government had last year said it would support MAHB’s proposal.

On the same day, MAHB issued a statement reiterating that it was more viable and reasonable to have the LCCT at KLIA. It said the identification of a location of the new permanent LCCT at KLIA was the result of the National Airport Master Plan initiated in July 2007 by MAHB with the support of the transport and finance ministries.

A government source familiar with the matter yesterday told The Edge Financial Daily it would not be a surprise if the MoF was directed to relook at MAHB’s proposed airport. He said since MAHB had yet to finalise the details of its proposal, “we cannot simply sit back and wait for them”.

Asked about his ministry’s stand on the LCCT at KLIA, Ong said the matter would have to be decided by MoF and MAHB. “At the end of the day, you must be able to see whether this is viable or not,” he said.

Ong said the matter of having two LCCTs had yet to be brought up in the cabinet.

looks like TF wont get his 'Labu Baby' after all.. ha haa what a sudden twist!

@ tulsa - is that the new proposal 2b submitted?

PROPOSAL TO MAHB

Cargo complex to be shifted to a new larger permanent site in KLIA southwest quadrant (comprising cargo complex, free zone and runway)
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/211/472147386_c681ad6ff2_o.jpg



IMHO, the cargo terminal should remain where it is now and built the LCCT at the site that you earmark "new cargo complex" as it has link to runways 2 and future runways 4 & 5. the ERL extension to new LCCT will be just a short 500m from MTB....better still force turboprop airlines(fryflyz,berjaya,riau air) to settle in the current LCCT.

Small fire shuts down LCCT for two hours
By RASHITHA A. HAMID and M. KUMAR



LCCT now fully operational after fire but flights delayed

SEPANG: A small fire in a store room at the Low-Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) here saw more than 5,000 passengers booked on 20 domestic and international flights stranded for at least two hours.

The 11.15am fire, believed to have been caused by a spark from welding works being carried out on the upper floor of the store, resulted in thick smoke billowing into the departure terminal caused by papers and plastics stored inside the store room.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2009/1/10/nation/n_03lcct.jpg
Safety precaution: Thousands of passengers gathering outside the LCCT departure hall in Sepang yesterday. About 200 flights were scheduled to take off but more than 20 were delayed because of the fire.

Quick action by authorities concerned saw all passengers and staff working at the terminal evacuated to safety in an orderly manner without any untoward incident.

Malaysia Airport Holdings Bhd Senior General Manager Datuk Azmi Murad said airport workers put out the fire in less than five minutes and everyone was evacuated to ensure their safety.

“The terminal was closed for about two hours before normal operations resumed,” he said.

Azmi said the fire alarm system in the affected area had been isolated due to the works being carried out to expand the terminal which was expected to take at least two months to complete.

He said the airport operator was now awaiting the fire department’s report on the incident.

AirAsia group chief executive officer Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes, who was at the scene, expressed his frustration over the incident, but was relieved that everything was back to normal within a couple of hours.

“About 200 flights were scheduled to take off yesterday but due to the incident more than 20 flights had to be delayed. There was no cancellation at all although each flight was delayed for between two and three hours.

Passenger Kevin Wong, who was waiting to board a flight to China, said he was having breakfast at the departure hall when he smelt the smoke.

“At first I thought it was nothing but a few seconds later I saw thick black smoke billowing from under a tarpaulin where some renovation works was taking place.

“I immediately stood up and saw everyone being evacuated from the building to safety,’’ he said, adding that he had to call up his clients in China and postponed his meeting as well as cancel his room reservation there.

http://www.bharian.com.my/Current_News/BH/mutakhirPix/sesak.jpg
ANGGOTA polis menenangkan orang ramai yang berasak-asak menunggu di pintu masuk Terminal Penerbangan Tambang Murah (LLCT), Sepang, susulan kebakaran di balai berlepas itu pagi ini. - Foto Afendi Mohamed

Kecoh kebakaran stor LCCT

Oleh TURMADZI MADUN
turmadzi.madun@kosmo.com.my


http://www.kosmo.com.my/kosmo/pix/2009/0110/Kosmo/Negara/ne_01.1.jpg
Lebih 4,000 penumpang AirAsia terkandas selepas balai berlepas antarabangsa LCCT terbakar dan mengeluar asap tebal semalam.

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SEPANG - Lebih 20 penerbangan antarabangsa dan domestik melibatkan 10,000 penumpang pesawat AirAsia terpaksa ditunda apabila salah sebuah stor di Terminal Penerbangan Tambang Murah (LCCT) di sini terbakar semalam.

Kejadian pukul 11 pagi itu dikatakan berpunca daripada percikan api yang terkena ke atas kepingan kotak di atas lantai ketika kerja-kerja pengimpalan dilakukan di sebuah stor kedai yang sedang diubahsuai.

Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Air Asia Berhad, Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes berkata, walaupun berlaku insiden tersebut namun penerbangan kesemua pesawat terbabit diteruskan selepas pihak bomba memastikan semua selamat.

"Ketika kejadian, saya berada di pejabat saya berdekatan LCCT kerana sedang ditemu ramah oleh wartawan Utusan Malaysia.

"Kemudian, salah seorang pekerja saya memberitahu terdapat kebakaran dan dia meminta saya keluar untuk melihatnya sendiri,'' katanya yang terpaksa menangguhkan temu ramah tersebut.

Menurutnya, beliau terkejut kerana sistem penggera tidak berbunyi walaupun asap telah memenuhi ruang berlepas penerbangan antarabangsa.

Tony memberitahu, Pasukan Menangani Krisis LCCT bertindak cepat dengan mengarahkan semua penumpang termasuk anak kapal supaya berada di luar bangunan sementara menanti pihaknya mengesahkan tahap keselamatan.

"Daripada 20 penerbangan yang terjejas itu, sebanyak lapan penerbangan melibatkan 4,000 penumpang yang paling teruk terjejas kerana ia berlaku ketika mereka dijadualkan berlepas,'' katanya.

Difahamkan, antara destinasi penerbangan yang terjejas ialah penerbangan ke Singapura, Indonesia, Australia, Sandakan, Kuching dan Kota Kinabalu.

Sementara itu, seorang penumpang, Ahmad Khairi Abdul Manaf, 28, berkata, ketika kejadian beliau baru sampai ke LCCT untuk menghantar pekerjanya pulang ke Jogjakarta.

"Saya tiba pukul 11.30 pagi dan terus dihalang daripada memasuki balai berlepas.

"Pekerja saya yang sepatutnya menaiki penerbangan pada pukul 1.55 petang kini terpaksa ditangguhkan hingga beberapa jam lagi,'' katanya yang merupakan penyelia kilang elektronik di Shah Alam.

it's like puduraya...

it's like puduraya...
tu sebab air asia nak terminal baru cepat:nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts:

IMHO, the cargo terminal should remain where it is now and built the LCCT at the site that you earmark "new cargo complex" as it has link to runways 2 and future runways 4 & 5. the ERL extension to new LCCT will be just a short 500m from MTB....better still force turboprop airlines(fryflyz,berjaya,riau air) to settle in the current LCCT.

Not agreeable due to the following reasons...

1. Air cargo activities are ever-growing and the current site can only support around 1mn tonnes p.a. The proposed site is large enough to cater to more than 5mn tonnes p.a. (hence able to cater to long-term requirements)

2. Both the cargo complex and the free trade zone should be located in the same vicinity (better logistical efficiencies)

Govt to study MAHB airport plan
By Presenna NambiarPublished: 2009/01/13

TRANSPORT Minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat will study the National Airport Masterplan submitted by Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) this week.

Of interest will be how the new airport in Labu proposed by AirAsia will gel with the master plan, initiated in July 2007 to set the direction for the future development of airports and the aviation infrastructure in the country.

"I will be going through the master plan submitted by MAHB in the next few days, so let's take it one step at a time," Ong told reporters yesterday.

The minister was asked if AirAsia's proposed new airport would be going against the government's plan to make Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) in Sepang into an aviation hub.

The study was recently completed and includes a plan to build a permanent low-cost carrier terminal (LCCT) in KLIA by 2011.

If AirAsia goes ahead with the new airport, KLIA will have one LCCT, while AirAsia will have its own airport in Labu from which it will operate.

Currently, AirAsia makes up more than 90 per cent of the traffic going through the current LCCT. Only two other low-cost carriers use the terminal, with a combined traffic of around 140,000 passengers so far.

Ong said the Transport Ministry was only involved in the technical issues of AirAsia's proposal, which involves complying with international requirements on air traffic control.

"As to the suitability of this project, the ministry does not have the ultimate say. It was a collective decision. More so because this (the airport in Labu) is a privatised project, and that does not come under the purview of the Transport Ministry," Ong said.

Approval for Nilai LCCT given by all parties, says Tee Keat


KUALA LUMPUR: Approval for the new low-cost carrier terminal in Nilai, Negri Sembilan, was given by all the relevant parties, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat said.

He said questions about the suitability of the KLIA East@Labu project was not for the Transport Ministry to answer solely. “The ministry does not have the ultimate or entire say. It is a collective decision.

“Furthermore, it is a privatised project. It never came under the ministry,” he said after launching the MCA ICT Resource Centre Micro-Finance Expo here yesterday.

