The Star (10/02/2004)

MALAYSIA Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) expects a 4%–5% growth (or an increase of 1.3 million to 1.7 million) in overall passenger traffic this year, said managing director Datuk Bashir Ahmad.

However, aviation experts are more optimistic. They expect the KL International Airport (KLIA) alone to report 8%–10% rise in passenger numbers this year given that in-bound traffic is stronger and tourist arrivals are growing. The number of airlines operating from and flying into KLIA is also on the rise and so are their frequencies.

The 37 airports managed by MAHB last year handled 34 million passengers; and a 5% increase, or 1.7 million additional passengers, would see its overall passenger traffic rising to 35.8 million, which would translate to higher revenues.

KLIA alone handled 17.5 million passengers last year, or a 6.4% growth, whereas Singapore’s Changi saw a 14.9% decline. Hong Kong was said to be lower by 20% and Bangkok down by 6%.

In December, KLIA saw 1.8 million passengers – the highest since it began operations – and in January it saw 1.6 million, much higher than the 1.2 million in the corresponding month a year ago.

Given the bright prospects, MAHB's share price, currently at around RM1.70, has much upside.

Briefing the press at the KLIA yesterday, Bashir said passenger growth at Kota Kinabalu and Kuching airports was also encouraging, and plans were in the pipeline to expand the two airports. The Kota Kinabalu Airport had 3.3 million passengers last year.

And as passenger traffic at KLIA grows, the airport operator plans to build a second satellite terminal building to accommodate the overflow when the current satellite building reaches its maximum capacity of 25 million passengers.

Bashir, however, declined to elaborate, merely saying it might take four to five years. “But before long we will have to start thinking. We will then have a brand new satellite building to compete with Changi and Bangkok.’’

But, as it is, the airport is capable of handling the massive, new A380 aircraft that can carry 555 passengers. The government has ordered six such aircraft and delivery is expected from 2007 onwards.

“The runways, aprons and taxiways are ready, and we are waiting for designs for the upper deck aerobridge,’’ Bashir said.

And given MAHB’s experience with low-cost carrier in AirAsia, Bashir said, KLIA and other airports managed by the company were also ready to serve other low-cost carriers that wanted to fly into Malaysia.

If need be, MAHB “may even be ready to build a separate terminal building to accommodate low-cost airlines’’, as is done in many other countries, for the requirements of low-cost carriers differ from full-fledged carriers'.

MAHB also lost Senai Airport to Senai Airport Terminal Services last year, which brings the number of airports managed by the company to 37, from 38. But soon it will get to manage the new Pulau Redang airport.

Bashir said the government was reviewing the current baggage handling system at KLIA to further enhance it. MAHB, on its own, had also initiated weekly meetings with various parties operating at the airport to minimise problems and enhance efficiency levels.

He added that MAHB would continue to woo existing and newer airlines to increase frequencies or to fly into KLIA.

boy..this baggage handling system thingy is really killing them. I remember when KLIA was first opened, they were touting the baggage computerised management system as 'first ever in the world-never before been done' kinda thing. Just underscores the difficulties of practical application of technology.....

I wonder what they mean by 'low cost terminal' considering KLIA already charges the cheapest handling fees in the region. I hope they don't build something that is an interior eyesore....I for one, think that the budget carriers might as well go on using the regular KLIA facilities......don't see any real need to create a whole new terminal just for them (should there be that amt of traffic generated).

Sorta creates an us vs them kinda mentality I think.....

Woww.Finally they'll build it !!..

existing terminal
http://www.xpphotoalbum.com/data/500/9797kualalumpur_3604_.jpg?1460

Improve it again with the 2nd Satellite Building ;)

http://www.thai.net/nazrey/klia1.jpg

When will the construction start? I hope we can hear more about this great project!

wow....KLIA will also has low cost carrier like Vhangi??? This is great news.

Visit www.klia.com.my (http://www.klia.com.my) ! :)

Ah....finally it is up. I have been waiting! ;)

doesn't work for me... :(

http://www.klia.com.my/klialigo.jpg
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA)


http://img202.exs.cx/img202/5497/kualalump6qj.jpg


Introduction

KL International Airport is a destination in itself. It is unique because it has within its boundaries all that is needed for business, entertainment and relaxation. The airport is part and parcel of the Multimedia Super Corridor where placement of high technology industries are being actively pursued. KL International Airport is surrounded by four main cities of Kuala Lumpur, Shah Alam, Seremban and Malacca. The airport is a catchment area and offers opportunities for a hive of business activities.

Every effort has been made to create a homely airport with a serene environment combined with high technologies attractions. Nature and greenery is part of the airport in line with the "airport in the forest and forest in the airport" concept. The natural environment of the airport is transformed to functions and activities that continues to enhance nature.

The abundant forest areas will be preserved and transformed into an environment park containing recreational facilities.

For car racing enthusiasts a Formula One Race Track is available and Formula One Race is scheduled in March every year. The track will also cater for an array of other activities throughtout the year including four wheel track, go kart and rally racing.

KL International Airport is close to Malaysia's Administration Capital - Putrajaya. Putrajaya, the country's new administrative centre is within 20 minutes away from KLIA and will be a major boost for investment and trade.

For a live-in environment an 80 room Airside Transit Hotel is located within the Satellite Building for the travel-weary transit passengers to rest and refresh themselves. In addition, a 441-room Five Star Hotel, The Pan Pacific Hotel Kuala Lumpur International Airport, is available within walking distance from the airport terminal building for other airport users to stay and enjoy all the facilities, close to KLIA.


KLIA & SEPANG F1 CIRCUIT
http://picserver.student.utwente.nl/view_image.php/543205

http://picserver.student.utwente.nl/view_image.php/543189

http://picserver.student.utwente.nl/view_image.php/543210

http://picserver.student.utwente.nl/view_image.php/544893

http://picserver.student.utwente.nl/view_image.php/543206

http://picserver.student.utwente.nl/view_image.php/544851

http://picserver.student.utwente.nl/view_image.php/544863


ARCHITECTURE
In 1998 when the first passengers arrive at the new KLIA, at Sepang, they will experience glimpses of a green Malaysia through the unique architecture, enjoy the world renowned Malaysian hospitality and feel the ease of modern hi-tech conveniences that reduce waiting time.

Designed by renowned Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa, the KLIA is a spectacular feat of construction which combines futuristic technology, Malaysian culture and the rich, tropical splendor of its natural resources, and is regarded as one of the most modern and sophisticated airports in the Asia-Pacific region. It will incorporate forms and systems suggesting advancement and modernization while at the same time, support Malaysia's cultural history.
http://www.airliners.net/search/photo.search?countrysearch=Malaysia&placesearch=Kuala+Lumpur+-+International+(Sepang)+(KUL+/+WMKK)&distinct_entry=true

http://img236.exs.cx/img236/3713/618345j7ny.jpg

Arrival hall.

http://img6.exs.cx/img6/1889/SolomonSiu.jpg

http://img6.exs.cx/img6/7906/SolomonSiu2.jpg

http://img18.exs.cx/img18/6809/SolomonSiu3.jpg

http://img493.imageshack.us/img493/5118/214518182wn.jpg

Great stuff Nazrey. :okay:

Government wants a busier KLIA

PETALING JAYA: The Government will seek to increase higher frequency and destinations of flights from the KL International Airport, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy said.

He said all players, including airport terminal operators, cargo terminal operators, ground handlers, airlines and Customs Department, must co-ordinate their efforts to face increasing competition.

?We will actively market KLIA as an attractive gateway and encourage the formation of strategic partnerships and alliances to enhance its position,? he said during the MASkargo's Megatonners Award dinner here last night.

The award, which was given to freight forwarders which achieved a certain revenue target, was organised by MASkargo, the air cargo division of Malaysia Airlines.

Chan said air cargo volumes were expected to grow by between 5% and 7% annually over the next decade.

?On-going phased liberalisation of air passenger and cargo services being discussed in Asean also holds great promise in promoting tourism, trade and business flows within the region,? he added.

He said MASkargo was moving in the right direction by increasing the number of destinations and flight frequencies, especially to China.

The carrier will be introducing once weekly service between Kuala Lumpur-Beijing beginning September.

MAS senior general manager (cargo) J.J. Ong, said MASkargo would be investing in two new Boeing 747-400 as well as bigger and better warehouse facilities.

Nippon Express (M) Sdn Bhd was named the overall top performer for this year's award, while the second and third places were won by Geologistics Sdn Bhd and Kintetsu Integrated Air Services.

O wow! :eek: That's one wonderful website :master: and one beautiful airport! :cool:

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL TOWER

http://www.kiat.net/klia/images/ctrltower.jpg

The 130-metre (425ft) high tower is the tallest air traffic control tower in the world as right now. Shaped liked a giant Olympic Torch, it will house the air traffic controllers, radar system and high-tech air space computer system. The Air Traffic Control Office and other support services are positioned at the base of the tower. It was designed by a local architect

http://www.klia.com.my/photo/Dsc00004.jpg

http://www.klia.com.my/photo/Dsc00016.jpg

TRAFFIC CONTROL would be in rank:
Suvanna Bhumi International Airport (2nd Bangkok IA) 132 m (open 2005).
Kuala Lumpur International Airport 130 m.

The main terminal buildingCome on..!!let post for your airport pics.

the Main Terminal Building (MTB) in the centre with the two-armed Contact Pier extending outwards at the back. The MTB is flanked by dome-shaped roof covered carpark buildings. In the far left-hand corner is the four-armed Satellite building.

This large passenger terminal complex, whose facade has a rippling wave-like roof supported by a colonnade of majestic granite-clad conical columns, is designed with an emphasis on natural light, transparency and greenery. The MTB will be of an architecturally distinctive design. The unique stainless steel roof forms of green cladding are designed to imply advanced technologies of flight - wings and aerodynamics using hyperbolic / parabolic shapes. The terminal building complex reflects a Malaysian identity. Abstract geometric floor patterns and wood carving panels will reflect Malaysian cultural design.


http://www.kisho.co.jp/WorksAndProjects/Works/klia/klia150.JPG

Setellite building.

The 143,404 sq metre (1.55mn sq ft) four-armed Satellite building, where international flights take off, is located some distance away from the Main Terminal Building, and passengers will have to take the Aerotrain (automated track transit system) to catch their international flights from here. International passengers will depart from and arrive at this terminal complex.

http://www.kisho.co.jp/WorksAndProjects/Works/klia/klia254.JPG

TRACKED TRANSIT SYSTEM (TTS)

Aerotrain is a complimentary automated people-mover shuttle system (ADtranz CX-100) that shuttles passengers between Main Terminal Building and Satellite Building. It offers the best combination of short journey time, simplicity and fail-safe operation, and resistance against breakdown. The system runs on pneumatic rubber-typed wheels to provide confort.

http://www.thai.net/nazrey/2KLap.jpg

The Tracked Transit System (TTS) connects two stations, one in the node at the centre of the Contact Pier's Internationl Level and one close to the centre of the Satellite building's Departure/Arrival level. The TTS provides transportation for airline passengers over an elevated guideway (1286m or 4219ft) and under the taxiways between the MTB and the Satellite Building.

The Aerotrain operates at three to five minutes intervals for the pier-satellite service. Round trip time takes 5 min 5 sec with the maximum speed being 56km/h (35mp/h).

http://www.nacos.nagoya-c.ed.jp/2001/genchi/11.jpg

With two 2-car trains (250-passenger capacity) at opening Phase-I, the system will have the capacity to handle 3870 passenger/hour per direction. Phase-II calls for two 3-car trains (6 in total) capable of handling 5805 passenger/hour per direction. Each car-train has a maximum capacity of 83 passengers. The power supply uses a 3-phase 600 V at 50Hz and the propulsion system uses a 100hp DC Electric Motor.

http://www.kiat.net/klia/images/tts2.jpg http://www.kiat.net/klia/images/tts3.jpg

Automatic train control (ATC) manages the operation of the entire system, controlling vehicle speeds, headways, stops and door openings in stations, and integrating all functions to enhance reliability and performance of the systems.

http://gallery.interimic.com/photoalbums/travel-hotel/c020.sized.jpg

http://gallery.interimic.com/photoalbums/travel-hotel/c019.sized.jpg

http://www.klia.com.my/photo/Dsc00008.jpg

http://www.thai.net/nazrey/m20020824005.jpg

http://picserver.student.utwente.nl/view_image.php/544899

U/C

http://www.kisho.co.jp/WorksAndProjects/Works/klia/klia14.JPG

http://www.klia.com.my/photo/Dsc00022.jpg

http://www.klia.com.my/photo/Dsc00023.jpg

http://www.sharizal.net/images/brunei02klsentral.jpg

http://www.sharizal.net/images/brunei01klsentral.jpg

http://img18.exs.cx/img18/6809/SolomonSiu3.jpg
the pillars should not be there!! it spoils the "stars" effect.

From the net.
Entrance side looking.

http://www.xpphotoalbum.com/data/500/9797174.jpg?5404

http://www.xpphotoalbum.com/data/500/9797179.jpg?4800

A part of satellite from the main terminal.

http://www.xpphotoalbum.com/data/500/9797kl_airport_4.jpg?3786

satellite arrival hall.

http://www.xpphotoalbum.com/data/500/9797kl_airport_1.jpg?4909




Track Transit from the main terminal.

http://www.xpphotoalbum.com/data/500/9797kl_airport_2.jpg?715

Track Transit from satellte.

http://www.xpphotoalbum.com/data/500/9797ap.JPG?6782

Express Rail Link - Salak Tinggi station

http://img92.imageshack.us/img92/2807/erl7wo.jpg

Express Rail Link of KLIA.
www.airliners.net

http://www.xpphotoalbum.com/data/500/9797MyAviation.jpg?8286

Malaysia Airports Go Arabic To Cater For West Asian Tourists


KUALA LUMPUR, July 29 (Bernama) -- Public announcements in Arabic have become a regular feature at the KL International Airport (KLIA) these days as Malaysia Airports Berhad (Malaysia Airports) seek to make the increasing number of travellers from West Asia feel at home.

Bunting in Arabic to welcome the visitors have also been put up at strategic points at the airport, said Malaysia Airports public relations officer Joshua Jalin, Thursday.

He said that the three-month initiative started on July 12 in view of the increasing number of tourists from West Asia with families taking advantage of the ongoing school holidays to visit Malaysia.

"We have been getting good feedback from the tourists that the information in Arabic have been helpful to them," he told Bernama.

Apart from flight schedules, information on the facilities at the airport as well as getting to Kuala Lumpur including on the Express Rail Link (ERL) are announced over the public address system.

"We are working closely with the Tourism Ministry in this effort as we realise the growing number of tourists from West Asia during this period," he said.

He said that Malaysia Airports would continue to work with the ministry on the possibility of embarking on such programmes in future to cater for tourists from other countries.

-- BERNAMA

From the star
Tuesday September 28, 2004
http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2004/9/28/business/8994516&sec=business

Malaysia Airports launches KLIA e-timetable

BY B.K. SIDHU IN MADRID
MALAYSIA Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) launched the KLIA e-timetable in Madrid on Sunday evening, the first airport in Asia to offer air travellers such a facility.

The e-timetable, accessible at www.klia.com.my, will enable people to plan their air travel into and out of, or via, Kuala Lumpur; and to ensure seamless connections to almost any destination in the world.

It offers details on 69,384 flights, 523 airports, and 42 carriers; and linkages to specific airlines so travellers can book flights online.

MAHB managing director Datuk Bashir Ahmad said the launch was “another step by MAHB towards improving its services to its customers besides promoting Malaysia as a good travel destination.’’

The launch was held in conjunction with the three-day 10th World Routes Development Forum which opened in Madrid on Sunday.

While most e-timetables can be downloaded onto laptops or desktop computers, the KLIA e-timetable is unique in that it can also be downloaded to personal digital assistants and pocket PCs. The file does not require a large memory space, and many users can log on at any one time.


Datuk Bashir Ahmad
Bashir declined to disclose how much it cost MAHB to provide the facility.

“It is a question of whether we want to do it or not. What we are offering is a facility that allows travellers to plan in advance, and make informed decisions based on the itineraries they can access at their fingertips,’’ he said.

The e-timetable is the first step. MAHB is also looking at partnerships with hotels and Express Rail Link to include hotel accommodation and rail passes.

Steve Brown, the key account manager of Innovata, the company commissioned by MAHB to maintain the website, said: “This is the best technology produced so far for airports.’’

Innovata also manages e-timetable websites for seven airports in Britain including Heathrow and Gatwick, about 20 airports in the US, and the airports in Bahrain, and Hamburg.

Meanwhile, the organisers of the forum have decided that Routes will be held out of Europe in either 2006 or 2007.

“Our strategy is to move the forum once every three years to Asia or the US,’’ said managing director Mike Howarth

MAHB was keen on the forum to be held in Malaysia, Bashir said. “We would be happy to support it.’’

At this year’s event, some 1,200 delegates representing airports and airlines are expected to hold 11,000 meetings. This year also sees representation from the US and China in attendance for the first time.

MAHB reports higher traffic in August

Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) said passenger and cargo movements at its airports in August increased by 17.4% and 10.4% respectively compared to a year earlier.

In a statement on Oct 8, it said international and domestic passenger movements at KLIA rose 16.1% to 1.89 million people from 1.63 million previously. Other airports in the country saw total international and domestic passenger numbers increasing 18.9% to 1.67 million from 1.40 million.

The cargo handled by KLIA during the month rose 11.8% to 54.47 million kg from 48.73 million kg a year earlier, while other airports cumulatively recorded an increase of 10.4% to 81.76 million kg from 74.03 million kg.

MAHB also said KLIA recorded 14,065 aircraft movements in August, a 19.7% increase from 11,747 movements a year earlier. At the other MAHB airports, total aircraft movements rose 10% to 24,651 against 22,405 previously.

Anybody just came home from any international destination??? How's the KLIA baggage handling system right now? How many minutes to get your baggage at the baggage conveyor after arriving from satellite building? Just curious... wanna know if the BHS has been improved!!

Right time to raise the question Ijud.Back to Malaysia on last 26th Aug by Royal Brunei from BSB arrived in KLIA at 2 am. Very quiet..passed immigration without hassle and very quick process....but still ( I hate to say this )..the officers is still the same... no smiles, no greetings and they are busy talking to each other. :bleep: Have to wait about 20 mins for the 1st baggage to come out!!. :mad2: Cannot tolerate about the delay as it was very quiet at that time. The BHS is still not improve yet..that my opinion.

My 2 recent experience was my trip to Bangkok last November (okay this is a bit long liao) and to Hong Kong (came back on the 28th of July). :)

My Bangkok experience was bad.......waited for 10 minutes before the officers informing me of the change in baggage conveyor from C to E. But the luggage came out within 5 mins so okay lah......

My Hong Kong experience was superb as it took less than 5 mins for the baggage to come out and I got mine within 5 mins too ;)

I've never had to wait for more than 15 mins at KLIA before on all my trips abroad......maybe I am just lucky cause it took my aunt half an hour to collect her baggage coming back from Sydney on the 27th of Sept. But she said there are lotsa flights coming in at that time which might cost the delay :?

Senai Airport also very fast :D

mams > You got no Malaysian passport meh? I tot you shd use the autogate? :? Immigration officers usually dun smile or do small talk but I've encountered 2 that are smiling and very friendly before.........and there's this one time this idiot is downright rude! :rant:......I gotta experienced these officers on my trips abroad cos my passport chip spoilt so had to use the manual counters :(

Right time to raise the question Ijud.Back to Malaysia on last 26th Aug by Royal Brunei from BSB arrived in KLIA at 2 am. Very quiet..passed immigration without hassle and very quick process....but still ( I hate to say this )..the officers is still the same... no smiles, no greetings and they are busy talking to each other. :bleep: Have to wait about 20 mins for the 1st baggage to come out!!. :mad2: Cannot tolerate about the delay as it was very quiet at that time. The BHS is still not improve yet..that my opinion.

Guess wat... I had similar experence larr early this year... I arrived from Aussie early morning... Subuh... we lepak-lepak at the Satellite for a while... go to the restroom... had good time releasing everything needed to be released... take our own sweet time to the MTB... but still not a single bag was on the conveyor yet!! After 10++ minutes... baru ada keluar baggage... thank god our bags are tagged Priority Baggage so... our baggages were the first to come out!! But still very slow larr... how arr??

Btw... even IATA regards Toyo Kanetsu (http://www.tkk-solutions.jp/e/) (the supplier of KLIA's BHS) as the world’s leading manufacturer of baggage and cargo handling systems (including computerised, fully automatic sorting systems) to meet the requirements of the largest, most advanced airports as well as those of smaller facilities. They are one of the partners of IATA Partnership Programme...

See This Link (http://www.iata.org/pp/listpartners.asp?co_id=797)

Right time to raise the question Ijud.Back to Malaysia on last 26th Aug by Royal Brunei from BSB arrived in KLIA at 2 am. Very quiet..passed immigration without hassle and very quick process....but still ( I hate to say this )..the officers is still the same... no smiles, no greetings and they are busy talking to each other. :bleep: Have to wait about 20 mins for the 1st baggage to come out!!. :mad2: Cannot tolerate about the delay as it was very quiet at that time. The BHS is still not improve yet..that my opinion.

you damn correct. that reminds me when i was in KK airport few years back. the immigration officers were wearing a big yellow nametag that says 'smile to passengers' ....actually that wasn't it but it is something like that where they were encouraged to smile to passengers and yet they were no such things as smiles and greetings in their face.

lol, i once saw these officer smile in penang international airport few years back, so i asked my dad y did they smile and told u encik sila.. my dad said he brought 5 cartons of cigarettes and 3 bottles of whisky, the officer opened the luggage and saw these illegal stuff but immediately he saw the RM50 right on top of the whisky bottle so he was smilling at the agong..

dunno this still works now..

I have begun to despair about Immigration officers smiling.....not just in Malaysia too. When I fly to Canada, or reentering the US, the Immigration people all treat you like criminals! Sometimes I feel like I wanna whack them on the head to release frustration!

I have begun to despair about Immigration officers smiling.....not just in Malaysia too. When I fly to Canada, or reentering the US, the Immigration people all treat you like criminals! Sometimes I feel like I wanna whack them on the head to release frustration!


On the contrary, the New Zealanders and the Australian immigration officers are friendly and nice to everyone. The Kiwis even take the initiative to do small talks like one lady was commenting that I looked different from my passport picture and she said probably it was the Kiwi weather or the food which changes my complexion or something.......we both laugh (but not loud)...hehehe :D

My aunt whom travelled regularly to Australia said that the Aussies are sometimes nice and sometimes 'not so nice'. She said that those probably whom just begin their shift might be nicer :lol:

yea Liping......the US Immigration officers are so rude! They dun smile (even if you smile at them)......they are so stern and unfriendly....... :( .....I dun recall much of Canada's but I guess they aren't friendly either ...

lol, i once saw these officer smile in penang international airport few years back, so i asked my dad y did they smile and told u encik sila.. my dad said he brought 5 cartons of cigarettes and 3 bottles of whisky, the officer opened the luggage and saw these illegal stuff but immediately he saw the RM50 right on top of the whisky bottle so he was smilling at the agong..

dunno this still works now..


haha.....dun confuse custom officers with immigration officers.....they are from different departments :D

hehehe.....I think it still works although I've not done it before :D

On the contrary, the New Zealanders and the Australian immigration officers are friendly and nice to everyone. The Kiwis even take the initiative to do small talks like one lady was commenting that I looked different from my passport picture and she said probably it was the Kiwi weather or the food which changes my complexion or something.......we both laugh (but not loud)...hehehe :D

My aunt whom travelled regularly to Australia said that the Aussies are sometimes nice and sometimes 'not so nice'. She said that those probably whom just begin their shift might be nicer :lol:

yea Liping......the US Immigration officers are so rude! They dun smile (even if you smile at them)......they are so stern and unfriendly....... :( .....I dun recall much of Canada's but I guess they aren't friendly either ...

the Aussies...............the nicest kind of people i've ever known of all my life. :) :)

Go here... Hey buddy... howayau?? Go there oso... Hey buddy... howayau?? :D

On the contrary, the New Zealanders and the Australian immigration officers are friendly and nice to everyone.