Ong was asked about the RM1.6bil joint venture between Sime Darby and AirAsia. He said some people assumed that he had the authority to approve the project when he started talking about future air traffic projections.

Ong clarified that questions about the new project being at odds with the KL International Airport Masterplan should be directed to the Finance Ministry. “Government-linked companies come under the Finance Ministry.

“And as far as the masterplan is concerned, this has yet to be endorsed as it is just the outcome of a study commissioned by Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad,” he said.

On the close proximity of the KLIA East@Labu airport to the KLIA and the LCCT, Ong said geographical distance was a separate matter as far as International Civil Aviation Organisation compliance was concerned.

“It will not be a problem.”

Perlukah ada dua LCCT?

Oleh Cynthia Yeoh

TINDAKAN kerajaan membenarkan pembinaan Terminal Penerbangan Tambang Murah (LCCT) yang baru di Labu, Negeri Sembilan menimbulkan banyak tanda tanya dan dilihat sebagai tidak bijak.

Persoalan yang ada, perlukah sebuah lagi hab penerbangan diwujudkan apabila lokasinya terletak hanya 10 kilometer daripada kemudahan sedia ada milik kerajaan.

Lagipun, pelan penstrukturan kewangan Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd. (MAHB) yang diluluskan kerajaan baru-baru ini, telahpun membolehkan syarikat itu meneruskan cadangan pembangunan LCCT baru yang didakwa AirAsia Bhd., pengendali penerbangan tambang murah, sebagai lambat dilaksanakan.

Pelan itu juga menyaksikan pengendali lapangan terbang tersebut juga akan menaik taraf LCCT sedia ada di Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Kuala Lumpur (KLIA), Sepang.

Kegagalan pengendali lapangan terbang itu menyaingi keperluan AirAsia sebelum ini lebih dilihat sebagai kekangannya sebagai sebuah syarikat milik kerajaan selain kepesatan syarikat penerbangan tambang murah yang berlaku terlalu cepat dan di luar jangkaan.

Kewujudan dua buah LCCT yang mempunyai fungsi yang hampir sama kecuali satunya menjadi pusat eksklusif untuk AirAsia, bakal menafikan usaha negara untuk menjadikan KLIA hab penerbangan.

Tambahan pula, KLIA hanya mengendalikan 25 juta penumpang setahun sekali gus mempunyai ruang untuk dipergunakan sepenuhnya oleh AirAsia.

Sehubungan itu, hanya satu LCCT wajar diwujudkan di KLIA yang kini menyaksikan RM10 bilion dibelanjakan, selepas beberapa lokasi dan LCCT baru dipertimbangkan yang dijangka siap dalam tempoh tiga tahun untuk menyediakan penyambungan dengan pembinaan kos yang munasabah.

Namun begitu, sehingga kini, tiada penjelasan diberikan oleh kerajaan kecuali pengumuman demi pengumuman yang dilakukan oleh AirAsia dan juga Sime Darby Bhd., yang dikatakan pencadang kepada LCCT kedua itu. Persoalannya cukupkah pertimbangan diberikan hanya kerana ia adalah inisiatif swasta.

AirAsia juga pernah mendakwa pihaknya dikehendaki membayar caj penerbangan yang tinggi padahal AirAsia telah diberikan pengecualian ke atas bayaran caj tersebut (tidak termasuk Caj Perkhidmatan Penumpang (PSC)) selama lima tahun sejak perpindahan syarikat penerbangan tambang murah itu dari lapangan terbang Subang ke KLIA pada 2002.

Timbul persoalan mengapa AirAsia membuat dakwaan demikian walaupun tidak perlu membayar satu sen pun untuk menjalankan operasi penerbangan domestik dan antarabangsa di KLIA sedangkan MAHB pula mendiamkan diri selama ini?

Sebenarnya, bayaran yang dikenakan oleh MAHB adalah lebih rendah dan diberikan potongan diskaun berbanding lapangan-lapangan terbang lain di negara-negara jiran, demikian menurut MAHB dalam kenyataan yang dikeluarkan baru-baru ini.

Sememangnya benar pembinaan awal LCCT bukan melibatkan duit rakyat tetapi kebimbangan terhadap penglibatan kerajaan dalam operasi terminal itu sama ada langsung atau tidak langsung.

Keadaan itu bukan hanya dilihat sebagai mendatangkan pembaziran terhadap wang rakyat tetapi juga menimbulkan dakwaan ketidakcekapan kerajaan dalam membuat keputusan dalam merancang kewangan.

Justeru, tindakan kerajaan dikatakan memberikan satu 'tamparan' kepada MAHB, pengendali LCCT sedia ada di Sepang sekali gus mengelirukan pelbagai pihak.

Mungkinkah, MAHB gagal untuk menjangka impak AirAsia terhadap industri ini. Namun pengendali lapangan terbang itu menyatakan mereka bukan tidak dapat memenuhi keperluan AirAsia tetapi sebaliknya mengikut model perniagaan syarikat penerbangan tambang murah itu.

Benarkah AirAsia dikatakan terlalu gelojoh! Mungkin mereka juga betul kerana cadangan MAHB, terminal LCCT baru di KLIA yang akan siap pada 2014 hanya sekadar mampu menampung 15 juta penumpang manakala KLIA-East pula dapat menampung 30 juta penumpang dengan 70 tempat letak pesawat.

Paling aneh, di sebalik Kajian Pelan Induk Lapangan Terbang Negara yang diwakili oleh semua pihak terbabit, bagaimana pula perkara ini boleh berlaku.

Sekiranya Sime Darby dan AirAsia meneruskan pelaksanaan projek KLIA-East maka MAHB boleh menanggung kerugian besar dan berdepan dengan risiko kehilangan pendapatan dalam jangka pendek apabila operasi di Labu bermula.

Kelulusan yang diberikan kerajaan untuk pembukaan terminal baru di Labu juga bakal memberikan tekanan kepada harga saham MAHB.

Dalam jangka masa panjang, reputasi MAHB dalam industri berkenaan dilihat tidak begitu memberangsangkan dan memberi kesan yang buruk berikutan kegagalan memenuhi kepuasan AirAsia.

Secara keseluruhannya, pembinaan terminal baru perlu diperjelaskan kewajarannya oleh kerajaan supaya tiada pihaknya menanggung kerugian.

MSWG questions viability of 2 LCCTs

Email us your feedback at fd@bizedge.com


KUALA LUMPUR: Minority Shareholder Watchdog Group (MSWG) has questioned if there was room for the development of two low-cost carrier terminals (LLCTs).

MSWG chief executive officer Rita Benoy Bushon said while there may be persuasive arguments for Sime Darby Bhd and AirAsia Bhd to build a new LCCT in Labu, an orderly development and construction of airports and aviation infrastructure must be given the utmost consideration.

She said this was to ensure the optimisation of resources in line with the country’s National Airport Masterplan. “Further to this, MSWG’s view is that it is good to have competition but whether there is room for two LCCTs to be developed is debatable,” she said in a statement yesterday.

Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) had earlier identified a location for a permanent LCCT at KLIA.

Bushon said an imported question that needed to be addressed pertaining to the proposed development of the LCCT in Labu was the cost benefit of the project in financial and non-financial terms.

“The funding arrangements and ownership of the proposed LCCT are also important for shareholders to assess the impact on the companies’ gearing and cash flow, etc.

“The proposed new LCCT, in our view, is expected to negatively impact upon MAHB as it will cannibalise existing capacity of KLIA given the fact that AirAsia commands 16% and 49% of international passenger movement and domestic passenger movement respectively to the traffic flow of KLIA,” she said.

Bushon said Sime Darby, AirAsia and MAHB respectively would need to provide more information and answers to address shareholders’ concern. “In this way, their responses would make investors and stakeholders better informed on the new proposed LCCT.”

Meanwhile, ECMLibra Investment Research yesterday reiterated its buy on AirAsia, with a discounted cash flow- derived target price of RM1.90.

The research house said the construction of the purpose-built new LCCT at Labu made sense as the carrier’s need for a terminal with a higher capacity was imperative for its future growth.

“The existing LCCT with a capacity of 10 million per annum is already operating at full capacity within two years of its completion. Upon completion of its ongoing expansion in 2009, another five million capacity will be added.

“However, within a year, the expanded LCCT is anticipated to be filled to the brim again. More seriously, there will be a massive capacity shortfall of 10 million by 2013,” ECMLibra Research said.

It added that with better infrastructure and access, the LCCT at Labu would be on solid footing to be a leading regional LCCT hub once the long-haul operations of AirAsia X gained momentum.

ECMLibra Research said brighter days were ahead for AirAsia despite demand concerns. It said jet fuel costs had declined from a high of US$181 (RM651.60) per barrel in July 2008 to US$63 per barrel currently.

It said given AirAsia’s low-cost structure, the carrier would still be able to defend its turf in the event of a price war, and AirAsia may be able to benefit from down-trading by air travellers who are expected to become more cost-conscious going forward.

ECMLibra Research revised its estimates downwards for FY08 by 42.5% to take into account fuel hedging loss in 3QFY08 but also revised its estimates for FY09 and FY10 upwards by 195.6% and 117.3% respectively due to lower jet fuel assumptions of US$75 and US$80 per barrel respectively (previously US$120 and US$115 per barrel).

Sime Darby Bhd rose five sen to RM5.55 yesterday, while MAHB fell one sen to RM2.25. AirAsia rose one sen to 90 sen.

ERL plans Salak Tinggi and LCCT bus shuttle service


KUALA LUMPUR: Express Rail Link Sdn Bhd plans to provide a bus shuttle service from its Salak Tinggi station to the Low-Cost Carrier Terminal.

The rail operator operates the airport rail link service.

Express Rail Link Sdn Bhd CEO Dr Aminuddin Adnan said the company was currently working on the proposal expected to start in the middle of this year.

“We are looking into having two to three buses every 30 minutes. If there is demand, we will increase the frequency to every 20 minutes,” he said after the launch of the ERL Chinese New Year “Balik Kampung Safely” message at the KL City Air-Terminal in KL Sentral station.

The launching was conducted by Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lajim Ukin.

The Salak Tinggi station is located 8km from the low-cost terminal and the journey will take about 12 minutes.

The KLIA Transit stops at five stations – KL Sentral, Bandar Tasek Selatan, Putrajaya, Salak Tinggi and KL International Airport – 6,000 passengers travel on the transit daily.

While the KLIA Transit stops at the stations, KLIA Express is the direct service between KL Sentral and KL International Airport.

Dr Aminuddin said he believed the proposed shuttle service would not jeopardise the business of other transport providers but instead, enhance the current transport service to LCCT.

When asked about the shuttle’s proposed fare, he said it would be “as competitive as other service providers.”

Theobroma Chocolate Lounge dibuka di LCCT Mac ini

http://www.utusan.com.my/pix/2009/0128/Utusan_Malaysia/Korporat/ko_03.1.jpg
EDWIN Saw menunjukkan tanda bagus di hadapan kedainya di One Utama, semalam. - UTUSAN / AHMAD ZAKKI JILAN

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KUALA LUMPUR 27 Jan. - The Hing Yiap Group (Hing Yiap) akan membuka cawangan kafe berasaskan coklat keempatnya, Theobroma Chocolate Lounge, di Terminal Penerbangan Tambang Murah (LCCT) di Sepang 1 Mac depan.

Pembukaan kafe itu merupakan salah satu pembesaran perniagaan kumpulan tersebut.

Sebelum ini, kafe berkenaan sudah dibuka di One Utama di Bandar Utama, Bangsar Village di Bangsar dan Pavilion di Bukit Bintang di sini.

Ketua Pegawai Operasinya, Edwin Saw berkata, kafe tersebut memberi kelainan kepada para pelanggannya kerana ia menghidangkan menu utama berasaskan coklat asli sebanyak 80 jenis yang diimport dari Belgium.

Belgium, katanya, merupakan pengeluar coklat asli bermutu terkemuka dunia.

Menurut Saw, kafenya menggunakan konsep makanan dan minuman berasaskan coklat yang diamalkan di Australia.

Beliau memberitahu, melalui konsep itu, hampir kesemua minuman di kafenya tidak menggunakan gula, sebaliknya rasa manis tersebut bergantung sepenuhnya kepada coklat yang dihidangkan.

Pendekatan itu, jelasnya, memberi kelainan dan menggambarkan satu cita rasa yang tinggi bagi penggemar-penggemar coklat asli.

"Coklat asli yang ditawarkan di kafe kami tidak mengandungi kolesterol dan ia amat baik untuk kesihatan terutamanya kepada golongan yang amat mementingkan kesihatan mereka,'' katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian kepada Utusan Malaysia ketika ditemui di kafe itu di sini baru-baru ini.

The Hing Yiap Group memulakan operasi dengan menjalankan aktiviti menjahit pakaian dan kini kumpulan itu mengeluarkan pelbagai jenama pakaian dan antara jenamanya ialah Antioni, Bontton dan Diesel.

Bermula Julai tahun lalu, kumpulan tersebut mula menerokai bidang makanan dan minuman dengan membuka Theobroma Chocolate Lounge yang pertama di One Utama di Bandar Utama, dekat sini.

Ketika ditanya mengenai cadangan untuk membawa kafe berkenaan ke luar Lembah Klang, Saw berkata, pihaknya mungkin melakukannya di Pulau Pinang dan Johor Bahru dalam tempoh dua tahun akan datang.

Beliau memberitahu, pertumbuhan jualan di Lembah Klang amat baik memandangkan penduduk bandar lebih terdedah kepada gaya hidup yang lebih unik dan moden.

''Penggemar coklat juga ramai menetap di bandar-bandar dan ia merupakan satu strategi pemasaran yang baik,'' ujarnya.

Ditanya mengenai perancangannya untuk membawa konsep berkenaan ke luar negara, beliau berkata, pihaknya hanya berminat untuk memfrancaiskan kafe berkenaan di luar negara dalam tempoh tiga tahun akan datang.

Theobroma Chocolate Lounge dibuka di LCCT Mac ini

http://www.utusan.com.my/pix/2009/0128/Utusan_Malaysia/Korporat/ko_03.1.jpg
EDWIN Saw menunjukkan tanda bagus di hadapan kedainya di One Utama, semalam. - UTUSAN / AHMAD ZAKKI JILAN

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KUALA LUMPUR 27 Jan. - The Hing Yiap Group (Hing Yiap) akan membuka cawangan kafe berasaskan coklat keempatnya, Theobroma Chocolate Lounge, di Terminal Penerbangan Tambang Murah (LCCT) di Sepang 1 Mac depan.

Pembukaan kafe itu merupakan salah satu pembesaran perniagaan kumpulan tersebut.

Sebelum ini, kafe berkenaan sudah dibuka di One Utama di Bandar Utama, Bangsar Village di Bangsar dan Pavilion di Bukit Bintang di sini.

Ketua Pegawai Operasinya, Edwin Saw berkata, kafe tersebut memberi kelainan kepada para pelanggannya kerana ia menghidangkan menu utama berasaskan coklat asli sebanyak 80 jenis yang diimport dari Belgium.

Belgium, katanya, merupakan pengeluar coklat asli bermutu terkemuka dunia.

Menurut Saw, kafenya menggunakan konsep makanan dan minuman berasaskan coklat yang diamalkan di Australia.

Beliau memberitahu, melalui konsep itu, hampir kesemua minuman di kafenya tidak menggunakan gula, sebaliknya rasa manis tersebut bergantung sepenuhnya kepada coklat yang dihidangkan.

Pendekatan itu, jelasnya, memberi kelainan dan menggambarkan satu cita rasa yang tinggi bagi penggemar-penggemar coklat asli.

"Coklat asli yang ditawarkan di kafe kami tidak mengandungi kolesterol dan ia amat baik untuk kesihatan terutamanya kepada golongan yang amat mementingkan kesihatan mereka,'' katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian kepada Utusan Malaysia ketika ditemui di kafe itu di sini baru-baru ini.

The Hing Yiap Group memulakan operasi dengan menjalankan aktiviti menjahit pakaian dan kini kumpulan itu mengeluarkan pelbagai jenama pakaian dan antara jenamanya ialah Antioni, Bontton dan Diesel.

Bermula Julai tahun lalu, kumpulan tersebut mula menerokai bidang makanan dan minuman dengan membuka Theobroma Chocolate Lounge yang pertama di One Utama di Bandar Utama, dekat sini.

Ketika ditanya mengenai cadangan untuk membawa kafe berkenaan ke luar Lembah Klang, Saw berkata, pihaknya mungkin melakukannya di Pulau Pinang dan Johor Bahru dalam tempoh dua tahun akan datang.

Beliau memberitahu, pertumbuhan jualan di Lembah Klang amat baik memandangkan penduduk bandar lebih terdedah kepada gaya hidup yang lebih unik dan moden.

''Penggemar coklat juga ramai menetap di bandar-bandar dan ia merupakan satu strategi pemasaran yang baik,'' ujarnya.

Ditanya mengenai perancangannya untuk membawa konsep berkenaan ke luar negara, beliau berkata, pihaknya hanya berminat untuk memfrancaiskan kafe berkenaan di luar negara dalam tempoh tiga tahun akan datang.


For wat they open their lounge in lcct, the lcct will turn to cargo terminal soon :nuts:

FireFly likely to use Sepang LCCT
By Marina EmmanuelPublished: 2009/01/29

Firefly is likely to expand its scope of flights by using jets to fly out of the terminal in the event that AirAsia Bhd moves out

MALAYSIA Airlines (MAS) is contemplating using the low-cost carrier terminal (LCCT) in Sepang, in the event that AirAsia Bhd moves out.

And the likely user of the budget terminal will be the national carrier's wholly-owned subsidiary, FlyFirefly Sdn Bhd.

Business Times has learnt that Firefly, which currently operates turbo-propeller planes from its Subang and Penang hubs, is likely to expand its scope of flights by using jets to fly out of LCCT.

"Firefly could use the Boeing 737-800 jets, which MAS is set to take delivery this year, to operate from LCCT," an aviation expert said.

"This will enable Firefly to fill in the gap left by AirAsia (if they move out), while providing convenience to passengers once Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd carries out plans to improve connectivity between the LCCT and the Kuala Lumpur International Airport terminal."