Good for the Aussies n Kiwis..they kno what's what!

The US immigration and Customs are now combined to one department, making em bigger n badder than ever!

The Star: 14th October 2004

KUALA LUMPUR: The KL International Airport (KLIA) was voted second in the Best Airport category of the Telegraph Travel Awards 2004.

Changi Airport got first place in the category while Dubai Airport emerged third, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd said in a statement yesterday.

The Telegraph Travel Awards, launched in 1998, invites a select group of The Daily Telegraph and The Sunday Telegraph readers every year to vote for their likes and dislikes of modern travel.

Malaysia Airports said KLIA general manager Azmi Murad received the award in London last Monday.

“This is indeed another remarkable achievement for KLIA,” said Malaysia Airports managing director Datuk Bashir Ahmad.

Earlier this month, KLIA was voted third in the Favourite Asian Airport category of the TIME Readers’ Travel Choice Awards. – Bernama

KLIA voted among the top airports


PETALING JAYA: The KL International Airport (KLIA) won its third award in a single month when it was ranked third for Aetra’s Best Airport Worldwide 2003 award.

The award, which is Aetra's customer satisfaction benchmark programme, was an improvement for KLIA, which was placed fifth previously.

Earlier this month, KLIA was voted second in the Best Airport category of the Telegraph Travel Awards 2004 and third in the Favourite Asian Airport category of the Time Readers’ Travel Choice Awards.

Dubai International Airport emerged first in the Aetra award while Changi Airport came in second.

go~ KLIA!!! hope the result will be much better in da future~ :okay:

KLIA voted among the top airports


PETALING JAYA: The KL International Airport (KLIA) won its third award in a single month when it was ranked third for Aetra’s Best Airport Worldwide 2003 award.

The award, which is Aetra's customer satisfaction benchmark programme, was an improvement for KLIA, which was placed fifth previously.

Earlier this month, KLIA was voted second in the Best Airport category of the Telegraph Travel Awards 2004 and third in the Favourite Asian Airport category of the Time Readers’ Travel Choice Awards.

Dubai International Airport emerged first in the Aetra award while Changi Airport came in second.


CONGRATS to KLIA! Keep up the Good work!

What will the capacity of KLIA when the 2nd satellite building complete?? Izit gonna be 40mil or 50mil per year?? I think they should do a satellite building for domestic also larr... domestic aviation is booming oso right!!!

What will the capacity of KLIA when the 2nd satellite building complete?? Izit gonna be 40mil or 50mil per year?? I think they should do a satellite building for domestic also larr... domestic aviation is booming oso right!!!


haha.....domestic flights are now using the Main Terminal Building Contact Piers........and they are seriously under-utilised from what I've seen. So I think they should just leave it as it is. Furthermore should there be any boom for domestic flights....well...they could also use any of the satellite buildings mah! :D

I'm glad they ultimately decided not to use Subang as a domestic/City air terminal. At this stage, we should promote KLIA all out and not divert attention to another airport....furthermore, can you imagine landing in KLIA and having to transfer to Subang for a domestic flight? I'd miss every flight!

I read sumwhere dat KLIA's second phase would be adding another car to the existing train which would be 2 sets of 3-car trains to improve passenger movement between terminals... apart from adding another satellite building...

I'm glad they ultimately decided not to use Subang as a domestic/City air terminal. At this stage, we should promote KLIA all out and not divert attention to another airport....furthermore, can you imagine landing in KLIA and having to transfer to Subang for a domestic flight? I'd miss every flight!

But AirAsia's CEO, Tony Fernandez proposed to the government to make Subang airport the hub for low cost carriers... I think the Transport Ministry haven't decide on that matter yet... IMHO the government will reject that proposal... MAHB and MAS both disagree on that matter...

i very like this klia airport! very nice and modern! :okay:

But AirAsia's CEO, Tony Fernandez proposed to the government to make Subang airport the hub for low cost carriers... I think the Transport Ministry haven't decide on that matter yet... IMHO the government will reject that proposal... MAHB and MAS both disagree on that matter...

really? I thought they decided already...didn't I read a piece of news on The Star that suggested that the Transport Ministry decided to convert Subang into a cargo terminal/private exhibition facility or something like that?...I may be wrong, but I thought it had been decided....

really? I thought they decided already...didn't I read a piece of news on The Star that suggested that the Transport Ministry decided to convert Subang into a cargo terminal/private exhibition facility or something like that?...I may be wrong, but I thought it had been decided....


yea.....Subang was initially targetted to be transformed into an exhibition facility called the National Exhibition and Convention Centre (NECC) - it would be the world's only exhibition centre with a dedicated 747-enabled runway :D

But the project had been delayed since the economic crisis although Terminal 1 had been completely torn down :( .....I would love to see em preserving the old terminal and readapting it for use in the future as it is a architectural masterpiece. They still had plenty of space and terminal 2 & 3 could go to the wrecker's ball for all I care :D

But AirAsia's CEO, Tony Fernandez proposed to the government to make Subang airport the hub for low cost carriers... I think the Transport Ministry haven't decide on that matter yet... IMHO the government will reject that proposal... MAHB and MAS both disagree on that matter...


They better make a decision fast as we are fast losing grounds to other regional airports as most had already got a budget terminal in the pipeline ;)

Just hope they will procede with a new terminal for low-cost carriers at KLIA!!! Subang should be the hub for plane repairs and overhauls... as AIROD is upgrading their facilities there!

But if AirAsia really badly wants to use Subang Airport... then the government should force them to build a high-speed train at a minimum speed of 350km/h connecting Subang Airport to KLIA for seamless connection between them! AirAsia should bear all the cost of the infrastructure with the time frame of 3 years from the opening of Subang Airport or they have to give up their company to MAS or Khazanah! :D:D:D

They better make a decision fast as we are fast losing grounds to other regional airports as most had already got a budget terminal in the pipeline ;)

I dun really know why we need a dedicated budget terminal, our landing fees aren't expensive at all! Besides, the differentiation may create a dual class aura to the airport. Furthermore, I personally feel that the itch to fly budget may not necessarily extend to a reluctance to spend money at airport outlets.

KLIA pax traffic up 23% in first 9 mths
By Jimmy Yeow


Passenger traffic at Malaysia’s main gateway Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) for the first nine months this year rose 22.9% to 15.31 million from 12.46 million a year ago, boosted by increases in both international and domestic travellers.

International traffic grew at a faster rate of 25.8% to 9.38 million passengers from 7.45 million while domestic passenger volume rose 18.5% to 5.93 million from five million during the period under review, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) said in a statement on Nov 2.

Quarter-on-quarter, passenger traffic grew 14.9% to 5.422 million from 4.72 million while for September traffic jumped 10.7% to 1.78 million from 1.61 million in the same month in 2003.

On passenger traffic throughout the country, MAHB said it grew by 20.6% for the January-September 2004 period to 28.80 million from 23.88 million previously.

For the third quarter this year, total passenger traffic at all local airports expanded by 13.8% to 10.09 million from 8.87 million in the corresponding quarter in 2003. September passenger traffic grew by 6.5% to 3.25 million from 1.44 million previously.

Meanwhile, cargo traffic at KLIA in the first nine months this year increased by 12.1% to 478,256 tonnes from 426,661 tonnes previously, helped by rises in both international and domestic cargo volumes.

International cargo traffic rose 11.4% to 434,603 tonnes from 390,138 tonnes while domestic throughput by 12.1% to 43,653 tonnes from 36,522 tonnes.

For the July-September 2004 period, the cargo volume was 15.8% higher at 168,797 tonnes from 145,762 tonnes in the same quarter last year, with the September tonnage alone accounting for 56,645 tonnes against 50,507 tonnes previously.

On a nationwide basis, total cargo throughput at all airports rose 10.2% to 700,761 tonnes in the January-September period from 635,929 tonnes previously.

Total aircraft movements at all local airports during the same period also showed a marked improvement by 12.8% to 336,060 from 297,923, led by higher international traffic.

MAHB statistics also show that total aircraft movements at KLIA in the first nine months this year increased by 18.4% to 119,940 from 101,294, with a sharp increase in the international sector.

The international aircraft traffic at KLIA rose 26.4% to 68,233 from 53,969 while the domestic volume was 9.3% up at 51,707 from 47,325.

Star Air 4th airline with KL-Jakarta service
By V.SIVAJI


STAR Air will become the fourth Indonesian carrier to service the Kuala Lumpur-Jakarta route when its maiden flight from the Jakarta lands at the KL International Airport today.

Star Air currently operates three Boeing 737-200 with 118 seats each and four MD 82/83 aircraft with 162 seats each.

“With the opening of the route, we look forward to further increase the relationship between the two close neighbours in Asia.

“Both cities have potential business and tourism opportunities that would provide the concerned parties, or individuals, to travel this route and increase tourism in Malaysia and Indonesia,” the company said in a statement.

Star Air has established commercial agreements with reputable carriers in Asia such as Thai Airways, China Airlines, Eva Airways, Air China and Asiana Airlines to carry the connecting passengers arriving in Jakarta to other Indonesian cities and vice versa.

Its average load factor for the first nine months this year was 86.8 per cent with on time performance of 85 per cent.

Yay... so the current airlines operating at KLIA will be.... :?

At Least 15 Attempts Made A Week To Smuggle People Through KLIA


PUTRAJAYA, Nov 22 (Bernama) -- The Immigration Department foils at least 15 attempts a week by syndicates trying to smuggle people with false passports of various nations using the KL International Airport (KLIA) as a transit point.

Home Affairs Minister Datuk Azmi Khalid, describing the cases as serious and saying the matter would be brought up to the Cabinet, urged the police to be more thorough in their investigations as the syndicates were believed to be producing false passports here.

"Cases like these are always happening, 15 are detected every week at the KLIA in view of our position as tourist-friendly nation," he told reporters after meeting with KLIA immigration officers at his office here Monday.

Last month, 32 Chinese nationals using false Korean passports and two Sri Lankans using fake Malaysian passports, allegedly issued here, were detained after Turkish authorities deported them back to Malaysia for being in possession of fake travel documents.

They were also reported to have been given exit passes and allowed to leave the country.

On this, Azmi said it was inaccurate to say that the immigration officers had allowed them to leave.

He said the number of people involved was actually 38, whereby 32 with fake Korean documents and two Sri Lankans with fake Malaysian passports were charged and sentenced to 18 days' jail.

"Of the remaining four, three were released as they had genuine Korean passports while the other a Malaysian was released on bail," he said.

On the notion that police did not know have any knowledge on the matter, he said it was not true as Immigration officials had lodged a written report at the KLIA police station.

-- BERNAMA

Govt Wants KLIA To Be A Regional Cargo Hub


KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 22 (Bernama) -- The government will intensify efforts to promote the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) as a regional cargo hub.

Minister of Transport, Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy, said the government will intensify efforts to enhance connectivity and frequency of services between KLIA and other major destinations.

"We intend to see the Kuala Lumpur International Airport become a regional cargo hub. We will actively market KLIA as a gateway and encourage the formation of strategic partnerships and alliances," he said.

At present, both KLIA and Malaysia Airlines Advanced Cargo Centre are equipped with the latest technology in cargo handling.

He said this in his keynote address at the two-day National Multimodal Transport Conference 2004, here Monday. His speech was read by Deputy Minister of Transport 1 Datuk Douglas Uggah Embas.

In terms of cargo movements, total cargo handled at Malaysian airports grew by 6.7 percent from 817,000 metric tonnes in 2002 to 872,000 metric tonnes in 2003.

This year, he said it was anticipated that cargo handled would further surpass the 2003 figure and reach 940,000 metric tonnes reflecting a 7.7 percent increase.

Chan said that the government has developed an efficient and comprehensive airport network to cater for air cargo demand in the short and medium term.

"The government realises the importance of the air cargo industry and has therefore, encouraged and fostered its development," he said.

On another note, Chan said Malaysia has had the foresight to foster the development of infrastructure pertaining to the domestic logistics services sector.

Chan said the efforts had been fruitful as two of Malaysia's ports - Port Klang and Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP) - have been ranked 12th and 16th respectively in the world in terms of containers handled for 2003.

Last year, Port Klang handled a total of 4.8 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) while PTP handled 3.5 million TEUs.

The total containers handled by all the major ports in Malaysia last year was 10.3 million TEUs, an increase by 15 percent from that handled in 2002.

"Based on the total number of containers handled for the last 10 months of this year, that is 9.6 million TEUs, we estimate that Malaysian ports will be able to handle around 11.5 million TEUs, an increase of 11.7 percent over the previous year," he added.

-- BERNAMA

Govt must decide on new KLIA satellite structure
Sharen Kaur

THE Government will have to decide within the next three months whether to proceed with a Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd’s (MAHB) proposal to build a new satellite structure at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).
The MAHB proposal is within the KLIA masterplan, but the implementation will have to be fast-tracked because the airport has exceeded initial passenger movement forecast.

KLIA has a capacity to handle up to 25 million passenger movement, but the airport is expected to say by year-end that passenger movement has reached close to 20 million.

Under the original KLIA masterplan, the setting up of an additional satellite building should take place when the airport hit the 18-million-passenger movement level.

Mail Money was told it would take three years for a new satellite structure to be built, thus any plans to build one will have to take shape by year-end.

It is understood that with more airlines flying into KLIA, the airport may see passenger movement of close to 25 million within two years time, well ahead of the three year schedule.

Mail Money was told it would cost as much as RM150 million for KLIA to have a new satellite building. The Government is also mulling an alternative proposal to use the old Subang International Airport, as a centre dedicated to low-fare carriers.

It is, however, believed that the Government will proceed first with the developments at KLIA, the country's premier aviation gateway before exploring other avenues.

MAHB, which manages 37 of the country's airports, is also the sole concession owner and manager of the KLIA.

by Tang Li

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by Niek Haak

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by Lim Khee Boon

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Airport Limo To Spend Nearly RM30 Mln On Buying New Taxis


SEPANG, Dec 6 (Bernama) -- Airport Limo (M) Sdn Bhd (ALM), which is eyeing an Initial Public Offering (IPO) by February 2005, will invest nearly RM30 million on buying new vehicles for its limousine taxi services at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), it was announced Monday.

The company will float 40 million shares for its proposed listing on the Second Board of Bursa Malaysia.

ALM chief executive officer, Mohd Asyaharim Abdul Latiff, said the older Proton Wira and Perdana taxis would be replaced by the new vehicles.

He told a press conference here that ALM was in the process of increasing and replacing old taxis under its third phase fleet renewal programme.

Under the programme which began in October, ALM bought 120 units of the Daewoo Tacuma mini multi-purpose vehicles (MPV).

The company is also in the midst of registering 314 units of the Enviro 2000 (Renault E-Space convertibles) MPVs from Petronas.

ALM, Mohd Asyaharim said, was also awaiting government approval for the next order of about 200 NGV-powered Daewoo Tacumas equipped with TV screens.

With the new orders, the company will have a full-fledged fleet of natural gas-powered vehicles (NGVs) as compared to about half now.

"Although problems of fuel price hikes will continue to impact on our bottom-line, we expect that they would not be too distressful because of the higher usage of NGV engines, said Mohd Asyaharim.

Currently, the company has about 800 vehicles in its fleet, including Naza Ria, Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar and Fiat vehicles.

-- BERNAMA

I have begun to despair about Immigration officers smiling.....not just in Malaysia too. When I fly to Canada, or reentering the US, the Immigration people all treat you like criminals! Sometimes I feel like I wanna whack them on the head to release frustration!
don't do that, liping. they shoot you. :banned: :doh: :guns1: :gunz: :fiddle: :goodnight

Shoppers spend more at KLIA
BY IZATUN SHARI

THE KL International Airport (KLIA) has maintained shoppers' spending due to its shopping campaign, Discover Malaysia, and higher passenger traffic growth, said Malaysia Airports (Niaga) Sdn Bhd (Eraman) chief executive officer Syed Ahmad Syed Salim.

Ahmad, who is also KLIA shopping steering committee head, said Eraman expected a 10% growth in retail sales this year.

“The aggressive shopping campaign, aimed at promoting KLIA as the preferred shopping destination in the region, has brought up sales,” he told reporters at the launch of KLIA's White Christmas shopping campaign, in conjunction with the Christmas celebrations at KLIA in Sepang yesterday.

“We have now rebounded from the challenging period in the past 24 months following the impact of the Bali bombings, the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak and Iraq war,” he said, declining to disclose sales figures.

He said rising passenger traffic at KLIA, which was targeted to reach 18.5 million this year, from 17.4 million last year, would also help improve sales performance.

“I am happy to see the growth in passenger traffic. It is because we have worked hard for the past few months. We are also seeing airlines increasing their frequency and MAS launching new destinations,” he said.

Ahmad said at least RM1mil was set aside for Discover Malaysia which was carried out in three phases – the first phase was from October 2002 to June 2003, the second phase from November 2003 to January 2004, and the third phase from November 2004 to February 2005.

The current campaign is an extension of the third phase, which began with the Hari Raya celebrations and would end with the Chinese New Year celebrations.

During the campaign, Hershey's chocolate will be distributed to passengers daily from Christmas Eve until Dec 31.

With purchases amounting to RM250 made within 24 hours at KLIA, shoppers are entitled to a KLIA's “Shop, Click and Win” contest which will give them the chance to win instant prizes including local handicraft, discounted hotel vouchers, travel related books, magazines, latest music CDs and products from top designers.

Shoppers with a minimum of RM500 in a single or multiple receipts at any KLIA retail outlet will be qualified to enter a grand shopping bonanza contest and stand a chance to win a Mercedes-Benz C180K after completing a slogan on why they like to shop in KLIA.

Eraman, which is a subsidiary of Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd with more than 40 outlets including KLIA, manages a total of 21 food and beverage outlets, located at the Main Terminal building, Contact Pier and Satellite buildings.

Outside Sepang

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Outside Sepang

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Wow. A great looking shuttle train!

Malaysia is one of the few countries in Asia, to have really invested in railway systems. :)

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Taken earlier this week:D

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MAHB: Passenger volume at KLIA to grow 7% this year

BY B.K. SIDHU


MALAYSIA Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) has forecast passenger volume at KL International Airport (KLIA) to grow by 7% to 22.5 million this year and to hit 25 million next year, improving on the record 21 million achieved in 2004.

The airport operator is also in advanced talks with the Government to restructure the RM856mil that it owes in concession payments. A resolution will help the airport operator.

MAHB managing director Datuk Bashir Ahmad told a media briefing at KLIA yesterday that the company was not able to make payments to the Government as its earnings had been affected by several factors, such as the 1997/98 Asian financial crisis, the Sept 11 2001 (911) incident, and the 2004 SARS outbreak that badly affected the global aviation industry.

“Although we would like a decision to be made soon on the financial restructuring, it is important that we do the restructuring right and make it viable in the long term. That is why (the restructure) is taking some time,’’ he said.

The RM856mil is part of the RM1.3bil that MAHB was to pay the Government as part of the concession payment.

The financial restructuring was also intended to put targets set for the KLIA back on track. KLIA could have hit 25 million by 2003 as per its original master plan if not for 911, SARS and the financial crisis.

Nonetheless, KLIA has recorded a remarkable growth rate of 20% in passenger numbers to 21 million in 2004 from 17.5 million in 2003. This is the highest growth rate ever achieved by KLIA. The highest monthly volume was recorded in December.

“We are pleased the traffic figures have gone up. Barring any unforeseen circumstances we should achieve 25 million passengers by 2006,’’ Bashir said.

MAHB operates 39 airports in the country – five are international, 16 domestic and 18 STOLports, or short takeoff and landing airports.

Bashir said passenger volume at all 39 airports grew 17.5% to 39.3 million. He expects a further 6% growth to 40.5 million this year.

Five new airlines flew into KLIA last year, while Lufthansa German Airlines returned in March. The five were Indonesia’s Jatayu Airlines and Riau Airlines, Star Air, Hainan Airlines (charter flights only) and United Parcel Services (cargo only). Now 46 airlines operate from KLIA.

Yesterday, Shenzhen Airlines was the first new carrier to fly into KLIA this year. KLIA is also Shenzen Airlines' first international destination.

Bashir expects another one or two new airlines to fly into KLIA this year. He declined to give details although two private airlines from India – Jet Airways and Air Sahara – have expressed interest.

Although KLIA has a reasonable mix of airlines from various countries, Bashir feels what is still missing is Australian and European carriers. That is why MAHB is continuing in its efforts to woo European and Australian airlines to fly into KLIA, including Qantas and British Airways, which withdrew their services from KLIA several years ago.

Besides attracting new airlines, Bashir said, with the coming summer schedule, many existing airlines would increase frequencies, and this bode well in terms of passenger volume and revenues for MAHB.

But Bashir declined to say how much the company had made last year, merely saying it “would be better than in 2003’’.

Increasing non-aeronautical revenue (commercial) is on the cards, and there are plans to revamp the retail business. This is to take advantage of the tenancies that are due to expire in June.

“We are looking at a 50:50 contribution from commercial and aeronautical income by 2008,’’ Bashir said.

Asked on the status of MAHB’s proposal to the Government to increase airport taxes, he said it was still with the Government. But he clarified that it was not linked to the financial restructuring.

“Asking for a raise is a normal process, and we believe it is an appropriate time for the Government to review the charges,’’ Bashir said.

MAHB: Low-cost carrier hub can be developed fast

BY B.K. SIDHU



WHILE Singapore has awarded contracts this week for the construction of a new low-cost carrier (LCC) terminal with completion expected in early 2006, Malaysia has yet to decide on the location for a similar hub, although it is keen to have it either at Subang or KL International Airport (KLIA).

Whatever the decision, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) managing director Datuk Bashir Ahmad is confident that a LCC hub can be developed quickly.

“We can do it very fast ... it should not take long to build as it would be simple in structure,’’ Bashir told a media briefing at KLIA yesterday.

Building a LCC terminal is one of the many projects planned by MAHB for this year. The others include the planning and eventual construction of a second satellite building at KLIA to handle up to 10 million passengers. Work on this project should begin this year and be completed by 2008.

The A380 super jumbos ordered for Malaysia Airlines (MAS) are expected to take to the skies soon and making preparations for their take-off and landing at KLIA is also part of MAHB's plans.

Bashir also spoke of the need to upgrade the gate allocation and check-in systems at KLIA, buy two additional coaches for the Aerotrain and construct a spur line for it.

Additionally, MAHB intends to revamp its retail business and employ more security and fire rescue personnel. It would also look into the upgrading of local airports. Several projects in this regard are already under way, such as the redevelopment and upgrading works at the Kuantan, Alor Setar, Penang, Sibu and Kuala Terengganu airports.

“These are some of the projects we will undertake as part of our efforts to improve our services to passengers and airlines,’’ Bashir said.

Indeed, KLIA won several awards last year and was ranked the world’s third best airport in terms of customer satisfaction in a survey by AETRA. But MAHB is not resting on its laurels. As Bashir was quick to point out yesterday, “there is still plenty of room for improvement and we have to continue to work hard.’’

Bashir said passenger traffic through KLIA was expected to hit 25 million next year and if the LCC hub was in place by then, it would help ease some of the congestion that may be experienced before a second satellite building was completed.

He also said that given its wide experience locally, MAHB would continue to look for opportunities to manage airports abroad. It has already received four requests from parties in Asia, the Middle East and Africa to operate airports for them.

Shenzhen Airlines touches down in KLIA


SEPANG: After a three-hour and 20-minute flight, Shenzhen Airlines' aircraft touched down at the KLIA yesterday, marking the airlines' first international flight.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy, who greeted and presented souvenirs to the passengers in a welcome reception, said he was proud the airlines had chosen KLIA to be its first international destination.

“I am also very happy to see that passenger growth between China and Malaysia has increased rapidly.

“Last year we recorded a 42.7% growth in passengers from major cities in China like Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Xiamen, Fuchou and Kunming.”

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New KLIA terminal for budget airlines



By MERGAWATI ZULFAKAR



PUTRAJAYA: The Government has shot down AirAsia’s proposal to operate from Subang and instead decided to build a new terminal at the KL International Airport in Sepang for low-cost carriers (LCCs).

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy said the RM100mil terminal would be operational by the middle of next year and provide basic facilities for LCCs to operate.