Firely is set to continue to operate from Subang's Terminal 3 with its ATR 72-500 turbo-prop planes, while it has the option to use the jets for routes which it cannot operate viably with the ATRs.

"With the jets, new regional routes like China, Vietnam, India, Thailand and Indonesia can be introduced from the LCCT," the source said.

However, these are to secondary airports in these countries and not to main airports now served by MAS.

FlyFirefly Sdn Bhd managing director Eddy Leong, when contacted, declined comment.

It is learnt that Firefly will remain profitable if it uses the 737-800 planes by offering a two-class service, which includes more premium and higher-yield passengers.

This compares to the current single-class service offered by AirAsia on its Airbus planes.

Besides AirAsia, the LCCT is currently used by other carriers like Cebu Pacific and Tiger Airways.

FireFly doesn't need to wait for AA to move out to come in...they always can opt for jets as i don't see firefly can sustain in subang....

mak (MAS) dgn anak (Firefly) sama jer...tak cerdik.

mas will follow sia path..

they will lease their narrow bodied to maswings and firefly. Creating Silk Air like airline. Malaysia Airlines will only fly and maintain wide bodied aircraft and still fly regionally but only highly profitable routes...

we can see they will announce it this year.

any new news about MAS joining (or creating) any alliences??

Flying back to original LCCT plan


By PAULINE ALMEIDA February 02, 2009 Categories: News

The original plan for the second Low- Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) proposed by Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) two years ago may be revived.

Transport Minister Datuk Ong Tee Keat said he supports the revival of the proposal following the Federal government’s rejection last Friday of the controversial RM1.6 billion KLIA-East@ Labu project in Negri Sembilan.

Ong said as far as his ministry was concerned, there was a need for the terminal in the future and “since MAHB is thinking of reviving this LCCT, we are all for it”.

Whether it will be built with government or private funding is not the ministry’s concern, he added.

“I have said from day one that we need an LCCT based on what we have planned for the future,” he said.

It is understood that the proposal for the LCCT near the KL International Airport (KLIA), handed to the Finance Ministry back in 2007, has been met with lukewarm response.

Industry sources revealed that MAHB did not get any directive from the ministry on the proposal, and that the ministry showed scant regard for MAHB's efforts on the project.

Asked whether there was any conflict between MAHB and AirAsia chief executive officer Datuk Tony Fernandes over matters involving the LCCT operations, Ong said “yes”.

“There were instances when I had to step in to resolve the issues.”

In the case of KLIA-East, he said that there were several issues that finally sealed the fate of the controversial project, among which was compliance with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) requirements, especially with regard to its proximity to KLIA, the construction of another air traffic control centre, complete with a control tower about 10km away in a straight line from the one in KLIA, inter-terminal transfers and connectivity issues.

ICAO had expressed safety concerns over two air traffic control towers so close together, saying that it would give rise to confusion and overload communication channels. The Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) had said that a second air traffic control centre would stretch its already-thin cadre of flight controllers to breaking point.

“The air traffic control tower for KLIA-East would have to be built using government funds and the ministry would have had to put all this in place,” Ong said.

“It would also be necessary to provide a link for the convenience of passengers. Who’s going to pay for this? Don't expect the government to come up with the money for it.”

Asked how much it would have cost the authorities to build an air traffic control tower at KLIA-East, Ong said it had not been worked out as AirAsia had not tabled a detailed proposal to the Economic Planning Unit (EPU).

“We will only go into it if the detailed proposal is submitted to the EPU,” he added.

Malay Mail reported on KLIA-East@ Labu project on Jan 13. The plan calls for the construction of a purpose-built terminal to be sited between Nilai and Bandar Enstek to serve 30 million passengers annually.

A senior DCA officer had said that even if AirAsia and conglomerate Sime Darby Bhd went ahead with the terminal, pilots and passengers would still have to put up with additional delays, a problem evident at its current location in Sepang.

This is the result of the “pecking order” under which airports operate. KLIA currently sits on top of the totem pole and gets first dibs at almost everything.

In other words, AirAsia would lose out in terms of priority for take-off and landing clearances at the LCCT, given that KLIA is still the main airport.


Plan for new LCCT mooted in 2007

It was reported on July 18, 2007, that Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) had plans to build a new building at the Low-Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) to cope with increasing demand.

Its senior general manager of operations, Datuk Azmi Murad, had said that the new building would replace the existing LCCT, which had been operating since March 2006. The building is located next to the Malaysia Airlines cargo building.

He had said that the LCCT had been moving seven million passengers per year with four operators, including AirAsia, and was close to reaching its maximum capacity of 10 million passengers.

"The demand by low-cost carriers has been increasing steadily every year by about 30 per cent. The new building with all the new facilities can handle up to 25 million passengers per year,” he had told reporters then.


History

• KLIA-East would be one component of Sime Darby Bhd’s mammoth 80,000-acre Malaysian Central Vision Valley project at Labu.

• The government had initially given the nod to AirAsia and Sime Darby to construct and operate a new terminal, to be built on a 3,000 acre (1,400ha) site at Labu, near Seremban.

• The RM1.6 billion project drew criticism from various quarters when it was first announced. They argued it was rushed through without public consultation.

• Critics were unconvinced that public funds would not be utilised for the mega project, despite assurances from AirAsia group chief executive officer Datuk Tony Fernandes.

• Developers claimed that once approved by the Cabinet, they would bear the full cost of the new terminal and infrastructure at KLIA-East, including:
- A 7km branch road to link KLIA East to KLIA
- An additional 3km KTM Komuter railway line from the Labu railway station to provide direct access from all other KTM stations
- A 7km ERL link
- Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) facilities
- An air traffic control tower, as well as navigational aids and enhanced security

• Many feared that two busy airports located so close to each other would exert greater demands on air traffic controllers. Further, due to the shortage of controllers in the country, an additional airport would force the Civil Aviation Department to split the already-thin cadre of controllers. The question of who would manage the other essential services, and for what period, remains unanswered.

LCCT: Dua minggu diberi selesaikan isu

KUALA LUMPUR 3 Feb. – AirAsia Bhd. (AirAsia) dan Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd. (MAHB) diberi masa dua minggu untuk mencari penyelesaian selepas cadangan pembinaan Terminal Penerbangan Tambang Murah (LCCT) yang baru ditolak kerajaan.

Sumber industri berkata, perbincangan antara kedua-dua pihak itu perlu diselesaikan selewat-lewatnya 12 Februari ini.

‘‘Kedua-dua pihak diarahkan untuk duduk dan berbincang untuk mendapatkan satu kata putus mengenai keperluan pembinaan LCCT yang baru di KLIA,’’ katanya kepada Utusan Malaysia di sini hari ini.

LCCT at KLIA to be cheaper
By Kathy Fong
Email us your feedback at fd@bizedge.com


In a meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak last Friday, it was decided that AirAsia Bhd and Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) will work together towards building a new low-cost carrier terminal (LCCT) at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).
Sources say AirAsia and MAHB have been given two weeks to iron out the details of the new LCCT and present them to Najib. Any points of disagreement will be adjudicated by the DPM in the second meeting.
The new satellite terminal for low-cost carriers (LCCs) is expected to cost about RM1.3 billion, lower than earlier projections that ranged from RM1.6 billion to RM3.8 billion.
AirAsia, in an immediate response, described the outcome of the meeting as "very positive" and said it was now waiting for the details.
Apart from Najib, AirAsia CEO Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes and MAHB managing director Datuk Seri Bashir Ahmad, others present at the Friday meeting were Second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Tan Sri Amirsham A Aziz and Minister of Transport Datuk Ong Tee Keat.
This latest development effectively puts paid to the proposal by AirAsia and Sime Darby Bhd to construct a new LCCT in Labu, Negri Sembilan.
At the meeting, Najib stated from the outset the government's preference for a solution to be worked out between AirAsia and MAHB for the LCCT to be built at KLIA, say sources.
"It makes sense as KLIA has ample space yet to be utilised. It was designed to accommodate at least four satellites and so far, there has been only one," says a source.
It is said AirAsia will come up with a wish list for the new LCCT and MAHB will strive to accommodate the needs of Asia's fastest-growing LCC.
The new LCCT will effectively be built according to the needs of such LCCs as AirAsia, while MAHB will construct as well as manage it.
By building the LCCT at KLIA, MAHB will retain its traffic flow and maintain revenue generated from the passengers and aircraft of budget carriers.
AirAsia and Malaysia Airlines are MAHB's two largest customers. It is not known how much AirAsia contributes to MAHB's top line but industry sources say it is substantial.
It is said AirAsia wants cost to be kept low in the new LCCT as its business model is sensitive to cost. Towards this end, it is believed passenger service charges will be kept at current levels despite the terminal being new.
Furthermore, say sources, AirAsia gets to write off a certain amount of disputed payments to MAHB.
It is a win-win situation for both AirAsia and MAHB. Building a new LCCT in Labu would have merely added to AirAsia's funding problems. But now, with the new terminal being built in KLIA, the funding and construction will be handled by MAHB. As for MAHB, it will get to optimise the utilisation of KLIA and nurture it into an airline hub. If AirAsia were to operate from outside the KLIA, the task of getting more passengers to use its facilities would be more difficult.
In past meetings with the media, Fernandes had stressed the need to build a new LCCT, given the LCC's rapidly growing passenger volume. According to the budget carrier's estimates, the number of passengers will grow to 15.7 million next year and 26.98 million in 2014. The existing LCCT can only handle 15 million passengers a year.
Fernandes had also voiced his concern over cost issues. He had said AirAsia's cost-sensitive business model could not afford extra charges for facilities such as aerobridges at airports.
According to sources, at the Friday meeting, MAHB had said it would be able to accommodate the needs of LCCs such as AirAsia and that the cost of building a terminal could vary from RM400 million to RM4 billion, depending on the needs.
Both AirAsia and Sime Darby, which owns land in Labu, had come in for a lot of flak when news of their partnership came out. Sime Darby's CEO Datuk Seri Ahmad Zuber Murshid had stated that the participation of the conglomerate was merely a commercial decision to unlock the value of its landbank in Labu.
Be that as it may, the decision by prime minister-elect Najib will maintain KLIA, which the government built for RM10 billion, as the air transport hub of Malaysia.