“The decision is made as a strategic move to ensure the aviation industry in Malaysia continues to grow, and suits the country’s objective to develop KLIA as a regional aviation hub in the long term.

“The decision was made after the Government had considered the feedback by all stakeholders in the aviation industry, including the Department of Civil Aviation, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd, Penerbangan Malaysia Bhd, Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia and Board of Airlines Representatives,” he told reporters here yesterday.

Chan said the cost of the terminal was low because it would be different from ordinary terminals that catered to full-fare airlines.

“There will be simpler conveyor belts and no aerobridges, but it will be a comfortable terminal.

“We will fast-track the construction of the terminal, which will enable LCCs to have a fast turnaround time of 20 minutes. It can cater to 40 planes and 10 to 12 million passengers. It can also be expanded easily in the future,” he added.

Chan declined to identify the exact location of the terminal but gave the assurance that it would be linked to the main terminal by shuttle buses and other means of transportation.

He also said the terminal would enable all LCCs to achieve cost efficiency.

Asked why the Government decided to build the new terminal, Chan said KLIA had superb infrastructure in place, adding that if a new terminal was built in Subang, it would cost up to RM300mil.

“We also have some other plans for Subang,” he said.

“When we design the new terminal, we will get AirAsia to give input because it will be a major user,” he added.

Chan acknowledged the important role played by AirAsia in the growth of LCC operations and its contribution towards tourism.

“The Government will continue to support AirAsia to be the main LCC in the region, and at the same time the Government will continue to take strategic actions to enable MAS to be a successful global carrier,” he added.

Meanwhile, AirAsia chief executive officer Tony Fernandes said the budget airline would focus its energy on making the new terminal the centre for low-cost travel in Asia.

AirAsia targets KLIA's low-cost terminal as rival to S'pore



Despite losing the Subang bid, it will still work on the new terminal



By VEN SREENIVASAN

HAVING lost its bid to clinch Subang, AirAsia wants to make the proposed low-cost terminal in Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) into an efficient centre for low-cost travel to rival Singapore.

The Malaysian budget carrier said this in response to Malaysian Transport Minister Chan Kong Choy's remarks yesterday that the government would build a US$26 million terminal exclusively for low-cost airlines at the modern airport at Sepang.

The move was a big blow to AirAsia, which had lobbied hard for Subang to be reopened as a low-cost airport.

AirAsia's chief executive Tony Fernandes had insisted that his airline would enjoy cost savings of 30 per cent if it operates out of Subang.

But in a statement yesterday, Mr Fernandes said that despite losing the battle to get Subang, his budget carrier would work closely with Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) to develop the country's first dedicated low-cost terminal.

'We are pleased that Malaysia Airports have delivered a blue print of KLIA that will almost mimic Subang in KLIA, even down to the low-cost transport to the terminal. Although AirAsia did not get Subang, our staff should be proud of the recognition received, as the creation of a new terminal would primarily benefit AirAsia.'

Subang airport, which is barely 15 km from Kuala Lumpur's city centre, was Malaysia's main airport until 1998 when it was replaced as the country's leading international airport by KLIA, which is about 70 km from the city.

Mr Fernandes said Subang would now be a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) centre for AirAsia.

'AirAsia, who works closely with GE Engine Services Malaysia to maintain our aircraft engines, hopes to be able to contribute further to the development of the MRO to secure Malaysia as the leader in MRO and focus on strengthening its growth to rival Singapore.'

The KLIA low cost terminal is expected to be ready by the first half of 2006, shortly after Singapore's S$45 million low-cost terminal at Changi is ready during the first quarter of next year. So will it pose a serious threat to Singapore? Not really, said Shukor Yusof, aviation analyst at Standard & Poor's MarketScope. 'To be a serious threat, the parent airport has to be a serious contender in international aviation,' he said. 'KLIA still has some way to go before it can catch up with either Singapore or Bangkok.'

KLIA handled 20 million passengers last year - comprising a significant portion of domestic traffic - compared to more than 30 million international travellers handled at Changi.

But Malaysia's Transport Minister Mr Chan said that the decision to maintain KLIA for both legacy and low-cost carriers would enable Malaysia to counter competition from its two immediate neighbours.

'This is a strategic measure to ensure that the Malaysian aviation industry continues to achieve rapid growth and the government's decision to develop as a regional hub is achieved,' he said.

But Mr Fernandes disagrees. 'We firmly believe that Subang is the right choice to maintain Malaysia's huge lead in the LCC market over Singapore.'

Copyright © 2004 Singapore Press Holdings Ltd. All rights reserved.

By: Puaka Biru
Litar F1 Sepang dari landasan KLIA

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the only cipan that u can found at klia express station

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by Wisarut

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Malaysia to approve low-cost hub at main KL airport
Monday February 21, 6:38 PM (http://asia.news.yahoo.com/050221/3/1wofu.html)




KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 21 (Reuters) - Malaysia will this week give the go-ahead to build a dedicated terminal for low-cost carriers at Kuala Lumpur's international airport, in a bid to raise its status as a regional hub rivalling Singapore and Bangkok, officials said.

At a weekly meeting on Wednesday, Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's cabinet is likely to approve building the terminal at the cavernous airport in Sepang, about 70 km (44 miles) from the capital, transport ministry officials said.

The move will be a blow, though, for Malaysian budget carrier AirAsia Bhd , which has lobbied hard for the terminal to be sited at the old airport in Subang, about 25 km (16 miles) from Kuala Lumpur.

AirAsia has argued that Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is congested, and the airline would be better off at Subang where it could turn around flights more promptly.

"Pending last-minute surprises, we heard we have lost our bid," an AirAsia official, who declined to be identified, told Reuters. "It upset our plans."

Malaysia wants to develop KLIA, the fastest-growing facility in the Asia-Pacific region, into a major regional hub in the face of growing competition from more established neighbours Singapore and Bangkok.

AirAsia Chief Executive Tony Fernandes said the new terminal would probably cost about 100 million ringgit ($26.3 million).

"We are neutral. Either way, it will be good news for AirAsia. My view (is that) probably we will end up in KLIA, but I don't know which way it will go," he told reporters at a briefing on the firm's quarterly earnings.

Singapore is already building Asia's first low-cost airport terminal. The $15 million facility promises the same no-frills style of service synonymous with budget airlines. Travellers, for example, will walk about 15-20 metres (50-65 ft) in the island's tropical heat between their aircraft and the terminal.

Singapore, Asia's sixth-biggest air hub, already has two airport terminals and is building a third at a cost of S$1.75 billion and scheduled for completion in 2008. The low-cost terminal will be in addition to the other three.

Low-cost airlines have mushroomed across Asia, sparking price wars and putting further pressure on main carriers to cut costs.

AirAsia hopes to emulate the success of European low-cost carriers such as Ireland's Ryanair Holdings Plc. and Britain's EasyJet Plc. .

Asian rivals include Tiger Airways, owned by Singapore Airlines and Ryanair's founder, Valuair, India's Air Deccan and Jetstar, majority-owned by Australia's Qantas Airways Ltd. .

INTENSE DEBATE

While Singapore pushed ahead with its low-cost terminal, Malaysia dragged its feet because of an intense debate within its aviation industry on whether to reopen Subang.

AirAsia, which helped pioneer the low-cost airline model in Asia and aims to become the region's leading no-frills carrier, wants Malaysia to do away with Kuala Lumpur's "one-airport" policy and set up a dedicated budget airline hub in Subang.

But its bigger rival, Malaysian Airline System Bhd , which is 85 percent government-held, objected, saying a Subang hub could hurt the main airport.

Malaysia Airlines Chairman Munir Majid said Subang should not become another "confusing hub" in the interest of the nation and the national carrier.

Fernandes had argued his airline should be allowed to quit the expensive main airport and move to Subang to help cut operating costs by up to 20 percent.

Subang, which opened in 1965, ceased operations in 1998 when the ultra-modern KLIA was opened.

Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd , which runs KLIA, will build the dedicated terminal for low-fare carriers as part of the next phase of its KLIA expansion programme, due to begin in the second quarter of this year.

For now, the second-phase project is set to include a second satellite building with 37 gates and 42 parking bays, which should be ready in early 2007. Passenger capacity will be doubled to 50 million a year.

KLIA handled more than 20 million passengers in 2004, up 15 percent from 2003's 17.4 million.

AirAsia shares closed down 4.5 percent at 1.70 ringgit after the airline said it could not say whether it would meet its 2005 profit forecast of 160 million ringgit. The main index ended off just 0.3 percent. ($1=3.8 ringgit)

by Ijud

The aerobridges at the domestic part of the airport aka contact pier... behind is the VVIP Complex dubbed Kompleks Bunga Raya

http://img44.exs.cx/img44/7765/DSC01999.jpg

The other side of the contact pier...

http://img44.exs.cx/img44/7179/DSC2017.jpg

by Ijud

The inside part of contact pier

http://img44.exs.cx/img44/419/DSC2024.jpg

View of Level 5 (Departure Hall) Main Terminal Building...

http://img44.exs.cx/img44/9840/DSC02026.jpg

by Ijud
Another one... DHL advert at the upper part of the glass elevator...

http://img44.exs.cx/img44/161/DSC02034.jpg

A view of the steel supports for the glasses...

http://img44.exs.cx/img44/7399/DSC02035.jpg

Level 3 (Arrival Hall)... Delifrance Cafe...

http://img44.exs.cx/img44/3756/DSC02036.jpg

by Ijud
the control tower

http://img44.exs.cx/img44/3797/DSC02029.jpg

KLIA Transit waiting lounge...

http://img44.exs.cx/img44/4305/DSC02037.jpg

Inside KLIA Transit train overlooking the waiting lounge and escalators...

http://img44.exs.cx/img44/4499/DSC02039.jpg

Low-cost airport terminal ready by next year
Saturday, February 26, 2005



News update by Susan Tam of The Star

SEPANG: The low-cost airport terminal at the KL International Airport (KLIA) is expected to be fully operational by early next year.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy said Saturday the RM110mil terminal would be able to accommodate some 10 million passengers a year.

He said work on the terminal should begin in April and be completed in a year.

"The bays on the existing site can take about 20 to 23 aircraft and will be extended to allow up to 30 aircraft at any one time," he said after visiting the site which is located opposite KLIA satellite 'A' building.

In a year? That's fast!

Low-cost airport terminal ready by next year
Saturday, February 26, 2005



News update by Susan Tam of The Star



"The bays on the existing site can take about 20 to 23 aircraft and will be extended to allow up to 30 aircraft at any one time," he said after visiting the site which is located opposite KLIA satellite 'A' building.


I hope that they are not building it on the Satellite 'B' site! :) KLIA needs another Satellite building as the capacity for the current set-up would be reached in a couple of year's time ;)

KLIA's New Terminal To Spearhead LCC Development In The Region
February 26, 2005 18:36 PM



By Alan Ting

SEPANG, Feb 26 (Bernama) -- KL International Airport (KLIA)'s Low Cost Carrier (LCC) terminal which can accomodate 10 million passengers would spearhead the development of LCCs in the region in the years to come, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy said.

The KLIA LCC terminal can accomodate four times more passengers compared with only 2.5 million passengers for the proposed budget terminal at Changi Airport.

Work on the KLIA LCC terminal would begin in April this year while the Changi budget terminal would start in the first quarter of next year.

He said KLIA LCC terminal would be ready in a year's time compared to the budget terminal at Changi airport.

"The terminal would be built on a fast track basis," he told reporters after inspecting the site for the RM110 million KLIA LCC Terminal here.

Located between the Advance Cargo Centre and the KLIA Satellite Building A, the site already has facilities such as an Airport Control Tower and apron that can accomodate 23 aircraft at one time with existing runways.

"We only need to build the terminal building which would have a modular design. This means we can expand the building in the future based on demand to accomodate passengers of up to 50 million per year," he said.

Chan said Malaysia Airports Bhd (MAB) would also extend the existing apron and parking bay to enable it to accomodate another 48 aircraft at any one time to enable AirAsia to have more than 600 flights operating at any time.

He said a car parking space with 1,700 parking lots would be constructed next to the KLIA LCC terminal building, linking the parking place with the other existing outer ring road.

"AirAsia can also use the existing nearby facilities such as the Pos Malaysia Cargo terminal which was under utilised for its cargo operations," he said.

He said a connecting road would also be built and the Transport Ministry would apply to the relevant authorities to have the taxi and bus services to operate right up to the terminal building itself.

"We also would hold discussions with Express Rail Link (ERL) to have the shuttle bus service from Salak Tinggi station to the LCC terminal," he said.

Chan said the bus shuttle service also would be in place to provide the service between the LCC terminal with the KLIA Main Terminal Building to enable the passengers to have a wider choice and access to other destinations.

He said since most of the facilties were already in place, the Transport Ministry believed that the cost to be borne by the LCCs operating at the KLIA LCC terminal would be much lower and this could attract more LCCs to choose KLIA as their hub.

"The KLIA LCC would eventually become the regional LCC's operating hub as its would become the staging point for flights to countries such as Thailand, Indonesia, China, India and other ASEAN countries as well as for the domestic market.

"With the KLIA LCC terminal, it has put us ahead in terms of LCC development in the region," said Chan.

AirAsia Group Chief Executive Officer Tony Fernandes, who was also present, said eventhough they have fought very had to have the terminal at Subang, they are happy that MAB and the government have "taken a lot of input from them" in the proposed building of the LCC terminal.

"I"m very confident that what we want to create in KLIA would be the same as what we wanted to create in Subang," he said.

Tony said he was particulary happy with the speed at which the government was pushing for the LCC terminal to be built on the fast track project basis and at the same time has addressed some of the problems face by AirAsia in operating from KLIA.

He said among them include passenger and aircraft parking congestion during peak hours at the existing main terminal building.

"We are very happy that a lot of work has been done," he said. adding that the KLIA LCC terminal would have much lower costs to operate compared with the budget terminal in Changi.

He also said AirAsia believed the cost for LCCs operating in the KLIA LCC terminal would be the same as if they were operating in Subang.

"We believe that by operating from Subang, we can reduce the cost by 30 percent. However, we believe now it would be the same if we operate at (LCC terminal) in KLIA," he added.

MAB Managing Director Datuk Bashir Ahmad said the KLIA LCC Terminal could be built and be ready at a "very fast time" as some of the facilities such as aprons and control towerwere already being built.

Moreover, he said the construction work for the LCC terminal, parking space and additional apron would start simultaneously in April.

"We have the preliminary design but we need to get some more input. All this would be revealed in the due time," he said.

-- BERNAMA

I'm interested in what the actual design of the proposed LCC terminal will be like....I presume low cost means low operating cost, however, I think that passenger comfort within the terminal should be compromised as little as possible. After all, passenger comfort is key (in addition to low prices) to ensure that people keep coming back....

Work on RM110m budget terminal to start in April

SEPANG: The RM110mil terminal for budget airlines at the KL International Airport (KLIA) is expected to be fully operational by next year, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy said.

He said the construction of the terminal, which could accommodate some 10 million passengers a year, should start in April as the Government had decided to fast track the project.

The new terminal would be located opposite KLIA’s satellite “A” building because of its strategic location and accessibility, Chan said at a press conference after attending a site visit yesterday.

Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAB) chief executive officer Datuk Bashir Ahmad said the site, selected out of eight proposed locations, covered some 15ha and the size of the new terminal would be 28,000sq metres, slightly larger than the terminal in Penang.

“The site has existing bays that can take up to 20 to 23 aircraft, but we will extend the apron to accommodate 30 aircraft,” he said.

He said all aircraft, including the A320 airbus, would be able to use the terminal, adding that about 1,700 car parks were planned for the terminal.

Chan said the ministry would also make arrangements for public transport to provide services to passengers.

They would include bus services from the KTM Komuter’s station in Pasir Salak and the ERL Transit station in Salak Tinggi would be made available to the new terminal, he added.

AirAsia chief executive officer Tony Fernandes, who was also present, said the airline was pleased with the support from the ministry and MAB, especially with the decision to speed up the project.

He added that AirAsia's operating cost at the new terminal could be 30% less, which was the same estimate if the airline were to operate from Subang.

Low-cost terminals at KLIA and Changi to boost travel





By B.K. Sidhu




THE low-cost carriers terminals to be built in KL International Airport and Singapore's Changi Airport will be ready next year to facilitate the growth of budget travelling in the region.

Malaysia has decided to locate its dedicated terminal at the KL International Airport instead of the much-lobbied Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Subang. It is a big blow to AirAsia which had preferred the terminal at Subang, but the budget airline now “wants to focus its energies on making the new terminal the centre for low-cost travel in Asia.’’

The terminal will be KLIA's second, while for Singapore, it would be its fourth. Both countries will spend about RM100mil each on the terminals. Malaysia’s terminal will be able to handle 40 aircraft with quick aircraft turnaround of 20 minutes. It will be able to handle 10 million to 12 million passengers a year.

Changi will have a single storey building, able to cater to 2.7 million passengers a year. Tiger Airways has agreed to operate from the terminal. The low cost carrier (LCC) terminals are essential to the operational feasibility of budget airlines. That is why the governments are investing to help grow the budget travel markets. Cost is a major factor in budget travel and that is why the terminals are to be built by the governments to help carriers sustain cost effective operations. But there are other factors, one of which is punctuality as flight delays do not only incur LCCs additional expenses but also create problems for passengers on connecting flights.

“The turnaround times should be kept or otherwise it would knock into the next flight. So the pressure is really to keep flights on time. Thus far we have only cancelled two flights since we started operations. Economics of scale is vital in order to get the seat cost as low as possible,’’ he said.

To Jetstar Asia Airways chief operating officer Con Korfiatis, “reliability, on-time performance, safety, keeping cost low are core components to which the airline places high emphasis on.’’ Prices of seats differ and not all are at one price.






http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2005/2/28/business/b_04kamarudin.jpg

AirAsia's executive director Kamaruddin Meranum









Many budget airlines also like to claim that they have landing rights to all sorts of destinations. Getting the rights to fly from the home country is only one part of the equation. The difficult part is getting the foreign country to approve the landing rights.

AirAsia’s Indonesian venture, PT Awair is in a limbo over its plans to fly from Jakarta to Singapore. Although PT Awair has submitted all documentation, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) has yet to approve the right to land in Singapore.

AirAsia executive director Kamaruddin Meranun was reported to have said: “AWAIR will seek compensation from the Singapore government for blocking the Indonesia-based airline's flights to the city-state from Jakarta.’’

In an e-mail response to a query from StarBiz, CAAS said: “We have only been advised by Awair that the airline is still keen to operate to Singapore, even though Awair has publicly announced its decision to temporarily drop its plans for the Singapore-Jakarta route. We have not received any other notification from Awair. We have said before that in the interest of the travelling public, we have to ensure Awair has met all regulatory requirements before approval is granted. Since Awair submitted the documents to us, CAAS and Awair have been in constant contact. We have also said to them that we will inform them as soon as approval is granted.’’

http://img61.exs.cx/img61/1397/416524815qa.jpg

http://img61.exs.cx/img61/381/416026915qj.jpg

http://img61.exs.cx/img61/9846/416524518uk.jpg

http://img61.exs.cx/img61/1239/416029215tm.jpg

http://img61.exs.cx/img61/6523/416029816xp.jpg

Entrance

http://img61.exs.cx/img61/9665/408395719nt.jpg

http://img61.exs.cx/img61/381/416026915qj.jpg



Eh? Since when they have the info board? :?

Must be new .....hmmmm.......something is telling me that I need to use the airport more often (as a passenger of course!) :D

hehe..nice info board. Some people are just not use to tv screens for info :D

huh?? if no information board how to check the flights?? through information counter?? if it's like that, there's be a crowd there lah.....

huh?? if no information board how to check the flights?? through information counter?? if it's like that, there's be a crowd there lah.....


There is like a row of TV screens showing the info....... ;)

There is like a row of TV screens showing the info....... ;)

oh ic.... i thought information board includes TV's he he..... :bash:

oh ic.... i thought information board includes TV's he he..... :bash:


??? :? You mana ada nampak TV on the picture above leh? .....just the electronic board only what :?

??? :? You mana ada nampak TV on the picture above leh? .....just the electronic board only what :?

no.....what i mean is that when you said "Eh? Since when they have the info board?" i thought you are saying that there were no TVs as well

no.....what i mean is that when you said "Eh? Since when they have the info board?" i thought you are saying that there were no TVs as well


Wahahaha! :lol:

No TV how to know which Check-in counter leh? :D

Wahahaha! :lol:

No TV how to know which Check-in counter leh? :D

pardon my inability to analyse properly:D:D

pardon my inability to analyse properly:D:D


You are forgiven :D

Anyway I would post some pictures of it later ;) ....I am having lunch now :D

Here's some pictures:

http://pwp.maxis.net.my/szehoong/pix/klia/DSCN1276sm.JPG

http://pwp.maxis.net.my/szehoong/pix/klia/DSCN1278sm.JPG

http://pwp.maxis.net.my/szehoong/pix/klia/DSCN1287sm.JPG

http://pwp.maxis.net.my/szehoong/pix/klia/img_3393sm.JPG

@ TYW > See the TV screens in all my pictures? :D

@ TYW > See the TV screens in all my pictures? :D

yeah!! like stock exchange :eek:

http://img22.exs.cx:81/img22/2401/kliaexpres17vl.jpg

http://www.geocities.co.jp/HeartLand-Gaien/2465/KLIA_EXPRES/KLIA_EXPRES-2.jpg

http://www.geocities.co.jp/HeartLand-Gaien/2465/KLIA_EXPRES/KLIA_EXPRES-3.jpg

http://www.geocities.co.jp/HeartLand-Gaien/2465/KLIA_EXPRES/KLIA_EXPRES-4.jpg

http://www.geocities.co.jp/HeartLand-Gaien/2465/KLIA_EXPRES/KLIA_EXPRES-5.jpg

http://www.geocities.co.jp/HeartLand-Gaien/2465/KLIA_EXPRES/KLIA_EXPRES-6.jpg

Any new shops in KLIA anyone? I was dissapointed that Baskin and Robbins butt out! :rant:

Any new shops in KLIA anyone? I was dissapointed that Baskin and Robbins butt out! :rant:


Eh? I din know that Baskin Robbins have a lot there also hehehe :D

They were at the same row with Body Shop but to the most right. Now I only can rely on Mcds for icecream! :bash:

Kuala Lumpur International Airport Aerotrain
......that connects the Main Terminal Building with the Satellite Terminal.
It runs on rubber wheels and fully automated.


http://ftp.maxis.net.my/szehoong/pix/klia/Aerotrain/IMG_1006sm.JPG

http://ftp.maxis.net.my/szehoong/pix/klia/Aerotrain/IMG_3376sm.JPG



http://ftp.maxis.net.my/szehoong/pix/klia/Aerotrain/IMG_9573sm.JPG

http://ftp.maxis.net.my/szehoong/pix/klia/Aerotrain/IMG_1008sm.JPG



http://ftp.maxis.net.my/szehoong/pix/klia/Aerotrain/IMG_3371sm.JPG

http://ftp.maxis.net.my/szehoong/pix/klia/Aerotrain/IMG_1018sm.JPG

hey guys,here are some photos I've taken last Sunday on my way back.I think Harrods hv moved.Here's the new shop.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v191/Lovejesse/P2270002.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v191/Lovejesse/P2280008.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v191/Lovejesse/P2280009.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v191/Lovejesse/P2280010.jpg

Seven more airlines to fly into KLIA


BY B.K. SIDHU


MALAYSIA Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) expects five to seven more airlines to fly into KL International Airport (KLIA) this year, said managing director Datuk Bashir Ahmad.

This figure includes Shenzhen Airlines, which made its maiden international flight to KLIA in January.

Two Indian carriers – Air Sahara and Jet Airways – have told MAHB they would begin flights from Chennai to KLIA by the end of April.

Jet Airways is believed to be planning a daily direct flight from Chennai to KLIA while Air Sahara may fly the Chennai-New Dehli-KLIA-Changi route.

“We are expecting a few more airlines this year,” Bashir told reporters at the New Route Asia 2005 forum in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

Currently 46 airlines, both passenger and cargo, operate from KLIA.

MAHB, in its quest to get more airlines to fly into KLIA, continues to talk with many airlines in the region and globally.

It is believed that Shandong Airlines has shown keen interest and is looking for a window to fly into KLIA this year.

Similarly, Hainan Airlines, which began charter flights last year, is looking for scheduled flights this year.

MAHB is also said to have had exploratory talks with Shanghai Airlines and several other airlines, including some regional budget airlines.

Last week, Singapore’s three budget airlines – Tiger Airways, Jetstar Asia and Valuair – said they were keen to fly into Malaysia if they were given air rights.

With the low cost carrier terminal hub expected to be operational at KLIA some time this year, more budget airlines are likely to be given the green light to fly in.

Second satellite terminal at KLIA


BY B.K. SIDHU


A SECOND satellite terminal building is to go up at the KL International Airport (KLIA), and be operational by 2008, to cater to the growing traffic in air travel.

KLIA operator Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) managing director Datuk Bashir Ahmad said work would start soon, or by next year. Given its experience in building the main terminal, MAHB is confident that it could put up the terminal in two-and-a-half to three years.

The second satellite building is in addition to the previously announced RM100mil hub at KLIA for low-cost carriers (LCC) to meet the growing budget air travel business in the region.

Bashir, speaking to reporters after the opening of the third New Route Asia 2005 forum in Kuala Lumpur yesterday, said the finer details had yet to be firmed up. But the second terminal is expected to cost about RM4bil.

“We are in talks with the Government on the funds for the building and on our financial restructuring. We want to get (the financial restructuring) right so as to make MAHB viable,” he said.

MAHB is in advanced talks with the Government to restructure the RM856mil that it owes in concession payments, which total RM1.3bil.






http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2005/3/8/business/p1-bashir.JPG

Datuk Bashir Ahmad







Going by original plans, the second terminal was to have been operational last year, but the 1997-98 Asian financial crisis, the Sept 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States, and the SARS outbreak that threw the global aviation industry into turmoil, put paid to such hopes.

However, air travel has since picked up, with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) forecasting average global growth in air travel of 6% up to 2008.

KLIA is nearing its capacity of 25 million passengers a year, thus the need for the new terminal.

Last year, KLIA handled 21.1 million passengers. This year it expects a 7% growth to 22.5 million. Next year, the forecast is 25 million. A total of 46 airlines, carrying both passenger and cargo, operate from KLIA currently.

Malaysia is not the only country planning additional facilities. Singapore is spending US$1.75bil to add a third terminal at Changi while Thailand is building a new airport in Bangkok, which is expected to open early next year.

To a question, Bashir said that there had been no request yet from other budget carriers (apart from AirAsia), or even Malaysia Airlines, to operate some flights from the LCC terminal.

“The LCC hub is for LCC airlines, and if traditional airlines want to use it they have to justify (the need to do so),’’ he said.

KLIA is also being upgraded to cater to the A380. There would be five gates at the main and second terminal building to cater to the super jumbo.

Asked about efforts to improve the baggage system at the main terminal, Bashir said: “We are trying to find a solution that will resolve all the baggage problems we have had. The Government is very serious about it.’’

Bashir also felt there was a need to upgrade the Kuala Terengganu and Kota Kinabalu airports. Upgrading works at Kuching airport are in progress.

The New Route Asia forum, which Malaysia is hosting for the third time, brought together 300 delegates representing the region's airlines and airports to discuss future market opportunities.

Consortium led by Tronoh unit bids for KLIA contract


TRONOH Consolidated Malaysia Bhd subsidiary Zelan Holdings (M) Sdn Bhd has joined a consortium that includes Japan’s Marubeni Corp and Tokyu Construction Co to bid on a construction contract for works at the KL International Airport.

In a statement to Bursa Malaysia, Tronoh said the consortium was formed to participate in a tender to build, design, test and commission the new A-380 hangar and workshop for Malaysia Airlines.

The company said the venture was incorporated as Zelan-Marubeni-Tokyu Constuction Consortium.

In the event of a successful bid, Zelan Holdings shall be the consortium leader for the project and shall be responsible for the complete civil and building works, Tronoh said.

Marubeni will be responsible for procurement and mechanical and electrical works while Tokyu will handle design and engineering works.

There would be no immediate financial impact on Tronoh from the new consortium, although a successful award of the project contract would contribute positively to the company’s future earnings, the company said.

The company did not provide an estimate of the possible value of the contract. – AFX-Asia

WOW! KLIA complex will be twice as big by 2007 then!
I hope they just could lower the price of the goods sold at the sattellite building. Paying rm50++ for a music CD is ridiculous!

WOW! KLIA complex will be twice as big by 2007 then!
I hope they just could lower the price of the goods sold at the sattellite building. Paying rm50++ for a music CD is ridiculous!


Who ask you to buy at the airport? :D

Last time, friend in brunei wanted me to buy music cd in KL. I bought last minute and guess where I did? :bash:

Saturday March 19, 2005
Selangor plans inland port near KLIA


THE Selangor government has proposed to set up an inland port near the KL International Airport (KLIA) to speed up the movement of air cargo and help to boost KLIA’s competitiveness by matching or even surpassing the services provided by other top airports in the world.

Perbadanan Kemajuan Negeri Selangor (PKNS) has been entrusted to come up with a concept paper on the operations of the proposed inland port.

According to sources, some 73ha at Bukit Baja in Sepang near the Dengkil rest and recreation area have been proposed as the potential site for the project.

Datuk Tang See Hang, the Selangor state executive councillor for investment, industry and trade, confirmed the proposed project when contacted by reporters yesterday.

“It’s still at the proposal stage. How fast it can take off depends on how fast PKNS can come up with the concept paper,” he said.

Tang said local and foreign investors would be invited to participate in the inland port project.

He said Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo would be updated on the progress of the proposed project from time to time.

The sources said PKNS was currently studying the operations of inland ports in other countries before coming up with the concept paper.

Major airports with inland port facilities include London’s Heathrow, Tokyo’s Narita and Hong Kong’s Chek Lap Kok.

The sources said the Sepang inland port aimed at providing low-cost cargo processing facilities in a multi-modal logistical framework complemented by a full range of transport, warehousing, distribution and packaging facilities.

This would mean that it was being planned to provide specialist services in receiving, transferring, storing and distributing air, rail and highway cargo at a single hub, they said.

Other services or facilities being planned are Customs clearance, cargo consolidation, repositioning of empty containers and insurance. – Bernama

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v81/asiaglobe/klia01.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v81/asiaglobe/klia02.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v81/asiaglobe/klia03.jpg

Blueprint of KLIA Masterplan by Kisho Kurokawa: http://www.kisho.co.jp/WorksAndProjects/Works/klia/Parse/index.html

2 Main Terminal Buildings + 4 Satellite Terminal Buildings + Up to 5 Runways = 100-120 Million Passengers Per Year!

Blueprint of KLIA Masterplan by Kisho Kurokawa: http://www.kisho.co.jp/WorksAndProjects/Works/klia/Parse/index.html

2 Main Terminal Buildings + 4 Satellite Terminal Buildings + Up to 5 Runways = 100-120 Million Passengers Per Year!

:eek: nice find!! thanks for the link;)

BTW,

WELCOME TO THE FORUM!!!!

Blueprint of KLIA Masterplan by Kisho Kurokawa: http://www.kisho.co.jp/WorksAndProjects/Works/klia/Parse/index.html

2 Main Terminal Buildings + 4 Satellite Terminal Buildings + Up to 5 Runways = 100-120 Million Passengers Per Year!


First of all..........Welcome to the forums Tulsa! :cheers:


I've been looking for the plans online high and low and missed it on the architect's webpage :bash: :D

ANyway saw this many times in books but scanner rosak so can't post it. Usually I take the trouble to describe it. Well done! :okay:

Blueprint of KLIA Masterplan by Kisho Kurokawa: http://www.kisho.co.jp/WorksAndProjects/Works/klia/Parse/index.html

2 Main Terminal Buildings + 4 Satellite Terminal Buildings + Up to 5 Runways = 100-120 Million Passengers Per Year!

passengers passing through KLIA doesnt even reach 25 million yet and yet they already going to start building second satellite building.......

but really i would love to see KL being a departure and arrival point for almost 120 million people :eek2: :eek2: !!!!!!!

passengers passing through KLIA doesnt even reach 25 million yet and yet they already going to start building second satellite building.......




Well......the traffic for year 2003 is around 17 or 18 million ( forgot liao :D ). In 2004, the total is 21 million. This year they projected 23 million. By the time the second satellite is completed it would be more than 25 million if passenger growth continues. :)

Normally they dun wait till it really reaches 25 million before starts building cos the second satellite terminal isn't gonna be constructed overnight. I t would take slightly more than 2 years for completion. Seriously....I'd rather them start buiding now than the usual wait-and-see-how-first attitude which might affect KLIA's operations and reputation ;)

http://img232.exs.cx/img232/1188/fbg1gy.jpg

^^ but the text title is wrong ah....

Wow, that satellite pic really brings out the HUGENESS of the land potentially available for KLIA....*phew*

^^ but the text title is wrong ah....

yeah, i was almost fooled by it untill i saw the F1 cercuit:D

MASkargo Seeks To Maintain Position Among Asia's Top Three
March 22, 2005 17:23 PM




KUALA LUMPUR, March 22 (Bernama) -- Malaysia Airlines Cargo Sdn Bhd (MASKargo) intends to maintain its position among Asia's top three air cargo carriers, said its senior general manager Datuk J.J. Ong.

He said the company has been recognised as one of the top three players in the region since 2002.

"We hope to maintain our position by working hard every year. It's easier to be awarded as the top three but difficult to maintain the recognition every year," he told reporters after MASKargo's OHSAS 18001:1999 and ISO 9001:2000 certificate presentation ceremony, here Tuesday.

MASKargo was awarded the OHSAS certification for its Advanced Cargo Centre at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and the ISO certification for the Penang Cargo Centre by Sirim QAS International.

The OHSAS certification assures increased profitability through reduction of safety-related costs by minimising work-related hazards and injuries, MASKargo said.

It added that the ISO certification is for the quality management system based on provision of cargo handling and warehousing services.

In attaining the ISO and OHSAS certifications, Ong said MASKargo benchmarked itself against the best in the industry and thus indirectly provided transparency in the way the company doing business.

"This certification will not only raise our performance, but also enable us to provide good service and at the same time protect the welfare of the people who are delivering these services," he said.

MASKargo, the air cargo division of Malaysia Airlines, operates two owned and six leased B747-200 freighters. Its freighter services currently cover KLIA, Penang, Hong Kong, Melbourne, Perth, Osaka, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Bangalore, Bangkok, Dubai, Taipei, Sydney and Tokyo.

In Europe, MASKargo destinations include Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Manchester and Basel.

-- BERNAMA

nice pic!Now i can c where the 2nd building will b built:D thanks man

i thought that grid patterns on the left side of the airport is actually palm oil plantations

Jet Airways to fly into KLIA on April 29
Sharen Kaur

JET Airways (India) Ltd, India's largest domestic airline plans to start flying into the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) from April 29, said Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd's senior marketing manager, Mohamed Sallauddin Mat Sah.
“Jet Airways will use its Boeing 737-800 aircraft to fly into the KLIA. They will be operating daily flights ,” said Sallauddin in a telephone interview with Mail Money.

“The arrival time on April 29, has been scheduled at 6.30am for the Chennai to Kuala Lumpur flight, while departure for the Kuala Lumpur to Chennai flight will be at 8.50am on the same day,” he added.

"Officials of MAHB and Jet Airways have been having regular meetings to confirm the latter's plan. Basically, the flight schedule has been fixed, but it may be subjected to changes depending on Jet Airways aircraft availability," said Sallauddin.

Jet Airways is 80 per cent controlled by Naresh Goyal. The 55- year-old billionaire is India’s ninth wealthiest businessman according to Forbes magazine.

Jet Airways, which is also India’s biggest non state airline said last month that it plans to begin flights tp Singapore on April 14.

The airline, which had its shares start trading on Indian stock exchanges on March 14, will fly daily to Singapore from Mumbai.

MAHB is also having on going talks with Sahara Airlines Ltd, India’s second biggest private airline, said Sallauddin.

“Air Sahara has not decided when it will fly into the KLIA despite having requested for their slot time to fly into the airport,” he said.

Information obtained from Air Sahara’s website, however indicate that the carrier plans to start flights to Kuala Lumpur from Chennai on May 14.

Why are there structures on plot reserved for Satellite Building C & D?? Look like permanent structures.

ERL

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Eurocopter Malaysia Expects RM200 Mln Turnover This Year
March 31, 2005 21:45 PM





PETALING JAYA, March 31 (Bernama) -- Eurocopter Malaysia, a wholly owned subsidiary of European Aeronautics Defence and Space (EADS), company which is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services target its revenue to reach RM200 million this year.

Its managing director Philippe Lubrano said last year the company's revenue stood at RM68 million.

He said this after handing over the first training helicopter to Integrated Training & Services (IT&S) Aviation Academy and signing the purchase agreement for the second and third helicopter between Eurocopter and IT&S Aviation Academy.

Minister of Transport Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy witnessed the event.

Lubrano attributes the revenue jump to the surge of sales to the private sector especially the oil and gas industry.

He said for the past 15 months, the company had delivered 14 aircraft, which was five times more than the past years.

"Previously we sold two to three units of aircraft per year," he told Bernama here, Thursday.

He said it was a big step for the company to operate in Miri, Sarawak as well, as it addresses the market in East Malaysia.

Eurocopter's civil aircraft price ranges from RM4 million to RM70 million. It also produced military range aircraft.

Last year, 40 percent of its revenue were derived from overseas.

At the moment, 60 percent of its business is domestic.

Lubrano said that for the past two and a half years, the company had invested about RM20 million here.

"We expect it to double within the next three years which will be utilised in parts, building, training and joint-ventures," he said.

Last year the company awarded RM8 million worth of sub-contracts to Malaysian company and Lubrano said it would expand in tandem with the increase in revenue.

"The helicopter business in this region is expanding and robust. These deliveries would be a catalyst for the aviation market to grow, specifically in producing more helicopter pilots in the country and the region to support the strong demand for them," Lubrano said at the event.

He added that Eurocopter were setting up its facility in Ipoh to perform daily maintenance and logistic support of the helicopters as IT&S is based there.

Meanwhile Chan said that the government was considering of approving one more pilot training centre after the Malaysia Flying Academy, Malacca, Langkawi Aerospace Training Centre and IT&S Aviation Academy.

When asked whether the government had appointed the construction company to build the RM100 million terminal for low-cost carriers at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), Chan said he would announced it later.

"The project will take off around April and at the moment we are working very hard to come out with the design," Chan said.

-- BERNAMA

i-port maskargo


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MASkargo (http://www.maskargo.com/module.php?folder=iport&filename=iport) has embarked on an ambitious plan to develop "an airport within a seaport" – extending its services to Port Klang, a major seaport on the country's west coast. A designated air-zone has been set up in Port Klang to facilitate this sea-air link.

With the strategic location of Kuala Lumpur within the main route of Asia and its competitive cost, MASkargo jointly with Port Klang Terminal Operators would be able to promote Port Klang /KLIA as the load-centre for sea and air traffic for the region.

Providing a seamless transfer of cargo from the seaports in Port Kelang to MASkargo's Advanced Cargo Centre, this service has no added hassle for Customs declaration and additional documentation. All sea to air shipment from the seaports shall be sealed by the Customs Department and loaded on to MASkargo's scheduled trucks for outbound destinations through KLIA.

Cargo space and flights for the intended airport of destinations are pre-booked by forwarding agents at the MASkargo Air-Zone online handling office, known as "XPQ", situated within the port's Northport Container Yard Terminal.

With the introduction of AFTA beginning January 2003, movement of cargo within the region, is expected to increase substantially.

THE WORLDS BEST AIRPORTS - World Airport Awards 2005



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Hong Kong International Airport is named Best Airport worldwide in 2005 passenger survey

For the 5th consecutive year, passengers have rated Hong Kong International Airport as the world's Best Airport. Singapore Changi Airport takes the Silver Award, rated 2nd in the world in what proved to be an exciting and close finish to the Survey.

The total number of eligible, completed passenger interviews for the survey totalled 5,584,365 entries - a 15 per cent increase on the 2004 results. Over 90 passenger nationalities participated in the survey - the highest contingent from Europe, 7.5 per cent from North America, with Asian countries of Korea, China/Hong Kong and Taiwan well represented.



The Airport of the Year study is the world's largest, independent Passenger survey of airport standards. Skytrax do not charge airports to be included in the survey, and the results are not based on a limited or finite choice of airports. Survey interviews covered more than 150 airports, and predominantly represent passengers international travel experiences.


The Top 10 Airports in the world for 2005 :

1 Hong Kong Int'l Airport Gold Award
2 Singapore Changi Airport Silver Award
3 Seoul Incheon Airport Bronze Award
4 Munich Airport
5 Kansai International Airport
6 Dubai International Airport
7 KLIA - Kuala Lumpur Airport
8 Amsterdam Schiphol Airport
9 Copenhagen Airport
10 Sydney Airport


"The importance of this global survey is clearly underlined in 2005 by the scale of response achieved - with more than 5.5 million completed interviews. This is the only independent survey which can claim a truly global audience, and where there is no vested interest in the final outcome. Our passenger surveys are well established as the leading research tool in this specialist market, with this 2005 Best Airport survey benchmarking standards of service at more than 150 different airports" comments Director Marketing Peter Miller of Skytrax.

wah,KLIA no 7?Wat number was it last year?

2004

1 Hong Kong Int'l Airport
2 Singapore Changi Airport
3 Amsterdam Schiphol
4 Seoul Incheon Airport
5 Kuala Lumpur KLIA
6 Dubai Int'l Airport
7 Copenhagen Airport
8 Sydney Airport
9 Kansai Int'l Airport
10 Munich Airport

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=79190&page=15&pp=20

Airports Council International (ACI) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) survey puts KLIA on fourth spot after HKIA, Incheon and Changi... Not bad.

----------------------
CNN) -- When it comes to the airport experience, terminals in Asia are a cut above the rest, according to a recent independent survey of air passengers.

Hong Kong International Airport was named the world's best, second favorite was Seoul's Incheon and Singapore's Changi airport was placed third.

Kuala Lumpur's international airports came in fourth, while the Middle East hub of Dubai was ranked fifth.

Airports Council International (ACI) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) jointly conducted the satisfaction survey. The research was conducted during 2004, covering 40 major global airports and 65,000 interviews.

In Europe, Copenhagen was voted the best airport, while in North America Halifax came in first. Cape Town came in second place, after Dubai, for the combined Africa and Middle East region.

"The fact is -- airports vie for passengers," says Robert Aaronson, of the ACI.

"They realize the importance of building customer loyalty in a competitive environment. This survey gives airports the essential benchmarking tool to measure and enhance their service quality."

The survey covered the entire airport experience of international and domestic travelers who rated airports on 31 service-related factors before boarding flights.

Passengers were asked to rate airport facilities, security and immigration, as well as services provided by airlines.

"Airports are important industry partners for airlines," says IATA Director General Giovanni Bisignani.

"We must continue to evolve to a low-cost industry that provides high-quality, cost-efficient service across the board. This should be at the top of our common agenda."

The customer satisfaction survey has been dubbed AETRA from a Latin word meaning the upper air. ACI and IATA say that 55 airports have signed up to the survey, which looks at passenger satisfaction at airports and ways to improve it.

The study replaced the Global Airport Monitor survey that ran for 11 years.

Malaysia Airports In Pact With Korea's Incheon Airport
April 13, 2005 13:26 PM

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SUBANG, April 13 (Bernama) -- Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with South Korea's Incheon International Airport Corporation (IIAC) Wednesday.

The agreement will see both international airports regularly exchanging information and experience in the area of airport management and operations, Malaysia Airports said in a statement.

Malaysia Airports managing director Datuk Bashir Ahmad signed on behalf of the company while IIAC was represented by its acting president and chief executive officer Lee Hong-Ki at the ceremony held at Incheon International Airport.

According to Malaysia Airports, the purpose of the MoU is to enable both parties to establish general principles governing their relationship in respect of the cooperation.

It added that both parties would also regularly inform each other on their basic policy and interactive role within the framework of the air traffic policy of their respective nations.

Malaysia Airports said both parties would also consider each other in the area of press and marketing activities to promote passenger and cargo traffic in the best possible way.

Senior management teams of both parties would meet at least once a year to discuss all matters of importance within the cooperation programme, it added.

Bashir hoped that through this programme, staff from both international airports would be more exposed and knowledgeable, not only in their profession but also in the cultural and work ethics of others.

"Besides, it will also support the interest of our national economies as well as our goals in maintaining or strengthening our position in the global airport management industry," he said.

-- BERNAMA

Air Sahara adds KL from May 14


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Air Sahara, an Indian domestic airline, is starting a daily flight between Chennai and KL International Airport (KLIA) starting May 14, the airline says.

The airline would service the Chennai-Kuala Lumpur service with a B737-700 aircraft that seats 14 business and 152 economy passengers, a spokesperson for the airline tells FinancialDaily.

It is part of a family-owned conglomerate whose business activities include those in infrastructure, IT, power generation, property, media and entertainment as well as financial services.

Flights from Chennai depart at 11pm (India time) and arrive in Kuala Lumpur at 5.30am (local time) while the return flight to Chennai departs at 7.30am and arrives at 9.40am (India time).

“There is a huge demand for air travel between India and Malaysia from businessmen and tourists as well as those visiting friends and relatives,’” the spokesperson adds.

Kuala Lumpur is part of the airline’s expansion into Southeast Asia, which includes the Delhi-Singapore route on May 11 with a B737-800 aircraft.

As part of the promotion, Air Sahara is offering US$250 (RM950) return trip on economy class to both sectors. Last year, it added Colombo (Sri Lanka) and Kathmandu (Nepal) as part of its Indian sub-continent routes.

The Indian authorities further deregulated the aviation industry by allowing Air Sahara to mount flights to Southeast Asia starting Jan 1 this year.

CCTV Installation At KLIA To Complete Before Year-End, Says Uggah
April 14, 2005 18:53 PM





KUALA LUMPUR, April 14 (Bernama) -- Installation of the closed-circuit television cameras (CCTVs) at several locations at the KL International Airport (KLIA) will be completed before year-end, the Dewan Rakyat was told Thursday.

Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Douglas Uggah Embas said the CCTVs are being installed at the apron and remote bay.

A total of 237 CCTV units would be installed at the parking bays, remote bays and aerobridges," he said when winding-up the debate on the Aviation Offences 1984 (Amendment) Bill 2005.

Uggah said there are 1,266 CCTVs at KLIA, the country's premier airport.

To beef up security onboard aircraft and at the airport, Malaysia Airlines (MAS) had stationed security personnel round-the-clock on every aircraft parked at the airport.

"Their duty is to jot down the names of every staff entering the aircraft, monitor their movements while they are inside the aircraft, conduct physical checks on staff going in and out of aircraft and ensure only staff with valid passes are allowed to enter the aircraft," he said.

Besides the security personnel, a special squad would conduct checks on selected aircraft while Malaysia Airports Bhd security personnel and the police would mount foot patrols after midnight at the tarmac and other areas where the planes are parked.

In principle, he said, security at the airports in the country was very tight as evident from the recognition by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and the Transport Security Administration (TSA) from the United States.

He said the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) fully complied with the Annex 17 requirements governing civil aviation security, which need to be adhered to by the 188 signatory countries of the ICAO.

The DCA also updated the Malaysian Civil Aviation National Security Programme and conducted scheduled security checks on airports to ensure high security standards were maintained at all times, he said.

As to the resignation of 80 MAS pilots over the past 15 months, Uggah said it did not affect the national carrier's operations as there were still 1,500 pilots on duty. "It is not critical as their number is not high. It did not affect MAS' operations," he added.

The Bill was later passed.

-- BERNAMA

was KLIA the 1st bfor?

air sahara - emotionally yrs? aiyoh.. so emotional la they all.. wonder the stwd/ess must be so sad upon pax disembark.. wa want 2 cry la like this.. ha haa

Eh? Since when they have the info board? :?