Teksi LCCT akan guna meter

Oleh THOMAS CHONG
pengarang@utusan.com.my



SEPANG 5 Feb. - Sebahagian pemandu teksi di Terminal Penerbangan Tambang Murah (LCCT) hari ini enggan menerima kupon yang dikeluarkan oleh pengendali tiket teksi di lapangan terbang itu, Mesra Indah Jaya Sdn. Bhd. (MIJ) sebagai bantahan terhadap caj perkhidmatan yang dianggap tinggi.

Timbalan Pengerusi Persatuan Kebajikan Pemandu Teksi LCCT, V. Madhavan berkata, kira-kira 929 teksi di LCCT akan menggunakan meter dan menerima bayaran terus daripada pelanggan mulai hari ini sehingga MIJ sanggup mengadakan perbincangan untuk menurunkan caj perkhidmatan kepada lima peratus.

Beliau berkata, pemandu teksi LCCT juga tidak berpuas hati dengan Lembaga Pelesenan Kenderaan Perdagangan (LPKP) dan Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan (JPJ) yang tidak membenarkan mereka mengambil penumpang yang telah melakukan tempahan awal.

"Jika kami hanya menunggu penumpang di LCCT sahaja dan tidak dibenarkan mengambil tempahan daripada pelanggan setia kami, maka pendapatan yang ada adalah tidak mencukupi untuk menyara hidup," katanya kepada pemberita di sini hari ini.

Semalam, lebih 1,000 pemandu teksi LCCT mengadakan mogok bermula 3 petang kerana marah dengan tindakan JPJ yang tidak membenarkan mereka mengambil penumpang yang telah membuat tempahan awal.

Perkhidmatan teksi di LCCT bagaimanapun disambung semula pagi ini tetapi para pemandu teksi masih enggan menerima kupon yang dikeluarkan oleh MIJ.

Madhavan berkata, pemandu teksi LCCT menghadapi pelbagai kesukaran untuk mendapatkan penumpang berikutan bilangan teksi dan bas yang semakin banyak di lapangan terbang tersebut.

"Pemandu teksi menunggu dari siang hingga malam tetapi hanya mendapat dua atau tiga penumpang sehari," katanya.

Dalam pada itu, Pengarah Urusan MIJ, Halim Shah Abd. Hamid berkata, operasi teksi di LCCT berjalan lancar pada hari ini dan pihaknya masih mengeluarkan kupon kepada orang ramai yang memerlukan perkhidmatan teksi.

"Bukan semua pemandu teksi di LCCT enggan menerima kupon MIJ, ramai lagi pemandu teksi yang bertugas seperti biasa.

"Pemandu teksi yang enggan menerima kupon kita telah melanggar peraturan dan saya menasihatkan mereka supaya menyambung tugas seperti biasa," katanya ketika dihubungi Utusan Malaysia.

Ditanya sama ada MIJ akan menurunkan caj perkhidmatan daripada sembilan peratus kepada lima peratus, Halim Shah berkata, pihaknya tidak akan mengubah kadar caj perkhidmatan tersebut.

"Terdapat pemandu teksi yang cuba mengungkit perkara lama, kami bagaimanapun tetap dengan kadar sedia ada," katanya.

AirAsia sees LCCT issue resolved soon
Published: 2009/02/12



AIRASIA Bhd hopes that the issue over a new low-cost carrier terminal (LCCT) will be resolved soon, its group chief executive officer Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes said today.

“It will be resolved at some stage,” he said.

“The quicker the better. We got to move. I think every effort is being made to resolve it quickly,” he told reporters after launching the airline’s “Pick A Seat” service in Kuala Lumpur.

The government recently turned down AirAsia’s proposal to build a RM1.6 billion airport in Labu, Negeri Sembilan, but the low-cost carrier managed to win some important concessions in the process, said a recent news report quoting sources.

Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) will be given the task of building a new LCCT, which will be located near the present terminal at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) in Sepang, the report said.

It added that AirAsia managed to get assurance about lower airport charges and tax, which it will negotiate with MAHB, and it will be also allowed to provide some input on the specifications for the new LCCT.

AirAsia has been complaining about the charges at the present LCCT as it argued that with less facilities available, the airport charges and tax should be much lower than those imposed at KLIA.

Meanwhile, AirAsia is eyeing further expansion into India and China in the near term, said Fernandes.

“Tiruchirappalli (in India) has been a huge success,” he told reporters when asked about the new destinations that AirAsia was planning to fly.

He said that besides India and China, AirAsia was also planning to fly to Taipei, Taiwan and South Korea. - Bernama

RM950m loan for Malaysia Airports
By Presenna NambiarPublished: 2009/02/13

Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) (5014) has secured a RM950 million loan from CIMB Islamic Bank to develop, among other things, a permanent low-cost carrier terminal (LCCT) at the KL International Airport (KLIA) in Sepang.

Part of the loan will also be used to fund the airport operator's planned RM450 million capital and operating expenditure for 2009.

MAHB managing director Datuk Seri Bashir Ahmad said the government had "accepted" the National Airport Master Plan, which includes the development of the permanent LCCT at KLIA.

"The government has accepted the plan. That's to say we can now use this as a basis (for our development)," Bashir said. He declined to elaborate.

He also declined to comment on the ongoing discussions with budget carrier AirAsia Bhd on the setting up of an LCCT.
Meanwhile, MAHB senior general manager of finance, Faizal Mansor, said that with the payment of RM508 million in cash to the government under the corporate and financing restructuring plan, the company will be left with some RM100 million cash.

On KLIA's performance so far this year, Bashir said that passenger traffic had risen, a better showing than for most airports around the region.

"Retail revenue has dropped, but still, there has been growth because of more retail space," he said.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat, who witnessed the signing of new operating agreements with MAHB in Kuala Lumpur yesterday, stopped short of saying that the proposed LCCT in Labu, Negri Sembilan, by AirAsia and Sime Darby Bhd had been called off.

"As the project was approved by the Cabinet, it would be the Cabinet's role to revoke the approval," Ong said.

He said that the government was not involved in discussions between AirAsia and MAHB and could not advise on a deadline for talks to be concluded.

At a separate function, AirAsia group chief executive officer Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes voiced hopes that the new airport issue will be resolved as soon as possible.

"The quicker the better. Every effort is being made to resolve it quickly," Fernandes told reporters after launching AirAsia's 'Pick A Seat' service in Kuala Lumpur.

...........hopefully...not another 'warehouse' airport......

Revamp to put Malaysia Airports on stronger footing
By IZWAN IDRIS


It will enable company to weather downturn

SERI KEMBANGAN: Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) sees slower passenger traffic growth at its airports this year, but managing director Datuk Seri Bashir Ahmad says the recently-approved group restructuring plan will enable the company to weather the industry downturn on a stronger financial footing.

“Our initial forecast was to achieve growth of between 2.5% and 2.8% this year. However, we may have to review this,’’ he told a press briefing yesterday.

Last year, passenger arrivals at MAHB-operated airports rose 5% to about 45 million people. Bashir said some airlines had reduced their flight frequency as worldwide travel volume shrank.

“Like any other commercial business, we have to manage our cost” to ride out the slowdown, Bashir said.


Datuk Seri Bashir Ahmad briefing the press on the restructuring plan.
With its restructuring in place, MAHB was expected to announce its five-year business plan by end-March.

Bashir, however, declined to comment when asked on the status of MAHB’s talks with AirAsia Bhd over the development of a low-cost carrier terminal (LCCT) within the KL International Airport (KLIA).

He viewed the project as “commercially viable” for MAHB, and stressed that any issues that might arise from the planned project could be addressed in a “proper forum.”

“We treat all our working partners equally as professionals,’’ he said.

In a separate press conference earlier, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat said both MAHB and AirAsia were in talks on the LCCT project, although no deadline was set on when the project would start.

MAHB had listed building a permanent LCCT and a second satellite terminal at KLIA as among its major capacity expenditure obligation going forward.

The restructuring plan, announced on Dec 23, allows MAHB to focus on its core airport management business. Under this, non-related activities, like the Formula One racing circuit and the convention centre in Subang, will be sold back to the Government.

The Government will purchase F1 circuit management company SIC Sdn Bhd for RM1 and assume its liabilities of RM121mil. The track itself will be sold at book value (currently at RM319mil) via a 10-year call option.