Must be new .....hmmmm.......something is telling me that I need to use the airport more often (as a passenger of course!) :D

which i blve spoil the view, if they want to have it, it shud be aesthetic, blend well with the general design/layout of the airport.. people shud get used to the tv instead. sayang... when i go home for vacation this July, i will try to bring that ugly thing down? ha haaa

Yea.......I think they should at least have some aesthetic sense in em......that board kinda looked outta place. :ohno:

So are you gonna throw rocks at it? :D

Emirates To Add Six More Flights To KL
April 27, 2005 20:25 PM
From Siti Hawa Othman




DUBAI, April 27 (Bernama) -- Emirates Airline, which announced an impressive record-breaking profit in its latest financial year, will be adding six more flights to its Kuala Lumpur route by September this year from its current seven flights weekly.

The additional services are due to an increasing demand for the Kuala Lumpur-Dubai route, the airline's senior vice-president for commercial operations (East Asia and Australasia) Richard Vaughan told reporters, here Wednesday.

Emirates Airline reported a net profit of US$637 million over a revenue of US$4.9 billion. East Asia and Australasia contributed 28 percent to the revenue following an increase in services to the region.

Australia created the biggest demand for its network and thus contributed the largest revenue from its 42 daily flights a week, and so did Japan.

Vaughan, however, declined to comment on talks of plans in making Australia as the connecting point into the Asia-Pacific, saying that Dubai was still its main hub.

Emirates currently operated from 16 points in the region and would be adding two more, with Seoul in May and Beijing in next February.

He said there were plans to add a fourth point in China this year. It currently operates from Shanghai and cargo services to Dalian.

On the use of the A380 following its delivery in October next year, Vaughan said the superjumbo would be used for places of demand such as London, Sydney or Melbourne.

For East Asia, he foresees it going to Singapore and Bangkok first.

-- BERNAMA

The Star: 1st. May 2005
Partial closure of KLIA Aerotrain

SEPANG: The KL International Airport (KLIA) Aerotrain service will be partially shut down from Tuesday to May 24 for upgrading works.

Track 2 of the Aerotrain will be closed from Tuesday until May 13 for the installation of a new car.

Track 1 will operate as usual from 5am to midnight.

Track 1 will be closed from May 14 to May 24, during which time Track 2 will operate from 5am to midnight.

During the upgrading period, there will be a 24-hour shuttle bus service to transport passengers between the Contact Pier and the Satellite Building.

A one-way trip from the Contact Pier to the Satellite Building takes between five and seven minutes.

For further clarification, call the KLIA information desk at 03-8776 4386/4389/2454/0219 or the terminal duty executive at 012-280 0712.

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Lufthansa returns to KLIA
18-03-2004


Europe’s third largest passenger airline Lufthansa resumed service to Malaysia after an almost five-year absence, with the landing of a Frankfurt flight at the KLIA yesterday evening.

Executive vice president for marketing sales for the German airline Thierry Entinori said the resumption of service "reinforces our engagement in Malaysia with KLIA as an important destination in our global map".

He said: “It also reflects KLIA's emerging role as a transport hub in the Asian region.”

Lufthansa German Airlines will resume its flight to KLIA starting on March 29, 2004, after it stopped flying there in 1999 due to the Asian financial crisis.

Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd said Lufthansa would operate the Frankfurt-Bangkok-KLIA route and vice versa on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays using Boeing 747 aircraft.

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KLIA second in Telegraph's Best Airport category
13-10-2004



KL International Airport (KLIA) has been voted second in the Best Airport category of the Telegraph Travel Award 2004, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) said in a statement on Oct 13.

Changi Airport was voted first in the category, while Dubai AIrport came in third. KLIA general manager Azmi Murad received the award at the Waldorf Hilton in London on Oct 11.

MAHB managing director Datuk Bashir Ahmad said: "This is indeed another remarkable achievement for KLIA after it was voted third in the Favourite Asian Airport category in the TIME Readers' Travel Choice Awards earlier this month.

"It is evident that KLIA is not only a preferred airport in Asia, but also in Europe as well."

The awards resulted from an annual poll of specially selected readers of The Daily Telegraph and The Sunday Telegraph. The awards, launched in 1998, reflect the travel tastes and habits of British consumers.

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Govt, MAHB to spend RM4b on new satellite terminal at KLIA

By Tamimi Omar
07-03-2005


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The government and Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) will spend about RM4 billion to build the proposed second satellite terminal at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport to cater to the increasing passenger traffic, says MAHB managing director Datuk Bashir Ahmad.

He said the second satellite terminal, which will increase KLIA's passenger capacity to 45 million per annum from 25 million now, was targeted for completion in 2008.

Bashir said the cost of the new terminal would be borne by MAHB and the government under a restructuring exercise. He declined to elaborate.

“The cost for the second satellite terminal was based on the original cost for building KLIA; the figure [RM4 billion] could be more, it could be less,” he told reporters on the sidelines of the third annual New Route Asia Conference in Kuala Lumpur on March 7.

About 300 airports and airlines delegates from Asia Pacific attended the third edition of the forum, which was hosted by MAHB and was designed to bring industry players together to discuss future market opportunities.

He said MAHB had planned to build the new terminal earlier, but with AirAsia Bhd asking Subang airport to be made into a low cost hub, MAHB decided to put off construction until the matter was resolved.

With the matter now resolved, the construction of the new terminal could now proceed, he said. The government recently decided to locate the low-cost carrier hub at KLIA, instead of Subang airport.

Bashir hoped that the new terminal would be completed in 2008 when KLIA’s passenger traffic volume was expected to reach the capacity mark of 25 million. He said for 2004, MAHB recorded a 20.6% year-on-year increase in passenger traffic to 21.1 million.

Bashir said: "The huge increase for 2004 was due to the low tourist traffic in 2003 as a result of SARS [Severe Acutes Respiratory Syndrome], but arrivals last year show that tourists are starting to come back and we expect growth to be back to normal, around 7% and 10% this year.”

He said MAHB was seeking the government's approval to increase its service tax to meet offset rising expenses. Bashir said KLIA was upgrading its facilities to comply with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards for the operations of the A380 airliner.

Meanwhile, deputy Transport Minister Datuk Douglas Uggah Embas said a few more airlines, including Jet Airways and Air Sahara, were expected to start operations at KLIA soon and they had already filed their schedules to do so.

He also said that passenger movements at KLIA surpassed the two million mark at KLIA and four million for the other airports for the first time in the month of December last year.RAM reaffirms IOI Prop’s AA3/P1 ratings

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ERL targets 6,000 daily ridership this year (Updated)

14-01-2004


Express Rail Link Sdn Bhd (ERL) targets to increase its KLIA Ekspres daily ridership to 6,000 passengers within this year from its current 4,000 passengers, following the appointment of Malaysia Airlines (MAS) as its worldwide sales agent.

ERL executive chairman Datuk Mohd Nadzmi Mohd Salleh said that KLIA Ekspres tickets were sold at MAS ticketing offices in over 50 countries effective yesterday.

“Although domestic support is strong, many international passengers are still not taking the KLIA Ekspres because of the lack of awareness,” he told reporters at a signing ceremony between ERL and MAS.

Mohd Nadzmi said ERL’s tie-up with MAS was a good way to promote the KLIA Ekspres overseas as international airline passengers can simultaneously purchase the rail and air tickets. He also said KLIA Ekspres daily ridership had recovered to 4,000 passengers from the 2,900 passengers during the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreak. The daily ridership prior to SARS stood at 5,000.

MAS senior general manager (sales, distribution and marketing) Datuk Ahmad Fuaad Dahlan said the company’s ticketing offices overseas would sell KLIA Ekspres tickets at the same price charged in Malaysia – RM35 for an adult and RM15 for a child.

Selling KLIA Ekspres tickets with flight tickets would provide international passengers with seamless air and rail connection to Malaysia, he said.

KLIA Ekspres provides express rail service between Kuala Lumpur Sentral and the KL International Airport (KLIA). Since it started operations in April 2002, KLIA Ekspres has carried some 2.8 million passengers.

Meanwhile, Ahmad Fuaad said MAS would launch its Internet ticket booking facility by end January, but declined to elaborate further. Malaysia Airlines had earlier targeted to launch the facility by end 2003.

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MAHB spends RM22m on Aerotrain expansion
By Alfean Hardy

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Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd
MD & CEO Datuk Bashir Ahmad (right)
with Malaysia Airports (Sepang) Sdn Bhd
GM Azmi Murad with the new TTS-car


Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) is undertaking a RM22 million expansion exercise for its Aerotrain services, which involves the purchase of two coaches, to cater for the rising passenger traffic at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).

MAHB managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Bashir Ahmad Abdul Majid says, “(Passenger) traffic at KLIA has been increasing quite substantially. Last year we handled 21.1 million passengers and we expect traffic to grow by at least 6% this year.

“We are trying to upgrade our Aerotrain services to meet the increase in demand. We have two trains running and each train has got two coaches. Each coach can handle 80 passengers. We are talking about 160 passengers per train."

However with this expansion exercise, each Aerotrain would be able to carry 240 passengers, said Bashir on May 3.

He anticipated that the addition of the two coaches manufactured by Bombardier Transportation of the United States would allow the trains to handle 25 million passengers annually.

The two new coaches are part of the first phase of an overall programme to improve the facilities at KLIA.

“We are improving our check-in system, we are putting in new software, and we are improving our software for our gate allocation system. Both these new systems will enable us to be more efficient in handling our resources at the airport,” he said.

On KLIA's move to have an additional satellite terminal, he said talks were ongoing with the government on the matter although he hoped to have it operational by 2008. Bashir explained that another satellite was necessary should the airport want to handle more than 25 million passengers.

“The way the traffic is progressing, certainly there is a need for it and we are in discussion with the (Transport) ministry on this,” he said.

Bashir said more than 40 airlines were already using KLIA with another three expressing an interest to do so. He said MAHB's target was to see KLIA handling 100 million passengers per annum via four satellite terminals.

TRAIN LIFTED… The latest aerotain wagon is being lifted by a crane for placing on a track at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang, Tuesday. The event is witnessed by employees of the Malaysia Airport Holding Berhad and media representatives after a press conference. The aerotrain will link a Contact Pier and a Satellite Building. Pix: Shaifuldin


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ERL 3rd Anniversary
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The KLIA Ekspres is a non stop service connecting KL International Airport and the Hub for Kuala Lumpur transportation system, KL Sentral. The service is non-stop with a journey time of 28 minutes and frequency of every 15 minutes during peak periods. (Non peak would be at every 20 minutes). With a fast 28 minutes journey time, KLIA Ekspres would be the best bet for you from any other form of transport to get to Kuala Lumpur from KLIA. Its hassle free and gives you the comfort of relaxing after your long flight. Just take the weight off your feet and enjoy the journey. Find out further information here on Kuala Lumpur City Air Terminal’s facilities, shops and restaurants, and the airlines that use it..

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KLIA STATION

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SALAK TINGGI STATION

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PUTRAJAYA/CYBERJAYA STATION

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BANDAR TASIK SELATAN STATION

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KUALA LUMPUR CITY AIR TERMINAL

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thanks for the info!Finally the aerotrain has extended:D i was wondering durin the ast few years,how come there's a long gap at the back of the Aerotrain entrance.

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MAHB spends RM22m on Aerotrain expansion
By Alfean Hardy

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Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd
MD & CEO Datuk Bashir Ahmad (right)
with Malaysia Airports (Sepang) Sdn Bhd
GM Azmi Murad with the new TTS-car


Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) is undertaking a RM22 million expansion exercise for its Aerotrain services, which involves the purchase of two coaches, to cater for the rising passenger traffic at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).

MAHB managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Bashir Ahmad Abdul Majid says, “(Passenger) traffic at KLIA has been increasing quite substantially. Last year we handled 21.1 million passengers and we expect traffic to grow by at least 6% this year.

“We are trying to upgrade our Aerotrain services to meet the increase in demand. We have two trains running and each train has got two coaches. Each coach can handle 80 passengers. We are talking about 160 passengers per train."

However with this expansion exercise, each Aerotrain would be able to carry 240 passengers, said Bashir on May 3.

He anticipated that the addition of the two coaches manufactured by Bombardier Transportation of the United States would allow the trains to handle 25 million passengers annually.

The two new coaches are part of the first phase of an overall programme to improve the facilities at KLIA.

“We are improving our check-in system, we are putting in new software, and we are improving our software for our gate allocation system. Both these new systems will enable us to be more efficient in handling our resources at the airport,” he said.

On KLIA's move to have an additional satellite terminal, he said talks were ongoing with the government on the matter although he hoped to have it operational by 2008. Bashir explained that another satellite was necessary should the airport want to handle more than 25 million passengers.

“The way the traffic is progressing, certainly there is a need for it and we are in discussion with the (Transport) ministry on this,” he said.

Bashir said more than 40 airlines were already using KLIA with another three expressing an interest to do so. He said MAHB's target was to see KLIA handling 100 million passengers per annum via four satellite terminals.

Isn't Bombardier a Canadian company? I don't think it's based in the US....

Isn't Bombardier a Canadian company? I don't think it's based in the US....


Yes......Bombardier is a Canadian company. I think it is either the press statement is wrong or the reported heard the info wrongly ;)

i thought bombardier in canada produces planes............in case of bombardier US, they makes trains...............

i thought bombardier in canada produces planes............in case of bombardier US, they makes trains...............


Well.....I dun think Bombardier Transportation is based in the US ;) Although they have a manufacturing facility and a subsidiary there.....but all those are mainly catered to the US market. Maybe (I am not too sure)....the People Movers coaches are made in the US facility and that is why they said Bombardier is from US. :)

Bombardier is actually a Canadian company based in Montreal, Quebec Province. The driverless STAR LRT system in KL is actually the same system as the one in Vancouver, British Columbia. These are the only 2 systems in the world which I know of.

Bombardier is actually a Canadian company based in Montreal, Quebec Province. The driverless STAR LRT system in KL is actually the same system as the one in Vancouver, British Columbia. These are the only 2 systems in the world which I know of.


Starline isn't driverless.....Putraline is ;) So Putraline is the same one as the one in Vancouver :)

Originally Starline isn't a Bombardier but since Bombardier bought over Adtranz from DaimlerChrysler AG now can consider lah :D

Anyway there is another 2 systems which I know of use the same driverless system as Putraline...... Skytrain in Vancouver and the Airport Link at JFK Intl, NYC ;)

MAHB To Open Tender For Construction Works Related To A380


SEPANG, May 12 (Bernama) -- Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) will open tenders for the construction of facilities in preparation to receive the first Airbus A380 in April 2007, said its managing director Datuk Seri Bashir Ahmad.

Bashir said the call for tenders would be made on May 23, 2005 and closed a month later, while results would be announced on July 31, 2005.

He said construction works would commence Aug 1, 2005 and be completed by September 2006, and tested until Dec 31, 2006, in time for the initial A380 operation starting January 1, 2007.

The total price tag of the works would only be known after July 2005.

"The construction would be completed on time, in order to be ready to receive the first A380 here," he told a media briefing here, Thursday.

The A380 is the only aircraft with doubledecks. It would be the largest passenger aircraft in the world once it enters service next year.

Malaysia Airlines (MAS) is expected to take delivery of two A380s in early 2007, a third in late 2007, and the remaining three in the second half of 2008. It bought the six planes for a cost of US1.6 billion (RM6.08 billion).

Also in compliance with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standard Code F for the runway, he said MAHB would alter some of the airport's specifications.

"Although our runway width is the same with the code's requirement, we have to add an additional 7.5 metres on both sides of the runway shoulders. Our taxiway width is bigger than required, but we are adding another 7.5 metres on both sides of the taxiway shoulders," he said.

Other upgrading works would include the aircraft stand, both contacts and remote, besides implementing the 50.5 metres taxilane separation.

Bashir said if at any one time all three aircraft stands were to be occupied, the airport would have another two additional stands available. However, it would be less efficient than the usual ones.

He also said the designated A380 gates at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) would be the C17, C27 and C37.

On another note, he said the low cost terminal at the airport would be ready by early next year, and that "work should start pretty soon once the government announces it".

"We have already identified the site for it," he added.

On tourist arrivals at the KLIA, which is managed by MAHB, Bashir said the company was confident of a six to seven percent increase in arrivals, although there was a decrease in January.

-- BERNAMA

Starline isn't driverless.....Putraline is ;) So Putraline is the same one as the one in Vancouver :)

Originally Starline isn't a Bombardier but since Bombardier bought over Adtranz from DaimlerChrysler AG now can consider lah :D

Anyway there is another 2 systems which I know of use the same driverless system as Putraline...... Skytrain in Vancouver and the Airport Link at JFK Intl, NYC ;)

I see.Any idea on who made the Singapore's SBS driverless mrt?I sad on it bfor and i must say that it was not as fast as Putra:(

I see.Any idea on who made the Singapore's SBS driverless mrt?I sad on it bfor and i must say that it was not as fast as Putra:(


Alstorm of France made em ;) Actually the speed of all metros as basically the same......most of the times depends on the distance between the stations and the regulation of the home country/city ;)

BTW I think you flet Putra faster because it is noisier inside......just like 80kmph feels faster in a Wira than in a Mercedes S-Class :D

Thanks man.Well,not really actually.Coz i saw the limit for the SBS was only 60kmh:( pretty slow.

Malaysia Airports bidding for Routes Forum 2008
Saturday April 30, 2005



MALAYSIA Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) has submitted its bid to host the Routes Forum 2008 in Kuala Lumpur.

It hopes its experience in organising the Routes Asia forum would be taken into consideration as the airport operator has successfully organised the Asian version for three consecutive years.

There are three other contenders for Routes 2008. They are Singapore’s Changi Airport, Bangkok and Beijing airports.

Routes is an international forum which brings global airlines and airports together every year. It is considered the most important and prestigious event in the aviation industry.

This year's event will be held in Copenhagen and next year, in Dubai. The organising committee decided last year that the event would be held out of Europe every second year.

In 2007, Routes will go back to Europe. Airports in Asia are lobbying to host 2008's forum in their own countries.

MAHB officials, comprising corporate services general manager Datuk Umar Bustamam and senior marketing manager Mohamed Salahuddin Mat Shah, were in Manchester yesterday to hand over the bid documents to the organising committee.

Speaking from Manchester, Salahuddin told StarBiz that MAHB's proposal was ‘‘very elaborate and comprehensive.’’

“It includes support from all the key stake holders such as the Transport Ministry, Tourism Ministry and Malaysia Airlines as we are keen to host this international event in Malaysia.’’

“We are here (in Manchester) and that shows our commitment to doing our best if we win the bid. We remain hopeful that the organising committee will give our bid its due consideration,’’ he said. - By B.K. Sidhu

MAHB to repay Govt soon
Friday May 13, 2005
BY LEONG HUNG YEE



http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2005/5/13/business/p2bashir.jpg

Datuk Seri Ahmad during the briefing on
KLIA's preparation for A380 aircraft.



MALAYSIA Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) expects to repay the RM856.7mil it owes the Government in concession payments for operating KL International Airport by year-end, managing director Datuk Seri Bashir Ahmad said.

He said the company was currently in talks with the Government on certain terms of the agreement concerning the airport and the sale of the Sepang F1 Circuit.

“Talks are going on very well and we expect it to be finalised before the end of the year,” managing director Datuk Seri Bashir Ahmad said during a media briefing on Airbus 380 (A380) operation readiness in Sepang yesterday.

Under the terms of the concession agreement, MAHB is required to pay the Government RM1.3bil. In 1999, it paid RM1.75mil, and was to have paid the balance in five instalments of RM226.7mil each starting from 2000.

However, it has fallen behind the payment schedule due to low passenger movements at KLIA and the incentives given to various airlines and has proposed to sell Sepang F1 Circuit to the Government to repay the loans.

At the briefing, Bashir said MAHB would open for tenders for upgrading works at the KL International Airport to cater to the A380 from May 23 to June 23 for an undisclosed sum.

He said the upgrading works, which included the runways, would comply with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standard Code F for runways but added that MAHB would alter some of the specifications.

“Although our runway width is according to the code’s requirement, we have to add 7.5 metres on both sides of the runway shoulders,” he said, adding that works for A380 operations were progressing as scheduled and were planned for completion by the end of 2006.

The upgrading works also include the construction of passenger amenities in the lounge area. The existing lounge area would be upgraded to 1,600 sq m from 800 sq m currently.

A new scanning machine, four escalators, and a passenger boarding bridge for the aircraft's upper deck would also be installed.

The results of the tender are expected to be announced by the end of July, with construction scheduled to begin on Aug 1.

Once ready, the airport would have five gates - three main gates and two standby gates.

The upgrading works, scheduled to be completed by September next year, would undergo a three-month test run before operations commence in 2007.

“We will be ready by Jan 1, 2007, four months before the first jumbo jet arrives,” he said.

Malaysia Airlines will commence A380 operations from April 2007.

According to Bashir, a second satellite terminal building is to be built at KLIA for operation by 2008 to cater to the growing traffic in air travel. KLIA is close to its capacity of 25 million passengers a year, thus creating the need for a new terminal.

Last year, KLIA handled 21.1 million passengers. It expects this to grow 7% to 22.5 million this year and 25 million next year.

India’s Jet Airways makes inaugural flight to KL
Friday May 20, 2005
BY LEONG HUNG YEE



SEPANG: Although India’s domestic airline Jet Airways only started flying international routes this year, it already has four destinations outside India, with Kuala Lumpur being the latest.

The private carrier's inaugural trip to KL International Airport touched down at 5.25am after a three-hour flight from Chennai’s Anna International Airport.

The 128 passengers and crew members onboard the two-class flight were greeted by performers in traditional costumes upon landing.

Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Douglas Uggah Embas, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd chairman Tan Sri Dr Aris Othman, Jet Airways chief operating officer Peter Luethi and Indian Deputy High Commissioner Sanjay Panda were on hand to receive them.

Luethi said: “This has been a big change in Indian aviation policy – allowing private carriers to fly international routes – which until early this year was disallowed.

The airline operates out of four hubs in India (Mumbai, New Delhi, Kolkata and Chennai) and flies to Colombo (Sri Lanka), Kathmandu (Nepal) and Singapore.

It will start flying to London on Monday and begin the Brussels-New York route from Mumbai by the end of next month.

“We are really excited to be flying international. We’ve been waiting for this for quite some time and it’s a dream come true,” said flight steward Allan Mackay on behalf of the crew.

MAHB Hopes For An Increase In Passenger Traffic At KLIA
May 26, 2005 18:30 PM



SEPANG, May 26 (Bernama) -- Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) hopes that the passenger traffic at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) will increase further this year, said its chairman Tan Sri Dr Aris Othman.

He said between January and April this year MAHB had recorded a 12 percent rise in passenger traffic at KLIA compared with the same period last year.

"We hope this trend will continue with the expectation of 200,000 tourists from West Asia visiting Malaysia this year," he told reporters after the company's annual general meeting (AGM), here Thursday.

Aris said KLIA handled a total of 21.1 million passengers in 2004, up by 21 percent compared with the previous year.

Its managing director and chief executive officer, Datuk Seri Bashir Ahmad said MAHB was expecting one to two more new airlines to operate at KLIA soon.

However, he did not name the airlines.

At the moment, he said a total of 49 airlines were operating at KLIA.

For the financial year ended Dec 31, 2004, MAHB recorded a pre-tax profit of RM195.6 million compared with RM151.6 in the same period of 2003.

The company also achieved a revenue of RM1.0 billion against RM894.0 million previously.

-- BERNAMA

ERL Carries Over 12,000 Passengers A Day
May 28, 2005 19:39 PM



KUALA LUMPUR, May 28 (Bernama) -- The Express Rail Link (ERL) carries more than 12,000 passengers a day on its train services and its 10th million passenger is expected sometime this August, says chief executive officer of Express Rail Link Sdn Bhd (ERLSB) Dr Aminuddin Adnan.

ERLSB, the concessionaire for the high speed KLIA Ekspres and KLIA Transit train services, Saturday celebrates the 3rd Anniversary of the Kuala Lumpur City Air Terminal (KL CAT) launched in April 2002.

A statement from Malaysia Airlines (MAS) said the airline would continue to develop its business relationship with ERLSB to provide greater cohesion between air and rail travel in Malaysia for both domestic and international travelers.

At KL CAT, MAS provides ticketing services to its passengers, as well as passenger and baggage check-in services to all passengers travelling on Malaysia Airlines, Cathay Pacific Airways and Royal Brunei Airlines.

MAS assistant general manager for customer services, Yusop Jaridi said the investment in the nation's infrastructure had greatly enhanced comfort and efficiency, contributing to the airline's competitiveness in the international arena.

-- BERNAMA

Airport Important For Tourism Promotion, Says Zahid
June 01, 2005 19:12 PM



KUALA LUMPUR, June 1 (Bernama) -- Airports are important in promoting the tourism industry, especially among foreign tourists travelling on transit, before leaving to their intended destinations.

Deputy Minister of Tourism Datuk Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said airports also served as shopping hubs for foreign passengers.

"They're not merely transit points for international passengers," he told reporters after opening a conference and exhibition on quality of airport services Wednesday.

He said four million passengers had made transit stopovers at the KL International Airport in Sepang before proceeding to their destinations.

"We're working to make these transit passengers stopover and spend a night in the country," he said.

Earlier, in his speech, Zahid said tourists used quality services at airports as the benchmark in picking the countries to spend their vacation.

About 200 attendees from 48 countries are attending the two-day conference hosted by the Airports Council International.

Meanwhile, KLIA clinched second spot after the Incheon International Airport in Seoul in the Best Airport Award under the category of between 15 million and 25 million passengers a year. The Dubai International Airport was third.

The awards will be given out at a ceremony hosted by the Malaysia Airports Bhd, Wednesday night.

-- BERNAMA

Airport Ranking System Important To Set Benchmark
June 01, 2005 14:19 PM



KUALA LUMPUR, June 1 (Bernama) -- Ranking system for airports is important as it will set the benchmark for airport managers to know its overall achievement, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) managing director Datuk Seri Bashir Ahmad said here Wednesday.

"It is good as it will actually give us some idea on what we have already achieved and what we should further improve," he told reporters here today after the opening of the first "Quality of Service at Airports Conference and Exhibition" by Deputy Tourism Minister Datuk Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Bashir was commenting on a suggestion by Zahid for the Airport Council International (ACI) to set up a special ranking for airports worldwide.

The conference is hosted by MAHB and organised by ACI and International Air Transport Association (IATA) and AETRA.

Earlier, in his speech Zahid said that quality improvement required strategic orientation and approach and that quality excellence success is a product of sustained efforts that has a base in culture, oriented to achieve the best.

At one time hotels were the benchmark for quality management of premises but now international airports are catching up in quality to the five star hotels, he said.

He added that with the increasing commercialisation and emphasis on bottom line, many airports may be constrained in resources to match the five star hotels.

Perhaps, he said that secondary airports in a country could be subjected to a different criterion of evaluation similar to what was available in the hotel industry in order to signify the airport's performance.

AETRA, a collaboration between ACI and IATA, is an airport customer satisfaction summary, specifically designed as a benchmark tool for airport management worldwide.

In AETRA 2004 annual results released by ACI, KL International Airport (KLIA) was voted second for the Best Airport in the 15 to 25 million passengers per annum category after Seoul Incheon, while Dubai Airport emerged third.

Hong Kong International Airport was voted the Best Airport Worldwide in the AETRA survey, while Seoul Incheon emerged second, Singapore third, KLIA fourth and Dubai fifth.

Bashir said that MAHB has always placed great emphasis on the level of services offered to its passengers.

He said that this year, the company planned to spend RM50 million in upgrading KLIA's services and facilities to maintain its 12 percent growth in passenger traffic.

Last year, KLIA handled a total of 21.2 million passengers, up by 21 percent from 2003.

-- BERNAMA

KLIA's Upgrading Costs For A380 To Be Very Much Less
June 03, 2005 18:59 PM



KUALA LUMPUR, June 3 (Bernama) -- Upgrading costs to be incurred by the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) to accommodate Airbus' superjumbo, the A380, will be very much less than it should be as the airport is designed to continuously cope with larger aircraft.

Jean-Paul Genottin, Airbus' senior manager for Airport Infrastructure, told journalists in a recent interview that it would be about one percent of the cost of the airport contained in the masterplan.

He was one of the speakers at the Airports Council International (ACI) conference on 'Quality of Service at Airports' hosted by KLIA.

The sprawling airport at Sepang outside here which started operating in mid-1998 was built at RM9 billion.

The operator for KLIA, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB), recently announced that upgrading construction works would start this August and be completed by September 2006. It would be tested until Dec 31, 2006.

MAHB said it was on schedule for the initial A380 operations starting Jan 1, 2007.

MAHB officials said the total price tag of the work would only be known after July this year.

A survey done by the ACI revealed that one airport needed to fork out some US$100 million but Genottin said that on average, it would be one percent of the cost of the airport.

He cited the John F Kennedy Airport in New York which invested 1.2 percent from its master plan of US$9.88 billion; Los Angeles International 0.6 percent of US$8.95 billion; while San Francisco International 0.4 percent of US$4.98 billion.

After all, the double-deck A380 aircraft was designed similar to to existing large aircraft such as the B747, said Genottin.

He said that the two bridge access to the main deck of the A380 made it comparable to the B747 in terms of boarding the aircraft and the same turnaround time of 90 minutes.

For the upper deck passenger access, Genottin said it was not an operational necessity but did offer product differentiation.

He said the airport would have an option to use two or three bridges.

According to MAHB, in compliance with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standard Code F for the runway, KLIA's specification would be altered.

MAHB said KLIA's runway width was the same with the code's requirement but it would have to add 7.5 metres on both sides of the runway shoulders.

The operator, however, said for the taxiway, the width was bigger than required. As such, the airport was adding 7.5 metres on both sides of the taxiway shoulders.

The designated A380 gates at the KLIA would be the C17, C27 and C37.

Genottin said that Airbus' teams were now having regular meetings with world airports on how to operate the A380, an aircraft that has a 35 percent additional capacity or 100 extra passengers to 555 compared with B747-400's 412.

He said Airbus has consultant teams dedicated since 1994 to assist world airports.

"Obviously, we are focusing on major airports like KLIA, Singapore's Changi Airport and London's Heathrow Airport."

Malaysia Airlines (MAS), which has ordered six A380s at a total price tag of US$1.6 billion, is expected to take delivery of two A380s in early 2007, a third in late 2007, and the remaining three in the second half of 2008.

On maintenance costs for airports taking into account the A380, Genottin said there was "no big differences compared with the existing larger aircraft."

On the readiness of the world's airports to have the A380 in their operations, he said many were ready to handle the A380 today.

Airbus is expecting 63 airports to see the aircraft by 2010, 42 by 2008 and 21 by 2006.

He said the readiness was driven mainly by demand by world airlines.

Looking closely where the B747 really flies, Genottin said 80 percent of all its movements were concentrated into just 37 airports from the total 183 airports in the world.

All of these 37 airports and more were either now ready, preparing or planning for A380 operations, he said.

All key airports served by the B747 would also be served by the A380.

Touching on orders for the A380, Genottin said the aircraft which had its maiden flight last month, is expected to have more orders in the longer term.

Airbus, the European aircraft manufacturer, expects orders from another European airlines but Genottin declined to reveal names.

So far, Air France has ordered 10 A380s and Lufthansa 15 aircraft.

Genottin said that bulk of the orders currently made were from airlines from the Asia Pacific region.

This was mainly due to the existing movements of the B747 which centred largely in the region, he said.

Headquartered in Toulouse, Airbus' objective is to confirm at least one new A380 order each year until it enters into service in 2006. It needs 250 aircraft to breakeven over 20 years.

As of February this year, total orders and commitments stood at 154 aircraft from 15 customers, of which 127 were for the A380-800 and 27 for the A380-800F.

Emirates made the largest order for 43 aircraft while Singapore Airlines with 10 aircraft would be the first to fly the A380.

-- BERNAMA

LCC terminal charges must go down: Air Asia
By Alfean Hardy, 06 Jun 2005 10:19 PM




http://www.theedgedaily.com/cms/storage/images/com.tms.cms.image.Image_520106f0-cb73c03a-6279d000-5364a630/1/Najib-Tun-Razak_inside.jpg

Najib signing on the plaque while Transport
Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy looks on




Low cost airline Air Asia Bhd hopes airport charges at the new low cost carrier (LCC) terminal, due for completion next February, will be less than the current charges being levied at Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

Airport charges comprise of landing fees, passenger airport tax and handling fees levied upon airlines using an airports services.

Air Asia group chief executive officer Tony Fernandes indicated that the airport operator Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd and other stakeholders would benefit from the spin-offs of increased passenger traffic if it lowered its charges.

“You may say that you get a smaller margin, say if airport tax was RM10 to RM15, but if you get five times the people coming in you get a lot. And then there’s the retail, the car parks, the tourism industry; this is a volume game and you can’t charge people the same.”

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the ground-breaking ceremony of the LCC at Sepang yesterday, Fernandes was responding to MAHB managing director Datuk Bashir Ahmad’s statement that LCC airport charges would be the same as that of KLIA.

“It’s different. We aren’t enjoying the facilities of a full service terminal (at the LCC). There are no aero bridges, people have to walk to the plane and there will be different facilities,” said Fernandes.

“Our country, our government was the first one to see the potential of a low cost carrier and I doubt that they want to lose that advantage because they are building a terminal for 10 million (while) Singapore is building one for two million,” said Fernandes.

“It’s battle between us and Singapore and we hope the government supports us in beating the Singaporeans. It’s about time we beat them.

“The (travel) hub will be here and for the hub to be successful we have to have the lowest fares and to have the lowest fares we have to have the lowest cost. It’s as simple as that,” he added.

Meanwhile, in his speech at the LCC ground-breaking ceremony, Deputy Prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said the government had agreed to MAHB’s plan to build another terminal at KLIA, Satellite B.

“The plan is to add another 10 million (to KLIA’s) capacity. This does not include low cost carriers. We have to do it within a timeframe because of the increase in build-up in traffic,” he said.

“(Traffic at KLIA) is expected to reach 25 million by 2007. So we have to make a decision fairly soon. The planning is (being) done at the Malaysia Airports level now. Then the ministry of transport will take it up later. We are working out the plans now,” he added.

Round-the-clock work to complete low-cost carrier terminal

BY IZATUN SHARI


SEPANG: Nine months – that's all it will take to build the new low-cost carrier (LCC) terminal at the KL International Airport.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the fast-track construction work on the RM108mil terminal would be round-the-clock to ensure that it was completed by February.

“The new terminal is an important development in our effort to turn KLIA into a regional hub.

“It will not only make Malaysia’s budget carrier AirAsia more competitive, but will also attract other budget carriers in the region,” he said during the ground-breaking ceremony for the terminal here yesterday.

Najib said the terminal would initially be able to handle 10 million passengers annually and accommodate 30 Boeing 737 aircraft at any one time.

The Government and Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB), he added, would create an efficient transportation system between the LCC terminal and the city centre.

He said there would also be an inter-terminal system between the main terminal building and the LCC terminal.

“We are confident that the services provided will attract many more low-cost carriers to operate here,” he said, adding that budget carriers such as Indonesia’s Lion Air and Jentayu Airlines, currently operating at the main terminal, might shift their operations to the new one next year.

MAHB managing director Datuk Seri Bashir Ahmad Abdul Majid said AirAsia was currently the only budget carrier which had confirmed that it would use the new facility.

“Any airline which declares itself as a low-cost carrier and runs on a low-cost model is most welcome to operate at the new terminal,” he said.

AirAsia chief Tony Fernandez called for lower charges at the new terminal, saying that for it to be successful AirAsia had to ensure that it offered the lowest fares.

“If we have the lowest fares, then we can beat the Singaporeans hands down. For us to have the lowest fares, we have to have the lowest costs.”

“You may say that you get a smaller margin, say if airport tax was RM10 to RM15, but if you get five times the people coming in you get a lot. And then there’s the retail, the car parks, the tourism industry; this is a volume game and you can’t charge people the same.”

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the ground-breaking ceremony of the LCC at Sepang yesterday, Fernandes was responding to MAHB managing director Datuk Bashir Ahmad’s statement that LCC airport charges would be the same as that of KLIA.

a. Tony has a point there.. heed people, heed.
b. MAHB is simply being ostentatiously greedy and acting rather obliviously..

Nine months – that's all it will take to build the new low-cost carrier (LCC) terminal at the KL International Airport.
i can offer a faster way of developing one.. just build an attap pondok ala ala mamak warung kopi (very original and it by itself as a mini destination at KLIA ha haa).. very convenient some more, u can have roti canai and teh tarik b4 boarding Air Asia. and wallaaa, we have a very simple and ready to use LCC terminal. can beat Changi any time we want. howz dat?

^^^ WAH! GOOD IDEA! I would definitely be a regular flyer! :okay:

Mamak by the runway! How ingenious! What can beat lepaking at a mamak before aflight? NOTHING ......let's start the mamak construction! :D

the terminal is gonna be built that fast?Any rendering?Is it next to the Main terminal???

Mamak by the runway! How ingenious! What can beat lepaking at a mamak before aflight? NOTHING ......let's start the mamak construction! :D
and AA will introduce a special package, goes stg like this 'wear a mamak sarong on board and win two tickets to India' eh.. they haven't fly there yet rite??

or perhaps 'now people with mamak sarong can also fly'

or better yet, all AA stewards wear mamak sarong on board.. aiyo, cannot imagine all those with bulu kaki yang lebat2.. muakakakakaa...

the terminal is gonna be built that fast?Any rendering?Is it next to the Main terminal???
nope.. it is somewhere near KLAS Cargo area/Pos Malaysia bldg there.. kinda like facing the sat bldg..

i c.thanks man.How bout the terminal next to the current terminal?Any news?

u meant the second sat terminal? that is going 2b at that vacant place opposite of current sat building, kinda like facing the Bg Raya VVIP terminal.

yeah,any news on the 2nd sat terminal?cant wait to c the twin!

i think it is noted in the news attached previously.. the cabinet in principle agreed, and MAHB will send in the proposal bla bla bla.. and work shud be commencing upon approval. i reckoned it wud be ready by 2007/early 2008.

all said and done, i wud really luv 2c many more airlines flying in ke KLIA.. bila balik cuti, asyik2 nampak MAS/AA saja..

withe 2nd sat, u r rite, then KLIA will look 'complete'

and AA will introduce a special package, goes stg like this 'wear a mamak sarong on board and win two tickets to India' eh.. they haven't fly there yet rite??

or perhaps 'now people with mamak sarong can also fly'

or better yet, all AA stewards wear mamak sarong on board.. aiyo, cannot imagine all those with bulu kaki yang lebat2.. muakakakakaa...


Wah.....very graphic! hahahaha :lol:

More fire fighters for KLIA
Tuesday, June 07, 2005
By DHARMENDER SINGH



NINETY-EIGHT trainee airport fire fighters and 22 cadet officers will be joining the Airport Fire and Rescue Services Department at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) in a move to beef up the service at the airport.

Malaysia Airports chairman Tan Sri Dr Aris Othman said there were 164 fire fighters at the KLIA now and the figure would be almost doubled when the new ones joined the service.

“We (KLIA) have just been rated the fourth Best Airport Worldwide for customer service in the Aetra Survey and we are now faced with the task of maintaining our standards,'' he said.

He said having a larger and better trained force would go well with Malaysia Airports’ efforts in ensuring the safety of passengers who used the airport should there be an accident.

He said Malaysia Airports also regularly held training for existing staff and had invested in a model plane for use in fire-fighting simulations.

He was speaking during a parade held to commemorate the end of training for the 98 fire fighters who had attended a nine-month course at the Malaysia Airports Training Centre in Bayan Lepas, Penang.

Dr Aris also handed out the Award for Best in Foot Marching to trainee Mohd Azman Rosli, Best in Fire and Rescue Service Marching to Mohd Norhafedzi Mohd Siebi, Best Trainee (Academics) to Khairul Anwar Imran and Best Trainee (Overall) to Junaidi Abu Bakar.

Also present were Selangor Fire and Rescue Services director Amer Yusof and Malaysia Airports managing director Datuk Seri Basher Ahmad.

Dr Aris said the training in Penang included marching, handling fire- fighting equipment, understanding fire-fighting, as well as Malaysian and International fire safety laws.

He said while the 98 trainees would join the service at the airport soon, the 22 cadet officers would further their training for another two months before joining the service.

He congratulated the trainees for the having endured the difficult intensive training since September last year and thanked the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Services Department for its help in carrying out the training.

KLIA to invest RM29m to give retail section a facelift
Updated : 20-04-2005
Media : Business Times
Story By : HO SIEW YEE



KL INTERNATIONAL Airport (KLIA) is investing RM29 million to give its retail section a facelift to attract more shoppers to the airport.

Malaysia Airports (Sepang) Sdn Bhd¡¦s head of commercial division Ahmad Lufti Mustafa said the facelift will start from the satellite building and move on to the contact tier and the main terminal.

The exercise, which will start in July this year, is expected to be completed in 18 months, Ahmad said on the sidelines of the closing event for the ¡§Discover Malaysia¡¨ shopping campaign at KLIA in Sepang yesterday.

Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd chairman Tan Sri Aris Othman said he hopes to see not just passengers, but locals shopping at the airport as well.

¡§Each year, we meet the objectives to turn KLIA into a shoppers¡¦ haven and this year we have certainly surpassed them.

¡§Positive feedback from passengers tells us that the atmosphere in the airport is both festive and entertaining, making transit stays more enjoyable,¡¨ he said

He said in 2004, the average spending per year per passenger was RM27 with around 1.5 million passengers recorded while the total passengers recorded from November 2004 to February 2005 was 2.1 million.

¡§In March alone, the average spending per year per passenger went up to RM28 and that is a 13 per cent increase from 2004,¡¨ he said.

Aris also said the total revenue for 2004 was around RM1 million, divided between aeronautical and non-aeronautical sections with the retail business in the latter.

¡§The non-aeronautical contributed 40 per cent to our revenue and we hope to see more this year,¡¨ he said.

He added that half of the sales contribution of the Malaysia Mega Sales, which was around RM526 million, came from the airport.

Malaysia Airports bullish on performance
Updated : 02-06-2005
Media : Business Times
Story By : KANG SIEW LI



MALAYSIA Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB), the operator of Malaysia¡¦s 39 airports, remains bullish on its performance this year although many airlines are reporting disappointing results in recent months.

MAHB is highly dependent on airlines to bring in additional passenger traffic and a prolonged period of soft profits could result in airlines cutting costs by reducing service on less profitable routes to shield them from surging fuel prices.

¡§So far, we have not been affected ... our passenger numbers continue to grow. For instance, the KL International Airport (KLIA) in Sepang handled 5.43 million passengers in the first quarter of 2005, a jump of 12.1 per cent over the 2004 period,¡¨ MAHB managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Seri Bashir Ahmad told reporters after the opening of a two-day conference on ¡§Quality of Service at Airports¡¨ by Deputy Tourism Minister Datuk Ahmad Zahid Hamidi in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

The conference is organised by the Airports Council International (ACI) in association with the International Air Transport Association and Aetra.

Bashir said he wished that airlines worldwide will continue to post profits and be viable ¡§so that they can work together with us in bringing passengers to the airport¡¨.

On the home front, Malaysia Airlines on Tuesday reported a 29 per cent drop in profit for the year ended March 31 2005. Last month, budget airline AirAsia Bhd warned it would most likely miss its full-year profit forecast of RM147.4 million for its current year ending June 30 2005.

Both airlines blamed high fuel prices as the primary factor that affected their performance.

Meanwhile, Bashir said MAHB¡¦s philosophy of working with airlines, passengers, retailers and others in the airport community as a business partner, rather than a landlord, has been effective in serving passengers or visitors at the airport.

Earlier, Ahmad Zahid suggested to ACI chairman Niels Boserup to consider adopting the star rating system when evaluating airports worldwide, similar to what is currently available in the hotel industry.

¡§The star rating system is an idea for the ACI to chew on as many airports nowadays are promoting themselves from the services aspect and are becoming a shopping hub. Airports are no longer just a transit point for international passengers.¡¨

Bashir agrees. ¡§I think it (the star rating system) is important. At least it gives us a benchmark to measure ourselves on how well we are doing. It is good that these awards are given so airports will know what they have to achieve to be among the best in the world,¡¨ he said.

KLIA Expects To Serve 50 Airlines By Year-End
June 28, 2005 23:25 PM



SEPANG, June 28 (Bernama) -- The number of airlines using Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is expected to increase to 50 by the end of this year, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy said.

He said the first half year had already seen four new airlines flying to KLIA and Pakistan International Airlines making a comeback compared to five new airlines landing at the airport last year.

"There are now 48 airlines using KLIA, and I hope to see another two or three new ones being added in the near future," he said after welcoming passengers on the first PIA flight to land at KLIA in four years.

The four new airlines are Shenzhen Airlines of China, Thai AirAsia, Thai Sky Airlines and Jat Airways of Serbia and Montenegro.

Later in KUALA LUMPUR, Chan launched the express delivery service of Chile-based shipping company Norasia Container Line Ltd that connects Port Klang to northern Europe and China.

The company said the service, known as New Asia Middle-East Express (AME), currently provides the best transit time for Malaysian cargoes to reach five of the major ports in Europe.

-- BERNAMA

dunno whether this appeared in the thread b4.. for yr reading pleasure, rcvd from a fren back home..

Rancangan Tempatan Kawasan Dalaman Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Kuala Lumpur [KLIA], 1998-2015

Perancangan pembangunan bagi keseluruhan kawasan KLIA adalah berasaskan kepada beberapa pengesyoran garis panduan yang terkandung dalam KL International Airport Master Plan, 1992 dan Kajian Rancangan Struktur Sepang, 1995. Bagi memastikan perancangan teratur di kawasan KLIA, pihakberkuasa perancang tempatan Majlis Daerah Sepang perlu menyediakan Rancangan Tempatan bagi mengawal dan memandu pembangunan selaras dengan keperluan Seksyen 12 (1) Akta Perancangan Bandar dan Desa, 1976 (Akta 172). Ini bertujuan untuk menyediakan satu panduan statutori yang mampu menampung keperluan-keperluan perancangan lapangan terbang masa depan dengan mengambilkira aspek keselamatan seperti di bawah Akta Penerbangan Awam 1969 dan aspek-aspek kesejahteraan alam sekitar seperti di dalam Environmental Impact Assessment bagi KLIA.

Penyediaan Rancangan Tempatan KLIA juga mengambilkira cadangan-cadangan dan keperluan-keperluan yang dinyatakan dalam Rancangan Struktur Sepang. Antara dasar yang terlibat ialah Polisi PK1 yang mana pihakberkuasa perancang tempatan akan memastikan pembangunan dikawasan sekitar KLIA adalah berharmoni dengan pembangunan dan keperluan KLIA.

Oleh itu, adalah penting supaya pembangunan di dalam KLIA tidak mencetuskan pembangunan-pembangunan lain di luar KLIA yang akan menjejaskan operasi, kesejahteraan dan keselamatan kawasan lapangan terbang. Rancangan Struktur Majlis Daerah Sepang juga telah mengenalpasti KLIA sebagai "Kawasan Pembangunan" kategori tiga yang hanya membenarkan pembangunan yang telah ditentukan dalam KLIA Master Plan 1992 dan aktiviti-aktiviti berkaitan dengan operasi KLIA. Pembangunan fizikal yang telah dan sedang dibangunkan adalah 2421.65 hektar dan merupakan 25 peratus daripada keseluruhan kawasan KLIA. Pembangunan sedia ada adalah seperti berikut:

Kawasan Terminal Pusat:
Kawasan Apron di selatan kawasan terminal pusat dan Bangunan Satelit
Tapak Litar Formula One
Kawasan Kemudahan Sokongan Lapangan Terbang (Southern Support Zone)
Kawasan Landasan
Kawasan Tempat Letak Kereta

Sebelah barat KLIA, kawasan pertanian dijadikan rezab kawasan hijau untuk pembangunan masa hadapan. Cadangan pembangunan masa untuk sebahagian kawasan ini melibatkan pembangunan tiga landasan terbang dan airside facilities. Selain dari itu, Kegunaan bagi kawasan pembangunan masa hadapan (lebih kurang 7,400 hektar) tidak di tentukan dalam KLIA Masterplan 1992. Justeru, Deraf Rancangan KLIA 1998 memberi cadangan mengenai kegunaan yang sesuai untuk kawasan ini.