The asset sales, coupled with write-off from money spent by MAHB on infrastructure development at KLIA and RM508mil cash payment, will allow the company to settle RM1.01bil owed to the Government.

A key part of the restructuring plan involved a revenue-sharing mechanism with the Government that replaced the current concession agreement.

Under this, the Government will get an 8.3% cut from all economic activities at airports and land provided by the Government. “This ensures both the Government and MAHB’s interest will be aligned during good and bad times,’’ Bashir said.

The Government’s share of revenue will grow 0.25% every year, but should increase by a bigger portion depending on the Government’s future spending on airport infrastructure.

The portion of the Government’s share of revenue will be capped at 33%.

MAHB has also a set benchmark for passenger service charge at RM65 per person for international departures, which is higher than the current RM51 rate.

Bashir said the decision to implement the new rate remained with the Government, as in all other aeronautical charges.

He added that the difference between the benchmark rate and actual rate charged would be compensated.

A framework was established in which MAHB will “receive financial restitution” from the Government if its policies have impact on MAHB’s profitability.

MAHB and AirAsia are negotiating to sort things out, says Tee Keat
By IZWAN IDRIS and


KUALA LUMPUR: Discussions are still ongoing between Malaysia Airports Holding Berhad (MAHB) and AirAsia on a new permanent low-cost carrier terminal, said Transport Minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat.

“MAHB and AirAsia are negotiating to sort things out because at the end of the day, there should be some kind of synergy between the two parties,’’ he said.

“It is only right for us to emphasise on synergy. As it is now, discussions are still in pro*gress.’’

Ong was speaking to reporters at the media briefing of the Malaysia Airports Financial Restructuring Plan.

MAHB has already identified a site for a permanent LCCT near the main terminal at the KL International Airport (KLIA) in line with the National Airport Masterplan and to allow optimisation of resources like runways, control towers and transportation infrastructure.

AirAsia had proposed to build a new RM1.6bil airport named KLIA-East@Labu with Sime Darby Berhad, but the Government has put the proposal on hold.

AirAsia chief executive Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes said the issue should be resolved quickly to cater to the increasing number of budget travellers.

“The quicker it is resolved, the better. We have got to move. I think every effort is being done to resolve it quickly,” he said yesterday after launching the airline’s “Pick A Seat” product, which allows passengers to choose their seats.

He said he would leave it to the Government to decide on the now-postponed KLIA-East@Labu pro*ject.

Ong said the plan to build a permanent LCCT in KLIA was mooted in 2007.

“The plan to build one in Labu was submitted by the Economic Planning Unit and not the Transport Ministry.

“If the proposal (for LCCT in Labu) is cancelled, it has to be referred back to the Cabinet but so far we haven’t come to that yet,’’ he said, adding that any new airport initiative must follow certain guidelines set by the ministry.

The guidelines include addressing issues involving air traffic control and inter-terminal connectivity.

AirAsia jangka isu LCCT selesai tidak lama lagi

KUALA LUMPUR 12 Feb. - AirAsia Bhd. berharap isu berhubung terminal penerbangan tambang murah (LCCT) baru akan selesai tidak lama lagi, kata Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif kumpulannya, Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes, hari ini.

"Ia akan selesaikan juga nanti.

"Lebih cepat lebih baik. Kita perlu terus bergerak. Saya rasa segala usaha sedang dijalankan bagi menyelesaikannya dengan cepat," katanya kepada pemberita selepas melancarkan perkhidmatan Pick A Seat syarikat penerbangan itu, di sini.

Baru-baru ini kerajaan menolak cadangan AirAsia untuk membina sebuah lapangan terbang berharga RM1.6 bilion di Labu, Negeri Sembilan, tetapi syarikat penerbangan tambang murah itu berjaya mendapatkan beberapa konsesi penting dalam proses itu, demikian menurut laporan berita yang memetik beberapa sumber.

Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd. (MAHB) akan diberikan tugas membina LCCT baru itu, yang akan dibangunkan berhampiran terminal sedia ada di Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Kuala Lumpur (KLIA) di Sepang, kata laporan itu.

Katanya, AirAsia berjaya mendapatkan jaminan tentang pengurangan caj dan cukai lapangan terbang yang akan dirundingi dengan MAHB, dan ia akan juga dibenarkan memberikan beberapa input tentang spesifikasi bagi LCCT baru itu.

AirAsia sering kali bersungut tentang caj yang dikenakan di LCCT sekarang kerana menurutnya dengan kekurangan kemudahan, caj dan cukai lapangan terbang haruslah jauh lebih rendah daripada yang dikenakan di KLIA. - Bernama


LCCT: Kata akhir di tangan Kabinet

KUALA LUMPUR 12 Feb. - Keputusan sama ada cadangan pembinaan Terminal Lapangan Terbang Tambang Murah (LCCT) di Labu, atau dikenali KLIA East, dibatalkan terus atau sebaliknya, perlu diputuskan oleh Kabinet.

Menteri Pengangkutan Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat berkata, pihaknya tidak boleh mengulas lanjut mengenai perkara itu kerana pembentangan cadangan LCCT tersebut dibuat di peringkat Kabinet dan Unit Perancangan Ekonomi (EPU).

''Kertas cadangan projek tersebut (LCCT) dibentangkan terus kepada Kabinet dan EPU, sekiranya Kerajaan Pusat mahu membatalkan projek itu atau menangguhkan cadangan itu, EPU perlu mengemukakan cadangan mereka.

''Malah, Kabinet juga yang perlu membuat pengumuman mengenai perkara itu, bukan Kementerian Pengangkutan.

''(Dan) setakat ini, Kabinet tidak membuat apa-apa keputusan mengenai perkara tersebut,'' katanya pada sidang akhbar selepas menandatangani perjanjian operasi lapangan terbang dan lesen baru antara Kerajaan Pusat dan Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd. (MAHB) di sini hari ini.

Bulan lalu, Timbalan Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak berkata, kerajaan telah menolak cadangan pembinaan LCCT di Labu.

Berikutan itu, MAHB diberi tanggungjawab membina LCCT yang baru, berdekatan terminal sekarang di Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Kuala Lumpur (KLIA) di Sepang.

Tee Keat berkata, meskipun AirAsia Bhd. (AirAsia) tidak membentangkan cadangan tersebut terlebih dahulu kepadanya tetapi adalah menjadi tanggungjawab kementerian tersebut meneliti, memberi komen dan memberi input terhadap cadangan tersebut.

Beliau sekali lagi menegaskan bahawa Kementerian Pengangkutan telah meneliti secara serius cadangan pembinaan LCCT yang didakwa dilaksanakan melalui inisiatif pembiayaian swasta (PFI).

Tee Keat berkata, sungguhpun cadangan pembinaan LCCT itu dibuat secara PFI tetapi pembinaan menara kawalan trafik perlu dibuat oleh wang kerajaan.

Begitu juga dengan hubungan antara terminal dan penyambungan pengangkutan turut membabitkan kerajaan, jelas beliau.

''Tidak kira saya seorang ahli politik atau teknokrat, yang penting cadangan LCCT ini janganlah memberikan beban kepada orang ramai,'' ujarnya.

Mengulas lanjut, Tee Keat berkata, kementerian tersebut sedar memang ada keperluan untuk memiliki LCCT tetap yang beroperasi penuh untuk menampung peningkatan penumpang syarikat penerbangan tambang murah itu dan perkara tersebut telah dibincang serius pada 2007.

''Saya pun tidak tahu bagaimana tiba-tiba timbul pula idea cadangan LCCT di Labu.'' tambahnya.

Bagaimanapun, beliau menaruh harapan rundingan dan perbincangan antara MAHB dan AirAsia berhubung cadangan pembinaan LCCT baru itu dapat membuahkan sinergi antara kedua-dua pihak.

Katanya, kementerian tidak menetapkan sebarang tarikh akhir tetapi berharap satu keputusan dapat dihasilkan supaya pelaksanaan LCCT baru mengikut Pelan Induk Lapangan Terbang.

Beliau berkata, setakat ini, MAHB belum memutuskan lokasi baru bagi pembinaan LCCT tetap. Namun difahamkan MAHB bercadang untuk membinanya di kawasan lapang berhampiran Bilik Bunga Raya.

MAHB has RM1b facilities for LCCT project
by Doreen Leong
Email us your feedback at fd@bizedge.com


SERI KEMBANGAN: Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) is able to draw down from its existing RM1 billion facilities secured from a local bank that it could use to fund the construction of the permanent low-cost carrier terminal (LCCT) at KLIA.

Its senior general manager Faizal Mansor said the RM508 million cash to be paid to the government from its internal funds would not have a negative impact on the company as it had the available facilities to tap into.

Under MAHB’s financial restructuring plan, it is required to pay the government the cash amount immediately upon execution of the agreements. For the nine months ended Sept 30, 2008, MAHB’s cash and cash equivalent stood at RM749.38 million.

Speaking to reporters after the signing ceremony to conclude the approved restructuring plan here yesterday, MAHB managing director Datuk Seri Bashir Ahmad Abdul Majid said it would be able to undertake the development of the new LCCT using its own funds.