KONSEP PEMBANGUNAN
Konsep Pembangunan KLIA mengambilkira isu-isu perancangan dan potensi pembangunan yang disesuaikan dengan syor-syor dalam Laporan KLIA Master Plan 1992, keputusan-keputusan Mesyuarat Jemaah Menteri dan rumusan rumusan isu-isu semasa. Konsep pembangunan yang dicadangkan adalah berteraskan kepada beberapa kriteria perancangan seperti berikut :
Pengekalan dan peningkatan mutu alam persekitaran dan selaras dengan Doktrin Perancangan Sejagat;
Fungsi KLIA sebagai lapangan terbang tanpa deviation gunatanah ketara;
Fungsi KLIA sebagi Transportation Hub;
Pengwujudan lapangan terbang antarabangsa yang serba lengkap dan futuristic serta berfungsi sebagai pintu masuk utama;
Kawasan green lung bagi kawasan MSC dan sekitarnya;
Selaras dengan dasar pembangunan Rancangan Struktur Sepang;
Penyesuaian keperluan pembangunan jangka panjang;
Mengambilkira garispanduan perancangan fizikal dan alam sekitar MSC;
Penyesuaian terhadap perubahan-perubahan fizikal dalam dan sekitar kawasan MSC; dan

Kompromi di antara keperluan KLIA sebagai hub airport yang berdaya saing (competitive) dengan keperluan untuk mengelakkan percanggahan di dalam gunatanah dan impaknya terhadap kawasan lapangan terbang.

Konsep Pilihan
Konsep Alternatif 2 merupakan konsep terpilih kerana dapat memenuhi kriteria-kriteria perancangan yang ditetapkan serta mengambilkira perkara-perkara seperti berikut :
Kompromi di antara mengoptimumkan penggunaan tanah dan mewujudkan keseimbangan pembangunan KLIA dengan kawasan sekitar.
Memperlengkapkan dan merealisasikan visi Airport in the forest yang menjadi identiti pembangunan KLIA.
Menyediakan ruang yang secukupnya untuk keperluan pembangunan industri penerbangan negara pada masa hadapan.
Memastikan penyediaan ruang yang mencukupi bagi pembangunan dan pembesaran keperluan lapangan terbang pada masa hadapan.

Konsep Alternatif 2 memberi fokus kepada pembangunan gunatanah yang seimbang dengan memberi tumpuan kepada penghijauan dan kesejahteraaan alam sekitar. Ciri-ciri utama dalam Konsep Alternatif 2:
Komponen gunatanah sediada dan pembangunan yang ditetapkan (committed development) KLIA dikekalkan.
Cadangan di sebelah timur KLIA sebagai kegunaan institusi (pejabat pentadbiran dan pusat latihan) manakala Litar Formula One dikekal kerana telah pun diluluskan oleh Kabinet di samping itu, tapak ini di dalam pembinaan.
Di sebelah barat pula dicadangkan kawasan industri berintensiti rendah dan berkaitan langsung dengan aerospace dan aviation. Cadangan ini adalah untuk mengimbangkan cadangan Gateway Park yang dikurangkan pembangunannya.

Cadangan kawasan hijau di sebelah barat ini dicadangkan sebagai kawasan pemeliharaan dan rekreasi. Kawasan ini boleh dibangunkan dengan pembangunan rekreasi, taman tema, tapak semaian dan aktiviti yang menyokong pemuliharaan hutan sedia ada yang mana pembangunannya hendaklah mematuhi syarat-syarat oleh Jabatan Alam Sekitar dan Jabatan Penerbangan Awam.

PETA CADANGAN
Peta Cadangan bagi kawasan KLIA dibahagikan kepada dua blok perancangan. Blok Perancangan terletak di bahagian timur merangkumi kawasan terminal utama, kawasan aktiviti-aktiviti sokongan pengoperasian lapangan terbang (Southern Support Zone), kawasan Litar Lumba Formula One, kawasan kemudahan awam (masjid, kompleks haji dan balai polis), cadangan kawasan rekreasi dan taman tema, landasan 1 dan 2. Blok Perancangan Dua terletak di bahagian barat yang menempatkan pembangunan masa hadapan bagi pembangunan tiga landasan, kawasan industri dan kawasan pemeliharaan dan rekreasi.

5 klasifikasi gunatanah dikenalpasti untuk pembangunan keseluruhan KLIA.
Kawasan Kegunaan Khas
Kawasan Terminal Pusat
Kawasan Apron dan Bangunan
Kawasan Kemudahan sokongan berkaitan lapangan terbang
Kawasan Kemudahan Sokongan
Kawasan Landasan
Kawasan Kolam Imbangan
Kawasan Restricted Navigational Area
Kawasan Kemudahan sokongan [warehousing]

Kawasan Perdagangan
Litar Formula One
Kawasan Pusat Perdagangan Runcit (Retail Business Park)

Kawasan Institusi
Kawasan pejabat pentadbiran dan pusat latihan
Kawasan kemudahan awam (kompleks tabung haji, masjid dan balai polis).
Kompleks Kuarantin (pejabat agensi yang berkaitan dengan aktiviti kuarantin).

Kawasan Hijau dan Taman
Cadangan Kawasan Rekreasi dan Taman Tema
Cadangan Taman Awam dan Linear Park
Cadangan Kawasan pengekalan dan pemeliharaan ekologi semulajadi
Cadangan Pengekalan Hutan dan Rekreasi Pasif

Draf Rancangan Tempatan bagi Kawasan KLIA telah diluluskan untuk seranta oleh Mesyuarat Majlis Daerah Sepang pada 12.12.1998 dan dimaklumkan kepada Jawatankuasa Perancang Negeri Selangor pada 31.12.1998. Seranta Draf Rancangan Tempatan KLIA dijangka pada bulan April 1999.

An Experience Redefined at the Golden Lounge KLIA
29 Jun, 2005



Kuala Lumpur, 29 June 2005: Malaysia Airlines in partnership with OSIM (M) Sdn. Bhd, a market leader in healthy lifestyle products, has refurbished its Relaxation Room in the Golden Lounge KLIA as part of the airline’s continuous effort to provide the best service to its premium passengers and ENRICH members both on ground and in the air.

At the handing over ceremony at the Golden Lounge KLIA today, Senior General Manager Customer Services Malaysia Airlines, Encik Mohd Nadziruddin Md. Basri and Director and CEO, Mr. Tay Sim Kim were on hand to sign the sponsorship agreement on behalf of their respective companies.

The co-branding venture, aligned to Malaysia Airlines’ “An Experience Redefined” campaign, is aimed at enhancing the total travel well-being of passengers.

The refurbishment of the Relaxation Room includes the installation of three units of OSIM’s world first and award winning iSymphony massager chairs that synchronizes massage with music, and two units of the OSIM iSqueeze lower leg massager. Another unit of the iSymphonic and two units of iSqueez have also been placed at both the First Class Lounge and Domestic Lounge. The total makeover of the Relaxation Room was creatively designed by OSIM.

Speaking at the official opening ceremony of Relaxation Room, Encik Mohd Nadziruddin Md. Basri said, “We hope that the availability of OSIM equipment will further enhance the uniqueness of the lounge amongst our customers and to provide the comfort and relaxation that our customers need either before or after a flight.

We are also very happy with the facelift, which OSIM has provided to the Relaxation Room. Its relaxing and tranquil ambience soothes the senses and eases the mind. It transcends a homely and welcoming feeling to our customers.”

In the past, Malaysia Airlines has worked with STAEDLER to provide edutainment centres, an exclusive facility for young passengers at the Golden Lounge Satellite and Golden Lounge Domestic in KLIA.


Director and CEO of OSIM (M) Sdn. Bhd, Mr. Tay Sim Kim said, “OSIM is honored to work with Malaysia Airlines which has won numerous global awards and accolades. We believe that with these two unbeatable innovative products, together with the Golden Lounge’s already comfortable and serene setting, passengers and travelers will have a truly, unique relaxing experience. We believe that this co-branding exercise will not only enhance customer loyalty for both Malaysia Airlines and OSIM, but also elevate our continuous efforts to satisfy customers’ high expectation for premium service.”

Both Malaysia Airlines and OSIM are commemorating significant milestones in their corporate history this year where the airline is celebrating its 58th anniversary and OSIM its 25th.

About Malaysia Airlines
www.malaysiaairlines.com

Malaysia Airlines launched its “An Experience Redefined” campaign on 23rd March 2005. This campaign symbolizes Malaysia Airlines’ commitment in creating an entirely new experience for its valued customers by upgrading its cabins, seats, in-flight entertainment and fine dining. The refurbishment of the Golden Lounge KLIA is the first project to be in consistent with Malaysia Airlines’ pledge in providing the best service for our premium passengers to enjoy on ground. Malaysia Airlines has been voted “Top Five Airlines of the Year Award in 2003” and “Top Three Airline Lounge Worldwide Award in 2002”.

Passengers at KL International Airport (KLIA) may soon be able to shop round-the-clock.

Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) managing director Datuk Seri Bashir Ahmad Abdul Majid said it was holding talks with the 47 retail outlets in KLIA on the possibility of lengthening their operating hours.

“We are discussing with them to gradually open for more hours, and we hope to be able to convince some of the outlets to stay open for 24 hours.

“Currently, only Eraman shops run by us, stay open for 24 hours,” he said in an interview here yesterday.

Eraman currently manages 20 retail outlets at KLIA and holds the concession for 21 food and beverage shops.

The Government, particularly the Tourism Ministry, had been encouraging local shopping malls and retail outlets to stay open until 2am to suit the lifestyle of Middle Easterners who “love to be out late into the night.”

Bashir said many outlets in KLIA had already decided to push back their closing hours to take advantage of the influx of Middle Eastern tourists during the peak season.

“Hopefully, we can get the retail shops to open past midnight after the peak season.

“Some shop operators however argued that passenger volume tended to be quite low between 2am and 4am. So, it may not be feasible for them to put staff on an extra shift,” he said.

The peak season starts in June and ends in September.

yeah! great stuff! 24hr shopping!

http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/8199/klia1lw.jpg

Pan Pacific KLIA sees spin-offs from renovation
Updated : 06-07-2005
Media : Business Times
Story By : OOI TEE CHING




PAN Pacific KL International Airport hotel hopes to better its 70 per cent occupancy rate when its RM6 million renovation works finish by December 2005.

General manager Hans G. Winsnes said the hotel has been undertaking minor renovating works on the premises phase by phase.

¡§We started in November last year and it should all be completed by the middle of December.

¡§We¡¦ll have something to look forward to this Christmas,¡¨ he added..

Being an airport hotel, most of its hotel guests are transient travellers and motor sport participants who frequent the Sepang F1 circuit.

Pan Pacific KLIA, which is U-shaped, is strategically located near the KLIA main terminal.

Travellers can walk 800 metres to the 441-room hotel via a sky-bridge.

Winsnes was speaking to reporters after launching the hotel¡¦s check-in counter at the KLIA baggage retrieval hall.

After six months of preparatory works which include attaining approvals from the authorities and RM75,000 for three more on-line computers, Pan Pacific KLIA conducted a trial run of the additional check-in counter.

¡§We tried the system two weeks ago from 7am until 11pm everyday and there has been an average check-in of 50 rooms per day.

¡§After long travelling hours on the plane, people just want to check in quickly into their hotel rooms.

¡§With this additional check-in counter, we promise our guests convenient check-ins with maximum timing of 10 minutes only,¡¨ Winsnes said.

Pan Pacific KLIA is the first hotel in Malaysia to operate a check-in counter at the Baggage Reclaim Hall at KLIA.

Upon reservations, guests are informed of the check-in facilities at KLIA and the optional meet-and-greet service upon arrival.

He also said that the check-in counter at the baggage hall is equipped with Internet access for guests to make room bookings for its other sister hotels.

Japanese-owned Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts has 25 hotels in 11 countries throughout Asia-Pacific region and North America.

Express Rail Link in drive to boost service
Updated : 07-07-2005
Media : Business Times
Story By : KANG SIEW LI



RAIL operator Express Rail Link Sdn Bhd (ERLSB) is spending between RM2 million and RM3 million this year to increase public awareness of its high-speed passenger train service between Kuala Lumpur and the KL International Airport (KLIA) in Sepang.

It will focus on creating greater awareness of its presence among business travellers who account for 70 per cent of its passengers as well as tourists from countries such as Japan, China, India and West Asia.

Chief executive officer Dr Aminuddin Adnan told Business Times that as much as ERLSB has done to bring awareness to its services over the past three years, there is still much more to be done.

¡§Many locals still don¡¦t know that we have been around for three years now. There is still a lot of work to be done to raise awareness about our services (in the country and selected overseas markets),¡¨ he said.

The company began operations in 2002.

So far this year, the company has participated in travel markets such as the Matta International Travel Fair in Kuala Lumpur and the Arab Travel Mart in Dubai.

It also participated in the Air France-KLM Royal Dutch Airlines treasure hunt trail from KLIA to Jakarta in June.

¡§Apart from participating in such events, we have al-

so implemented programmes such as engaging Arab-speaking promoters to station themselves at KLIA to help capture West Asian visitors coming through the airport,¡¨ said Aminuddin.

The promoters will be stationed at KLIA for the next three months as the airport is expecting some 200,000 tourists from West Asia during the peak season from June until September.

Aminuddin said the company also plans to introduce a dedicated compartment for regular users of the express rail link (ERL) system.

¡§These may include members of Malaysia Airlines¡¦ Enrich Frequent Flyer Programme. (However,) we are still working on the idea ... looking at what the numbers are. Nonetheless, users of the dedicated compartment would pay the same fare as they pay today,¡¨ he added.

Financially, ERLSB has been growing nicely. The company expects to post its third full-year operating profit this year, thanks in part to cost-cutting measures.

Aminuddin did not disclose specific revenue information, but said the company is on the road to profitability.

¡§We have organised the business in such a way that we are not a losing concern, but have a decent yearly operational profit. We undertook a large number of cost cutting measures in the past two years. For instance, we have renegotiated contracts on maintenance, the provision of spare parts and insurance.

¡§However, there¡¦s still a long way to go before we can say we are comfortable,¡¨ said Aminuddin.

The ERL system now averages 5,800 passengers per day, up 7.4 per cent from 5,400 passengers per day last year. It expects to carry 6,000 passengers per day by the end of this year.

Aminuddin said ERLSB currently utilises a mere 30 per cent of its total capacity of 21,000 passengers per day, but hoped to increase its share of passenger numbers at KLIA with the opening of the low-cost carrier terminal in June next year.

Today, ERLSB¡¦s share of the passenger market at KLIA is 17 per cent.

The remaining market share is taken up by taxi services, coaches and private vehicles. About 35,000 to 45,000 passengers travel through KLIA daily.

Aminuddin said ERLSB still lags behind Hong Kong¡¦s ERL service, which has a 30 per cent share of the market, because the latter has been around much longer.

¡§It also has to do with the fare structure. In Hong Kong, the taxi fare is about three times higher than the train fare whereas in Malaysia, it is just double,¡¨ he added.

ERLSB is 50 per cent owned by YTL Corp Bhd, with Tabung Haji Technologies Sdn Bhd holding 40 per cent and Nadicorp Holdings Sdn Bhd 10 per cent.

Malaysia Airports Selects Preston Gate Allocation System
Updated : 07-07-2005
Media : Bernama



Preston Aviation Solutions Pty Ltd, a Boeing wholly owned subsidiary, has been commissioned by Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) to replace the existing gate-allocation system at KL International Airport (KLIA) with its dynamic airport resource management system - Airport Solutions.

Airport Solutions will be installed at Malaysia's premier airport hub to assist the team at KLIA's airport operations to better manage the forecasted growth and ongoing expansion of the airport, Boeing said in a statement from Melbourne, Thursday.

Preston's integrated suite of decision support tools will provide KLIA with a sophisticated and reliable resource management system, which will meet the day-of-operations and strategic planning requirements of its gate and remote parking resources, check-in desks and baggage carousels.

"Allocating the right resources at the right time is a challenging task for any major international airport hub, which is why a system like Airport Solutions will enable us to confidently handle KLIA's current and future resource demands," MAHB Managing Director Datuk Seri Bashir Ahmad said.

"Preston's new resource management system will also assist us to evaluate past, current and future passenger processing operations at KL International Airport."

The implementation of Airport Solutions at KLIA commenced in February and is expected to be operational by September 2005.

Airport Solutions is currently in use by many of the world's leading international airports including: Auckland International Airport, New Zealand; Bangkok International Airport, Thailand, Chek Lap Kok, Hong Kong; Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted International Airports, London; Narita Airport, Japan; Stockholm-Arlanda International Airport, Stockholm; and Vancouver International Airport; Canada.

Preston Aviation Solutions is a leader in the development of advanced airspace and airport simulation, decision support and airport resource allocation systems.

A wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Company, Preston is an integral part of the Boeing Commercial Aviation Services unit. The established market presence and reach of Boeing, coupled with Preston's world-leading technology and extensive customer base, allow Preston to offer unprecedented levels of aviation expertise, knowledge and support.

MAHB is responsible for the management, operation, maintenance and future development of KLIA and the provision of airport-related services. KLIA is the result of visionary strategy to meet the needs of aviation traffic in the 21st century.

Managing over 21 million passengers a year, KLIA is recognised as one of the world's leading modern airports and the ultimate gateway to Malaysia.

Air India To Have Direct Flights From Mumbai To KL
July 08, 2005 21:39 PM



NEW DELHI, July 8 (Bernama) -- Kuala Lumpur is among three Southeast Asian destinations with which Air India, India's international carrier, will have non-stop flights from Mumbai.

The other two destinations are Singapore and Bangkok, said a Mumbai-datelined report in the financial daily, the Hindu Business Line.

The airline has also launched from July 7 fourteen additional flights to Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong and Osaka.

In addition to the increase in the number of flights to almost all existing destinations in Asia, Seoul in Korea is being added as a new destination on the Airline's network, the report said.

As per the new schedule, Air India will now have 16 flights a week to and from Singapore with non-stop services from Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai and Hyderabad.

-- BERNAMA

Air India


http://www.airindia.com/images/airindialogo.gif
http://www.pbase.com/image/39726555.jpg

Pan Pac opens KLIA check-in counter
Updated : 11-07-2005
Media : The Edge



Pan Pacific Kuala Lumpur International Airport has become the first hotel to operate a check-in counter at the baggage claim area of the international arrival hall at the KLIA.

In a statement last week, Pan Pacific said the counter would register guests with reservations with the hotel and potential walk-in guests.

Since its soft opening last month, it said there had been an average check-in involving 50 rooms per day. กงThe hotel is targeting to work towards at least 50% of the average daily arrivals, that is 250 to 280 days per day to check in at the counter.

Touch 'n Go for KLIA Ekspres
The Star Online, 14 July 2005



PETALING JAYA: Users of the KLIA Ekspres high-speed train service between Kuala Lumpur and the KL International Airport in Sepang will be able to use Touch ’n Go cards to pay their fares by the end of next month.

Its operator Express Rail Link Sdn Bhd (ERL) said the infrastructure was already in place.

“We have not set a target date for implementation but it should be next month,” ERL chief executive officer Dr Aminuddin Adnan said when contacted yesterday.

He said ERL was now finalising the contract with Touch ’n Go operator Rangkaian Segar Sdn Bhd.

Dr Aminuddin, however, said Touch ’n Go would not yet be accepted for travel on the KLIA Transit, which also runs between KL Sentral and KLIA but stops at three stations.

He said ERL was trying to secure funding for the system to be installed.

“We have already finalised our capital expenditure. As such, we are trying to find the budget for it,” he said.

ERL and KL Monorail Systems Sdn Bhd which runs Kuala Lumpur’s monorail system are the last two rail-based public transport operators to accept Touch ’n Go cards for fare payment.

Despite the Government’s push for the card to become the common ticket for Klang Valley’s public transport systems for the past two years, several operators were reluctant to adopt it because of disagreements over the commission charged by Rangkaian Segar.

KL Monorail only recently said it would be accepting Touch ’n Go cards in August.

Other systems where the cards are already in use are the Putraline and Starline light rail transit and KTM Komuter.

MAB Spends RM79 Mln Yearly On Facilities/Airside Maintenance
Updated : 19-07-2005
Media : Bernama




Malaysia Aiport Bhd allocates nearly RM79 million every year for the maintenance of its equipment and airside areas to ensure that the KL International Airport (KLIA) remains at par with other leading airports of the world.

Its chairman, Tan Sri Dr Aris Othman said that MAB constantly monitored all its equipment and the airside areas such as the aircraft parking zone, runway and runway lights to ensure that they were all at their best levels to maintain the airport's safety level and minimise accidents in these areas.

"The excellence of an airport is not only measured through the number of passengers and cargo it handles ever year, airline companies also look into the safety aspects of the airport areas before they start any operations at the airport," he said.

He said that the reputation of an airport would be badly damaged should any accident take place due to a compromise on a safety measure at the airport areas.

He said this to reporters after the launch of the "Safety Campaign Together with Airside Operations" here, Tuesday. The campaign is being jointly participated by Malaysia Airlines Klas, Airasia, Esso, Shell, Sinar Jernih and several other private sector companies.

In line with its safety measures, Dr Aris said MAB also allocated RM6 million yearly to conduct special training to ensure the safety maintenance at its airport areas.

"We are also estimating a reduction in the number of accidents within the airport areas and infact are aiming for a zero-accident level," he said.

In the first six months of this year, a total of 14 accidents were recorded and this a reduced number when compared with a total of 48 cases recorded for the whole of last year, he said.

He said although the accidents involved minor incidents such as maintenance vehicles hitting an aircraft, MAB viewed such incidents very seriously as every accident involved high costs in repair.

On the campaign launched today, Dr Aris said that it was aimed at inculcating safety awareness among all workers at the apron area and of the safety regulations that they would have to adhere to whilst carrying out their duties. The campaign is also aimed at keeping the KLIA apron as an area free from "foreign object damage", which provides a guarantee of safety for all aircraft parked at the area.

Also present at today's event were the chief executive officer of KL Airport Services Sdn Bhd Sharifah Halimah Syed Ahmad, senior general manager of MAB Operations Mahat Samah and the general manager of KLIA, Azmi Murad.

Malaysia Airports to give KLIA satellite building facelift
Updated : 20-07-2005
Media : Business Times
Story By : GOH THEAN EU




MALAYSIA Airport Holdings Bhd (MAHB) will spend RM19 million to renovate the commercial section of the Kuala Lumpur International Airport¡¦s (KLIA) satellite building by integrating an open mall.

After the facelift, the retail outlets in KLIA¡¦s satellite building is expected to increase to about 52 from the present 45.

Malaysia Airports (Sepang) Sdn Bhd head of the commercial division Ahmad Lufti Mustafa said the satellite building¡¦s facelift is expected to begin in two to three months time and construction should take about 18 months.

Currently, there are a total of 77 retail outlets in KLIA, with 22 outlets in the terminal building. Its retail outlets in the satellite building currently contribute about 75 per cent of the revenue, which is in the range of RM50 million to RM55 million a month.

On the terminal building, Ahmad Lufti said studies are currently being conducted by an international consultancy firm on a possible expansion plan.

Speaking to the press after the prize presentation of the Mercedes Benz C180K Grand Shopping Bonanza draw Ahmad Lufti said the shopping campaign, themed ¡§Discover Malaysia¡¨, has been extremely successful in achieving its goals to increase passenger spending and to create awareness for KLIA shopping.

Also present at the ceremony was campaign sponsor MasterCard (Malaysia) marketing director Yau Su Peng.

The Mercedes was won by 27 year old Yong Li Meng, a primary school teacher in Puchong. She qualified for entry after buying a pair of watches at the terminal while sending her family off.

Yong was first Malaysian to win the grand prize, as previous grand prize winners were foreigners.

Ahmad Lutfi said the airport registered sales per passenger of RM27 last year, an increase from about RM25 in 2003, and is looking forward to organise another shopping campaign end of this year.