He said the commercial viability of the new LCCT at KLIA would be premised on cost minimisation, riding on existing infrastructure, its extensive operational experience as an airport operator and network multiplier effect due to connectivity with the existing main terminal.

However, Bashir declined to provide the estimated cost for the new LCCT but it is believed to range between RM1.3 billion and RM1.6 billion, depending on the facilities and size of the new terminal.

Meanwhile, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat said discussions between MAHB and budget carrier AirAsia Bhd to iron out matters pertaining to the new LCCT were ongoing.

“Talks are still in progress. The government is not involved in the discussions. They have to sort out among themselves. There should be synergies between both parties,” he added.

The government turned down AirAsia’s and Sime Darby Bhd’s proposal to build a RM1.6 billion airport in Labu, Negeri Sembilan and directed MAHB to build the new LCCT at KLIA, in close consultations with AirAsia.

http://www.tunehotels.com/images/LCCT/tunehotels-lcct-gallery.jpg

Tune Hotels.com is also scheduled to open a 258-room hotel in downtown Penang and a 222-room hotel at the low cost carrier terminal (LCCT) in KL International Airport in April.

'Ulat' KLIA, LCCT kini lebih licik - Taktik baru guna orang tengah pancing penumpang

Oleh WARTAWAN KOSMO!
khas@kosmo.com.my


http://www.kosmo.com.my/kosmo/pix/2009/0219/Kosmo/Negara/ne_04.2.jpg

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SEPANG - Ulat-ulat di Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Kuala Lumpur (KLIA) dan Terminal Penerbangan Tambang Murah (LCCT) di sini kini semakin bijak dan licik dalam mengelak daripada diberkas.

Bagi meneruskan kegiatan haram itu dan mengaut keuntungan besar, mereka mula mencari helah baru.

Jika sebelum ini kebanyakan mereka bergerak sendiri bagi mencari penumpang, kini mereka mula mengubah taktik dan beralih kepada khidmat orang tengah.

Lebih menarik, orang tengah itu dilantik di kalangan individu yang bekerja di KLIA dan LCCT sendiri termasuk ejen pelancongan, kakitangan hotel dan segelintir pemandu teksi dan limousin.

Menurut sumber, penggunaan orang tengah sukar dikenal pasti pihak berkuasa kerana mereka ialah individu yang memang bekerja dalam sektor pelancongan.

"Kebanyakannya berselindung di sebalik tugas masing-masing. Mereka licik mencari mangsa. Misalnya seorang ejen pelancongan apabila dijadikan orang tengah, sekali imbas dia kelihatan seperti sedang berurusan dengan pelancong asing yang baru tiba.

"Pada masa yang sama dia turut bersubahat menawarkan perkhidmatan ulat teksi. Bagi mereka, apa yang penting ialah komisen. Penumpang ingat mereka ejen syarikat yang sama, tetapi sebenarnya orang yang menjemput pelancong itu ialah ulat," ujarnya.

Menurut sumber yang sama, selain itu, pemandu teksi dan limousin juga bertindak sebagai orang tengah apabila 'menjual' penumpang mereka kepada ulat terutama membabitkan perjalanan yang agak jauh dan kalau mereka berpendapat perjalanan itu tidak menguntungkan mereka.

Airasia Grateful To Najib Over New LCCT Site


SEPANG, Feb 24 (Bernama) -- AirAsia Bhd has expressed gratitude to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak for resolving the questions surrounding the construction of a new low cost carrier terminal (LCCT).

"The company is grateful for the new LCCT location at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang. We believe the decision was made in the best interests of all the parties involved," AirAsia said in a statement.

The budget carrier hoped Malaysia Airports Bhd could deliver a terminal that matches their Labu proposal for consumers to enjoy even lower fares and turn Malaysia into the most dominant low fare hub in the region.

The new LCCT will contribute even more significantly to the growth of the Malaysian economy, given their route connectivity and flight frequency.

-- BERNAMA

LCCT: AirAsia terima keputusan kerajaan

KUALA LUMPUR 24 Feb. – AirAsia Bhd. (AirAsia) dengan hati terbuka, menerima keputusan kerajaan yang menolak cadangan pembinaan terminal lapangan terbang murah (LCCT) untuk AirAsia di Labu, Negeri Sembilan.

AirAsia dalam kenyataannya di sini berkata, pihaknya menghormati keputusan muktamad kerajaan dan percaya tindakan dibuat untuk kepentingan semua pihak.

‘‘Kami berterima kasih dengan cadangan Timbalan Perdana Menteri untuk mencari alternatif dalam membantu mengatasi ketidakselesaan penumpang AirAsia di LCCT sempit dan sesak di Sepang.

‘‘AirAsia menyokong cadangan kerajaan untuk membina LCCT tetap di Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa (KLIA) Sepang, kerana waktu yang diambil untuk merancang pembinaan LCCT bertaraf dunia di Labu banyak mengajar kami tentang lapangan terbang,’’ katanya.

AirAsia berharap Malaysia Airport Holdings Bhd. (MAHB) dapat menyediakan terminal yang menyamai faedah yang sama dengan cadangan LCCT Labu, bagi membolehkan pelanggan menikmati tambang murah dan menjadikan Malaysia sebagai pusat tambang murah di rantau ini.

MAHB-AirAsia talks may take another 2 weeks
by Doreen Leong
Email us your feedback at fd@bizedge.com


KUALA LUMPUR: Budget carrier AirAsia Bhd has put in a proposal for a lower international passenger service charge (PSC) or better known as airport tax, at RM10 and the domestic PSC remaining unchanged as part of its “wish list” for the new low-cost carrier terminal (LCCT) at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), sources said.

The current international PSC at the existing LCCT is at RM25 per passenger while domestic PSC is at RM6. It is learnt that AirAsia is not keen on Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd’s (MAHB) proposed incentive plan that will be based on the low-cost carrier’s growth.

When contacted, AirAsia group chief executive officer Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes said it was not asking for incentives but wanted a different cost structure related to business volume.

“We need to get the right cost structure for us to provide low fares and as we grow our passenger numbers to 30 million, we have to have low cost. We’ve learnt a lot from this airport episode and that through high efficiency, we can bring down the cost,” he told The Edge Financial Daily.

Fernandes added that talks between MAHB and AirAsia would probably take another two weeks for both parties to reach an agreement on the charges at the new LCCT before the proposals were put forth to the government for approval.

MAHB had stated previously that a new incentive scheme was being formulated, which would provide waivers for landing charges and incentives for growth, as it could not accede to AirAsia’s request for an extension of the five-year incentive programme.

The five-year programme, which expired in 2007, was drawn up to facilitate AirAsia’s move from Subang airport to KLIA in 2002.

It was given a waiver on all aeronautical charges (except PSC) for domestic and international flights, which include landing, parking, aerobridge and check-in counter charges. The budget carrier also enjoyed special rental rates for office space at all airports.

The final decision on PSC rests with the government and MAHB will not lose out if the PSC falls below the agreed benchmark rate of RM25 for international and RM6 for domestic at the LCCT.

Under the recently approved restructuring plan, MAHB was entitled to receive restitution in the form of reduction of the revenue share portion of the government if the actual PSC is lower than the benchmark.

Govt must explain flip-flop in LCCT, says Azmin
by Sharon Tan
Email us your feedback at fd@bizedge.com


KUALA LUMPUR: Pakatan Rakyat (PR) has demanded that Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and Transport Minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat explain the flip-flop decisions involving the proposed Labu low-cost carrier terminal (LCCT).

According to Azmin Ali (Gombak-PKR), Sime Darby had posted an announcement on Bursa Malaysia on Jan 5 that it had obtained agreement from the government to go ahead with the Labu LCCT project.

“But one week later, the decision changed (when) Najib announced that no decision had been made. Someone is lying and it is either Sime Darby or the DPM,” he alleged at a press conference at parliament lobby yesterday.

He added that action could be taken against Bursa for making a false announcement to the shareholders but he has his doubts as the stock exchange would not make any announcement without written consent.

Ong was also taken to task and was told to explain why the plans for the low-cost hub was changed several times from the temporary low-cost terminal at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) to Labu and then back to KLIA.

AirAsia Bhd together with Sime Darby had planned to build a low-cost terminal in Labu but the government decided that it should be built in Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) by Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB). Both parties are in the midst of negotiating the terms.

MAHB, AirAsia talks on new LCCT on-going
Written by Gan Yen Kuan
Wednesday, 04 March 2009 13:42

SEPANG: Discussions between Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) and AirAsia Bhd on the new permanent low-cost carrier terminal (LCCT) are still ongoing, and the details would be announced "at appropriate time", said MAHB managing director Datuk Seri Bashir Ahmad.

"All I can say is the discussions are ongoing," Bashir said in response to a question on whether MAHB and AirAsia had met frequently to discuss the matter.

He was speaking at a press conference here on March 4 after a routine inspection of the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) by Transport Minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat.

MAHB is to build a LCCT, based on AirAsia's requirements, at the KLIA vicinity, after the government scrapped the proposed LCCT at Labu, Negri Sembilan. AirAsia had said it needs a new terminal by 2011.

Meanwhile, Ong said the existing baggage handling system at KLIA, which aged some 11 years, needs to be upgraded to shorten the baggage delivery time.

Currently, it takes 25 minutes for the first bag to reach the baggage reclaim area at the main terminal from the time the aircraft docks at the satellite building, and 55 minutes for the last bag.

He said the target was to reduce the delivery time for the first and last bags to 15 minutes and 30 minutes, respectively.

On that note, Bashir said MAHB would amend the design of the baggage handling system linking the satellite building and the main terminal.

"Valuations are undergoing and we are looking at the cost proposal," he said.

LCCT: MAHB kenal pasti tapak baru

SEPANG 4 Mac - Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd. (MAHB) telah mengenal pasti tapak pembinaan Terminal Penerbangan Tambang Murah (LCCT) yang baru, kata Pengarah Urusan dan Ketua Pegawai Eksekutifnya, Datuk Seri Bashir Ahmad .

"Tapak pembinaan telahpun dikenal pasti dan kami akan mengumumkannya pada masa yang sesuai," kata Bashir pada satu taklimat media sempena lawatan Menteri Pengangkutan, Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat ke Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Kuala Lumpur (KLIA) di sini hari ini.

Kerajaan baru-baru ini menolak cadangan AirAsia Bhd. untuk membina lapangan terbang berharga RM1.6 bilion di Labu, Negeri Sembilan.

MAHB telah ditugaskan untuk membina LCCT yang baru, terletak berhampiran terminal sedia ada di KLIA di Sepang, dijayakan hasil rundingan dengan AirAsia.

"Kami tidak boleh mendedahkan perbincangan itu tetapi ia sedang berjalan," katanya ketika ditanya mengenai perkembangan rundingan dengan AirAsia tentang LCCT baharu.

Mengenai kejadian kecurian barang-barang di lapangan terbang, Bashir berkata, MAHB komited untuk mengurangkan dan membanteras gejala itu sepenuhnya.

"Jika dibandingkan lapangan terbang kita dengan banyak lapangan terbang lain di dunia, lapangan terbang kita menunjukkan kadar yang lebih rendah," katanya, sambil menambah MAHB belum gembira terhadap pencapaian itu.

Sementara itu, Tee Keat berkata, kementerian berkenaan mengemukakan banyak projek cadangan kepada Kementerian Kewangan untuk dimasukkan dalam bajet mini.

Katanya, projek itu meliputi semua sektor utama, dari pengangkutan darat hinggalah maritim serta penerbangan. - Bernama

“Also Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd may get a kick from the Government’s move to build a new LCCT terminal at Kuala Lumpur International Airport costing some RM2 billion,” it said.

http://www.theedgedaily.com/business-news/1668-construction-thrust-absent-from-mini-budget.html

AirAsia boss happy with promise of new LCCT


AIRASIA chief executive officer Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes is a happy man with the confirmation that a new low-cost carrier terminal (LCCT) will be built by 2011.

He feels it is a step forward.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak announced in the mini-budget that Malaysia Airport Holdings Bhd (MAHB) would build and operate a new LCCT at the KL International Airport at an estimated cost of RM2bil.

“It’s a good step, but we hope MAHB will still do more on its part.

“We can’t rest on the airlines and the Government to do all the work,” Fernandes said yesterday.

He added that he hoped MAHB would impose fair charges commensurate with the RM2bil investment.

Asked if AirAsia had been affected by the economic crisis, he said, “No”.

“On the contrary, we’ve been having good growth. We’re taking a positive stand on this and reducing our cost structure.

“Value is key for our customers and what we’re doing is giving them better value and lower fares,” he said.

Asked if he thought the measures announced in the mini-budget would help AirAsia, he replied: “What the Government has done, it’s good.

“Now we have to ask MAHB to play its part in lowering the cost structure for the consumers as well. They should also give incentives for all airlines to promote growth.”

Fernandes added that he had no plans to lay off workers. Instead, he was hiring more people.

Ong: New LCCT to handle excess passenger load by 2011


THE passenger load at the KL International Airport will exceed 20 million by 2011 and the new Low-Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) will cater to this increasing capacity, said Transport Minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat.

He said the design capacity for the new LCCT would be around 30 million but the entire project would consist of various phases, which would allow room for further development.

“This is crucial because by 2011, we anticipate the delivery of bigger aircraft, including the Airbus A380 by Malaysia Airlines,” he said, adding that the present LCCT would not be able to handle the growing passenger load.

Ong said the new LCCT would be ready by 2011 and the total cost was estimated at RM2bil.

He said Malaysia Airports Hold*ings Bhd would announce the financial details, which were still being ironed out.

On the rebate of 50% on landing charges which would be given from April 1 to all airlines that operate from Malaysia, Ong said he was optimistic that the move would boost the aviation industry and attract more airlines to use KLIA as a regional hub.

On whether such a move would affect Malaysia Airports financially, he said: “When you want to enjoy such incentives, you will certainly have to strike a balance.

“You need to woo more airlines to come and there will be some degree of reduction in your revenue.”

Currently, he said, there are 57 airlines operating from both LCCT and KLIA.

Ong, who is also MCA president, said he was impressed with the government-linked companies’ (GLCs) commitment to enhance corporate social activities in human capital development by establishing 10 non-profit private schools.

He said GLCs, which also operated private universities such as Uniten and MMU, were not only helping youngsters study at higher education institutions but were also making corporate social responsibility a culture in the country.

In another development, all parties have welcomed the estimated RM250mil allocated for the Penang International Airport expansion.

State MCA deputy chairman Eng Hiap Boon said the allocation would boost Penang’s economy by attracting more tourists.

“With the upgrading of airport facilities, I hope we can attract (more) tourists to Penang.

“This also shows the Federal Government has not given up on Penang

Kos LCCT baru dijangka RM2 bilion - Najib

KUALA LUMPUR 10 Mac - Pembinaan Terminal Penerbangan Tambang Murah (LCCT) yang baru di Sepang dijangka menelan belanja sebanyak RM2 bilion.

Menteri Kewangan, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak berkata, projek itu merupakan sebahagian daripada projek yang telah dikenal pasti oleh kerajaan untuk dilaksanakan di luar peruntukan bajet (off-budget) bernilai RM5 bilion.

Beliau yang juga Timbalan Perdana Menteri berkata, selain pembinaan LCCT itu, kerajaan akan melakukan pembesaran lapangan terbang Pulau Pinang bernilai RM250 juta.

Najib berkata demikian ketika membentangkan pakej rangsangan kedua dalam bajet mini di sini hari ini.

Selain itu, tambah beliau, pelaburan berjumlah RM2.4 bilion oleh Suruhanjaya Komunikasi dan Multimedia Malaysia akan membabitkan pelaksanaan projek peningkatan infrastruktur telekomunikasi, termasuk perpustakaan jalur lebar, Pusat Jalur Lebar Komuniti serta penyediaan telefoni asas di 89 buah daerah di kawasan luar bandar.

''Ia juga melibatkan pembinaan jejantas dan laluan berbumbung antara bangunan terutamanya di kawasan Segi Tiga Emas, di sini dengan kos sebanyak RM100 juta," katanya.

New LCCT ready in 2nd half of 2011
Published: 2009/03/11



The new Low-Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) is slated for completion by the second half of 2011, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Seri Bashir Ahmad said today.

He said the new LCCT is expected to handle 30 million passengers a year vis-a-vis 15 million currently.

"We've found the location and will be announcing it at the right time. It will be near the main terminal. It's a very good location. The new terminal should be ready by the second half of 2011," he told reporters after seeing off AirAsia's inaugural flight taking off to London at the LCCT in Sepang.

The government has turned down AirAsia's plan to build a RM1.6 billion LCCT in Labu, Negeri Sembilan and instead Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd was tasked with building a new LCCT located near the present terminal at KLIA in Sepang in consultations with AirAsia.

Asked on the 50 per cent rebate for landing charges for two years effective April 1 to airlines operating from Malaysia under the RM60 billion stimulus package announced yesterday, Bashir said it was an excellent move. - Bernama

New LCCT to handle 30 million passengers


SEPANG: The new RM2bil Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT), which is slated for completion by the second half of 2011, is expected to handle about 30 million passengers a year from about 15 million currently.

Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Seri Bashir Ahmad said the airport operator had managed to find a location and would be announcing it at a later date.

He said the new LCCT would be near the main terminal. “It is a very good location,” he said after the launch of AirAsia X’s inaugural flight to London. AirAsia Bhd and Sime Darby Bhd’s proposal to build a new LCCT costing RM1.6bil in Labu, Negri Sembilan, was rejected by the Government last month.

On Tuesday, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak announced in the mini budget that MAHB would build and operate a new LCCT at the KL International Airport at an estimated cost of RM2bil.

In an email reply to StarBiz yesterday, Bashir said: “We are pleased that the Government has confirmed that the new LCCT will be built and operated by MAHB.

“This is in line with the National Airport Masterplan that had been developed together with all the relevant Government agencies and the airlines which had been presented to the Government.” He said the full details on the location and the financing of the LCCT would be announced soon.

Commenting on the 50% rebate for landing charges, Bashir said it was an excellent move. He said MAHB had been discussing with airlines on how best to support the airlines during this difficult period.

Based on these discussions MAHB had recommended to the Government that a 50% rebate be given for a period of two years for all airlines flying into all airports in Malaysia.