KLIA spends RM79m on maintenance
Updated : 20-07-2005
Media : Business Times
Story By : AZLAN ABU BAKAR




THE KL International Airport (KLIA) in Sepang spends about RM79 million a year to maintain the facilities, equipment and infrastructure of its operation area, Malaysia Airports Holding Bhd (MAHB) chairman Tan Sri Aris Othman said.

The maintenance is also important to safeguard the safety of the aircraft, crew and other workers, hence minimising the occurrences of accidents.

¡§KLIA¡¦s achievement is not only measured from the number of passengers, aircraft and cargo handled every year but safety aspects in the operation of the airport are also very important.

¡§It must comply in accordance to the regulatory bodies such as the International Civil Aviation Organisation and Federal Aviation Authorities,¡¨ he said.

He said with the recognition, Malaysian airports can boost public confidence as all processes and procedures are set to the highest standards by the international bodies.

He noted that in the first six months of this year, a total of 14 accident cases were recorded at KLIA. In 2004, it recorded a total of 48 cases.

Speaking to reporters after launching the Joint Apron Safety Campaign at the airport yesterday, Aris said operations at the airport are monitored by the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) to ensure that they are at the maximum level.

The campaign ¡X jointly organised by Malaysia Airlines, KL Airport Services, Air Asia, Petroliam Nasional Esso, Shell and Sinar Jernih is to educate all apron users on the importance of safety measures while they are carrying out their duties and responsibilities at the apron area.

In another issue, Aris said MAHB has allocated RM6 million to train new aviation security personnel at airports throughout Malaysia.

¡§There are about 1,600 security personnel at airports throughout the country, with 800 of them located at KLIA,¡¨ he said.

KLIA, now in its seventh year of operation, achieved fifth place in the International Air Transport Association¡¦s list of the world¡¦s most secured airports last year.

For the financial year ended December 31 2004, MAHB¡¦s consolidated revenue amounted to RM1.02 billion and consolidated pre-tax profit was RM197.5 million.

The company is on target to meet its projected growth rate of 7 per cent, or 22.5 million passengers to travel ling through KLIA.

New look for KLIA food court
By DHARMENDER SINGH
Wednesday July 20, 2005




THE Food Garden food court at the Kuala Lumpur Inter-national Airport (KLIA) will undergo renovations for two months starting from the end of this month to give it a new look.

Eraman Malaysia chief executive officer Syed Ahmad Syed Salim said the food court needed a “different look” seven years after it was opened in order to add to its appeal.

“Business at the Food Garden has been good with percentage increase in revenue climbing in double-digit figures over the last two years and we decided to carry out cosmetic changes to the place to make it more attractive,'' he said.

He said more people, including foreign travellers, had been making their way to the Food Garden for meals as they were attracted by the local food available there that ranged from nasi kandar and beryani to laksa and ice-kacang.

He said one of the attractions at the food court was the cheaper price of food sold there, as a result of the cheaper rental charged for the stalls.

He said there were plans to add more stalls to the 12 that have been operating there, as well as extending the operating hours possibly to allow them to open round the clock. The stalls currently operate only from 7am to 11pm.

Syed Ahmad was speaking to reporters after launching the Food Garden 7th Anniversary Celebrations at the food court on Saturday.

He also handed a cheque for RM5,000 each to Pertubuhan Rumah Amal Cahaya Tengku Ampuan Rahimah and Rumah Anak-Anak Yatim Bakti Semantan.

Wan Yusniza Wan Yusoff received the cheque for Rumah Amal Cahaya Tengku Ampuan Rahimah while Datuk Abdullah Mohamed received the cheque for Rumah Anak-Anak Yatim Bakti Semantan.

About 60 children from the homes attended the function and were entertained with clown shows, balloons, a dance performance and songs by Akademi Fantasia contestants Amy and Eliza.

Stalls selling local fruits and kerepek have been set up at the food court and a cooking demonstration will be held there on Saturday.

Facelift for KLIA’s shopping outlets
By DHARMENDER SINGH
Friday July 22, 2005




MALAYSIA AIRPORTS BHD will carry out a facelift of the 45 shopping outlets at the satellite building of the Kuala Lumpur Inter-national Airport (KLIA) to make them more appealing to foreign travellers.

Malaysia Airports Sepang Commercial Outlets chief Ahmad Lutfi Mustafa said Malaysia Airports hoped to finish reno-vations within the next three months.

According to Ahmad Lutfi, the 45 outlets at the satellite building brought in revenue amounting to almost 75% of the total business revenue at the airport.

He added that Malaysia Airports was also considering an open mall concept for the satellite building.

”We also want to make the arrival and departure halls more appealing to attract shoppers living nearby.





http://thestar.com.my/archives/2005/7/22/central/m_pg16yong.jpg

Yong with the Mercedes Benz C180 Kompressor she
won during the KLIA Grand Bonanza Shopping Contest.





“At airports like those in Amsterdam and Dubai, people living in the surrounding areas account for about 30% of the retail business at the airport but here, it is only about 5%,” he said, adding that consultants would be hired to determine the changes needed to attract those living nearby.

Ahmad Lutfi was speaking at the prize presentation ceremony for the KLIA Grand Bonanza Shopping Contest that ended in February.

Secondary school teacher Yong Li Meng emerged the grand prize-winner for the contest and received the keys to a Mercedes Benz C180 Kompressor.

Yong said she entered the contest after buying two watches and a pair of shoes at the airport when seeing off her parents who were on their way back to Miri, Sarawak.

Mastercard Member Relations and Marketing director Yau Su Peng and Cycle and Carriage Bintang Bhd sales manager Eugene Tay were also present at the event.

Move to boost safety at KLIA
By DHARMENDER SINGH
Friday July 22, 2005




EFFORTS by Malaysia Airports to increase safety at the apron area of the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) have started to bear fruit with a decline in the number of accidents.

Malaysia Airports Sepang general manager Azmi Murad said the number of accidents had been reduced from 48 last year to 14 in the first six months of this year.

“Most of the accidents are minor ones, including planes hitting the ramp, catering lorries backing into the planes and bird strikes,” he explained.

However, he added that even though the accidents were minor, delays were unavoidable as repairs would have to be made.

Azmi was speaking after the launch of the Joint Apron Safety Campaign by Malaysia Airports chairman Tan Sri Dr Aris Othman.

Companies participating in the campaign include Malaysia Airlines System, KL Airport Services, Air Asia, Petronas, Esso, Shell and Sinar Jernih.

Dr Aris said Malaysia Airports was working closely with the companies to prevent accidents caused by human error.

“We have also taken measures to scare birds away from the airport area but there is only so much that we can do.

“We are trying to reduce accidents that can be avoided with better care or procedures,'' he said.

Dr Aris added that Malaysia Airports had allocated RM6mil for training its ground crew this year and was also training an additional 170 Airport Fire Rescue Services members to join the 800 already in service.

The company also spends about RM79mil annually to maintain the runways and other areas of the airport.

KLIA Runs Full Electricity Integrity Test
Updated : 01-08-2005
Media : Bernama





The KL International Airport (KLIA) today conducted an electrical power supply (EPS) integrity test to ascertain the performance of the KLIA EPS and the response of all standby back up power supply in the event of a power supply failure at the airport.

The yearly simulation exercise is to prepare all the KLIA communities on emergency actions to be carried out in the event of a power supply failure at KLIA, Malaysia Airports, the operator of KLIA said in a statement Monday.

The EPS test was held from 2.00 am until 3.30 am where the KLIA experienced total blackout with the absent of supply from both Gas District Cooling (GDC) and Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB).

During the complete blackout, the back-up power supply came from the standby generator sets and the Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) for essential and critical loads only.

The premises gensets and the UPS provided the essential supply for the critical equipment and systems.

The simulation exercise was carried out with the TNB power supply and GDC being shut down one after another.

At the same time the engineering team was fully prepared with the contingency plan and was fully backed-up with all the precautionary measures involving in the preparation of the back-up system.

During the simulation exercise, all the relevant airport personnel were deployed to the affected areas to provide additional assistance in the operation areas.

The terminal operation was minimally affected and the airlines and terminal staff assisted all passengers and airport customers.

KLIA electrical consumers such as Malaysia Airlines System (MAS), KL Aiport Services (KLAS), Air Asia Hangar, Department of Civil Aviation KLIA, Pan Pacific KLIA Hotel, Police Station, Pos Malaysia, Meteorological Station, Quarantine Complex, Detention Depot for immigration and other agencies at KLIA were involved in the simulation exercise.

Facelift for KLIA’s shopping outlets
By DHARMENDER SINGH
Friday July 22, 2005




MALAYSIA AIRPORTS BHD will carry out a facelift of the 45 shopping outlets at the satellite building of the Kuala Lumpur Inter-national Airport (KLIA) to make them more appealing to foreign travellers.

Malaysia Airports Sepang Commercial Outlets chief Ahmad Lutfi Mustafa said Malaysia Airports hoped to finish reno-vations within the next three months.

According to Ahmad Lutfi, the 45 outlets at the satellite building brought in revenue amounting to almost 75% of the total business revenue at the airport.

He added that Malaysia Airports was also considering an open mall concept for the satellite building.

”We also want to make the arrival and departure halls more appealing to attract shoppers living nearby.





http://thestar.com.my/archives/2005/7/22/central/m_pg16yong.jpg

Yong with the Mercedes Benz C180 Kompressor she
won during the KLIA Grand Bonanza Shopping Contest.





“At airports like those in Amsterdam and Dubai, people living in the surrounding areas account for about 30% of the retail business at the airport but here, it is only about 5%,” he said, adding that consultants would be hired to determine the changes needed to attract those living nearby.

Ahmad Lutfi was speaking at the prize presentation ceremony for the KLIA Grand Bonanza Shopping Contest that ended in February.

Secondary school teacher Yong Li Meng emerged the grand prize-winner for the contest and received the keys to a Mercedes Benz C180 Kompressor.

Yong said she entered the contest after buying two watches and a pair of shoes at the airport when seeing off her parents who were on their way back to Miri, Sarawak.

Mastercard Member Relations and Marketing director Yau Su Peng and Cycle and Carriage Bintang Bhd sales manager Eugene Tay were also present at the event.

i totally agree with this move.I find the shops looks rather 'cheap' with the rent they are paying+_+

KLIA’s LCC terminal ahead of schedule
By Malar Velaigam, 04 Aug 2005 3:56 PM



Construction of the RM108 million low-cost carrier (LCC) terminal at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is progressing well and it is slightly ahead of schedule at 16.7% against 14.8% planned.

The foundation of the terminal building has been completed while the structural steelwork works are in progress. Work on the roof is expected to start very soon.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy visited the construction site in Sepang on Aug 4. Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd managing director Datuk Seri Bashir Ahmad briefed him on the progress of the project.

Work has started on the extension of the taxilane and parking apron while external infrastructure, sewerage, drainage and roadworks are in progress.

The new LLC terminal is designed to handle 10 million passengers per annum and has 30 parking bay to accommodate Boeing 737 and Airbus 320 aircraft.

MAB: LCC terminal on track
Updated : 05-08-2005
Media : The Star
Story By : DANNY YAP



THE construction of the country's RM108mil low-cost carrier terminal (LCC), due for completion in March or April next year, is progressing well, with works currently ahead of schedule, Malaysia Airports Bhd (MAB) managing director Datuk Seri Bashir Ahmad said.

¡§We're on track, with work in progress at 16.7% against the 14.8% planned,¡¨ he told reporters after an inspection of the LCC terminal the at KL International Airport yesterday.

Transport Minister Datuk Sri Chan Kong Choy visited the construction site and was briefed by Bashir on the work progress.

Bashir said the terminal was designed to handle 10 million passengers a year and had 30 parking bays to accommodate Boeing 737 and Airbus 320 aircraft.

He also said if required, the LCC terminal could be expanded quickly to handle 15 million passengers.

¡§We expect the terminal to be a hub for other LCCs in the Asean region, over time,¡¨ he said.

AirAsia Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Tony Fernandes, who was also present, said the terminal would enable the budget airline to improve efficiency and turn around time, which would help cut the cost of air travel.

On comments that the terminal was rather plain looking, he said it was built for efficiency and practicality and would be comparable to other LCC terminals worldwide.

¡§We've been working very closely with the management of Malaysia Airports to ensure the terminal is built to specifications,¡¨ he said, adding that AirAsia would be the anchor tenant.

Last year alone, AirAsia posted a 48.9% growth in passengers to almost three million.

Fernandes said AirAsia was happy with the progress of the LCC terminal.

He thanked the Government for its support, which included a RM10.4mil war-risk back up insurance as an incentive for the airline to operate in Sepang.

Aviation agent to lure more airline to KLIA
Updated : 07-08-2005
Media : New Straits Times



ABDA Aviation Sdn Bhd is forging ahead with plans to attract tier one airlines to land at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).

The company, which is the largest general sales agent (GSA) in Malaysia, representing no less than 36 airlines, is instrumental in attracting Air Nepal International (ANI) to Malaysia.

The airline¡¦s inaugural flight from Kathmandu will land at KLIA tomorrow.

ABDA Aviation managing director Zainal Abidin Abdul Kapur said Air Nepal¡¦s arrival here followed two months of intense discussions with the airline.

"We are currently negotiating with several airlines to attract them to KLIA," Zainal Abidin said.

"However, it is too early to announce anything as discussions are at an early stage."

Zainal Abidin said that as a world-class airport, KLIA had much to offer to passengers and the airfreight industry, and there was no reason why international airlines should shy away from landing here.

"Initially, some airlines dropped out when operations moved from Subang to KLIA.

"But with the incentives provided by Malaysia Airports Berhad, such as the waiving of landing and parking charges up to July 2008, more airlines have indicated an interest to fly to KLIA," he said.

Among the airlines ABDA Aviation represents are Transaero Airlines, one of the largest Russian passenger carriers, and LTU International Airways, one of the largest German cargo carriers.

The company is also the ticketing agent for Turkish Airlines, Transaero Airlines and Aaerosvit Airlines, besides ANI.

Zainal Abidin said there were about 300,000 Nepalese workers in Malaysia and the Kuala Lumpur-Kathmandu direct flights on Boeing 767-300 was expected to be popular among them.

He said the excess baggage charge of RM14 per kg set by the airline would also appeal to travellers as it was one of the cheapest rates in the world.

Among the dignitaries who will arrive on the inaugural flight are the Nepalese Minister of Tourism B.R. Bajracharya, Civil Aviation Authority director-general R.R. Dali, Air Nepal executive vice-president H.B. Shrestha, board members Promod Rana and Bikas Rana and Nepal Tourism Board chief executive T.B. Dangi.

Air Nepal begins international flights





http://airnepalinternational.com/images/logo.gif
http://airnepalinternational.com/images/Map_00.jpg





Air Nepal International (ANI) – the new dynamic and upcoming airline touched the Nepali sky on 24th of July 2005, flying from Kathmandu to Kuala Lumpur, carrying a total of 163 passengers.

ANI has leased a Boeing 767-300 series aircraft with a capacity of 245 seats, 24 being Business class and 221 Economy class.

ANI will initially fly twice a week to Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok

Due to some unavoidable circumstances, the launch of the flights to Dubai and Doha have been postponed till the 7th of August 2005.





http://airnepalinternational.com/images/airnp.jpg





Air Nepal International has taken a policy to appoint agents in Nepal who will sell tickets on the flights. It has appointed general Sales Agents in the destination cities and is also looking at general Sales Agents in other offline countries. Air Nepal has taken a conscious decision to work with other airlines to maintain healthy environment in the market place and plans to offer a homely atmoshphere to the passengers both inbound and outbound.

ANI is planning to introduce e-Ticketing in Nepal very soon and is negotiating with an internet based system for its reservations. This will make it convenient for both the passengers and the trade. ANI website will have real time information on flight departures and arrivals.

There has been an enthusiastic response from the trade and we expect support from the entire travelling public. ANI is committed to provide efficient service to its clients and will try its best to operate reliable flight to all ts destinations. ANI is planning to expand its operations by the end of the year and acquire more aircrafts.

Touch ’n Go extends usage to KLIA commuters
August 24 2005
By KANG SIEW LI




PASSENGERS on the KLIA Express train will be able to use the Touch ‘n Go cards latest by October this year.

Operator of the Touch ‘n Go and SmartTag payment system, Rangkaian Segar Sdn Bhd, said it is extending the usage of its cards to cover the high-speed passenger train service between Kuala Lumpur and the KL International Airport (KLIA) in Sepang.

The Express Rail Link Sdn Bhd (ERLSB), which runs the KLIA Express network, will be the last rail operator to implement the Touch ‘n Go payment system.

Rangkaian Segar marketing division general manager Khair Ul-Anwar Mohd Yusoff said this was in line with an agreement that KTM Bhd, ERLSB, Rangkaian Pengangkutan Deras Sdn Bhd (Rapid KL) and KL Monorail System Sdn Bhd reached in July this year to use the Touch ‘n Go application as a common ticketing system from September.

Today, Touch ‘n Go cardholders can use their cards when travelling on the KTM Komuter, the Star and Putra light rail transit systems and the KL Monorail.

Khair said the company is now working with Rapid KL to extend usage of the cards for bus passengers in the Klang Valley by the first quarter of next year.

There are about 3 million Touch ‘n Go cards in circulation and some one million MyKad cardholders whose cards come with built-in Touch ‘n Go facilities, registering some 30 million transactions and 1 million reloads per month.

Khair said the company is expecting the number of cards in circulation to grow by an additional 300,000 by the end of this year.

“The growth will mainly come from users of the KTM Komuter, the Star and Putra light rail transit systems and the KL Monorail (which have been using cash as payment for travel in the past),” he told reporters after a press briefing on radio frequency identification (RFID) and its usage by Philips Malaysia Sdn Bhd in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

Nevertheless, the usage of the Touch ‘n Go payment system in the public transport segment is still low, with 33 per cent of the public transport users using the Touch ‘n Go cards, 17 per cent using the smart tags and the balance cash.

Meanwhile, Philips Malaysia Sdn Bhd general manager Andy Lee Yiew Meng said the company is looking at the rapidly expanding RFID industry as a new market to foster growth.

Already, Philips’ semiconductor division is the world’s leader in the design and manufacturing of the contactless chips, with a 75 to 80 per cent share of the market.

“Our RFID-based technology is used across a diverse set of applications such as supply chain management and logistics functions, including pharmaceutical and livestock tracking as well as on various transportation application,” said Lee.

Apart from Rangkaian Segar, notable names using RFID technology include Wal-Mart, UK supermarket chain Tesco, Metro and Target.

RFID devices use radio waves to transmit information from a tagged object to a special reader. This allows the position, or simply the presence, of an object or living thing to be detected.

http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BT/Wednesday/Nation/20050824020326/Article/Current_News/BT/Images/daily/tng.jpg
Passengers on the KLIA Express train will be able to use
the Touch ‘n Go cards latest by October this year

I came across this blog when I was surfing the net this morning....
I think we have a little (or lot...) to improve in terms of the services within the KLIA itself. Living in Sydney for 5 years now I heard all the good and bad about Malaysia (the good wasn't surprising at all....our food..rindu all the mamak environment and tgk bola with friends at the stalls!)


So guys after reading this what do you think? Do you have any story about how other airports doing (in Malaysia and other countries)


Dan's Rants
http://www.electroteque.org/blogs/index.php?p=23

7/21/2005

Filed under: General— electroteque @ 4:40 am
My first leg to Amsterdam was a quite relaxing experience with Malaysian Airlines. To my amasement a heap of attracting woman got onboard, but nothing really freaky happened like my last experience in march while I was a single man Until i made it to Malaysia I couldnt work out why the plane I was on was so empty, nearly every person had 3 seats to themselves including myself I wished I used it to my advantage and laid down and slept but I decided to stay awake and keep my mind active with the mindless personal movies which were in repeat and there was not much options. This euro trip I was lucky to have called back the agent to organise strict vegetarian meals on all the plane flights I was on, or else I would have had to bluff my way to get my vegetarian meals this time. The food was ok but not the best, as with most plane food gives me allergies and gut problems.

On near arrival to Kuala Lumpur there was a Malaysian promotional B-grade video displaying the delights and sights of what Kuala Lumpur has to offer especially their crappy overdone airport. Apart from the rainforests with monkeys the city looks dull with overdone “worlds tallest buildings” trying to be bigger than the rest with their constructions. Most of the promotion video was full of dull and artless scenes, mostly showing buidlings and americanised cafes, prob attracting.

I am in the Kuala Lumpur airport, there are 3 free internet spots sponsored by samsung with displays of the latest samsung phones. On first try of the free internet webmessenger msn wouldnt load, and web icq kept dropping out. The entire net was extremely slow, like each computer was hubbed to a 56k connection . This sexy NZ girl I spotted on my plane who looked extremely familiar like I saw here before (past life ?) kept appearing wherever I was, especially at the internet points. She was waiting to get on while I was on, and these guys pushed in so I offered her mine because I was waiting for msn to load I started talking with her telling me from NZ heading to London, but wasnt really friendly or responsive, but still sexy. I eventually got the shits , msn never loading and I thought I would try out finding a wireless network in the place. Compared to the Singapore free internet spots this was crappy, all the waiting areas had no power , so the only power was at the internet zones, so had to setup my laptop in front of everyone sitting on the filthy ground. I had to first get myself a multi international plug which was easy to find but 20 buks !. To my surprise there was a wireless network, but was extremely weak at the free internet spots which was the only power source in the place !

I eventually gave up with the internet, having briefly told doc that i was in Malaysia and lucky I did because I had told Tim i was arriving on Thurs, but being the stupid Koala as I always am got my days mixed up so I was arriving Friday. I decided to start walking around looking for bottles of water, there was no newsagent or place selling water, there was just alot of crappy unuseful shops so my search to hydrate myself was impossible. The next mission was finding food, after walking around the entire place finding a decent place for food that wasnt hungry jacks, shitty pizza from an “italian in malaysia restaurant” I sat to get a soy hot choc. There was a noodle place across from where I was so decided to ask if they had anything vegetarian which was a pointless exercise. I eventually settled with chips from hungry jacks which was an interesting experience. There was hourds of people there generally young asian kids devouring on shit, there was one kid ordering for an entire travelling backetball team with a tray full of burgers, then this other guy also with a stack of burgers on a tray and then they supply you with a little plastic holder to put your sauces in for dipping your fries into urrrgh.

Triple-J: I think he's just ordinary laid back grumpy Aussie bloke..he he :lol:

i never been to changi before but having experienced KLIA and heard all this good stuff about Changi, i would rather say KLIA NEEDS TO IMPROVE...and its never going to be over because the competition increases with soon to be open new bangkok intl. airport...

KLIA still has a lot to improve... after 7 years of operation:

> Their baggage handling system... still no improvement... passengers have to wait for quite some time for their bags to arrive at the baggage reclaim conveyor.
> Lack of a simple convenience store like 7 eleven or Kiosk just to buy a bottle of mineral water. They should build at least two at the main terminal (Level 3 and 5) and one at the satellite building.
> Their prices of goods at the duty free shops are not as attractive compared to 'rival airports' or even downtown KL.
There should have shops suitable for all income level. Not just 'high end' ones.
> Lack of entertainment options for passengers especially transiting passengers. Rival airports have mini cinemas, edutainment and video games centre for kids, free wifi zones with superior coverage across the terminal. They just need to invent something!
> And of course connectivity. KLIA lacks of airlines from US, Europe, Australia, Canada. Lure big names like British Airways, Qantas, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Aeroflot, Swiss, Virgin Atlantic, United Airlines, Air Canada.

Sorry to interrupt this thread but we all need your support for our national day banner ;)


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Please VOTE for your MERDEKA BANNER here:


http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=250241




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Shenzhen Airlines introduces daily flights to KLIA
02 Sep 2005 6:14 PM


Shenzhen Airlines, after barely seven months of flying to KL International Airport (KLIA), has introduced flights to KLIA effective Sept 5.

The airline started operations to KLIA on Jan 18, 2005 with three flights weekly, utilising the Boeing 737-800 aircraft with 167 seats configuration. The flight from Shenzhen to KLIA takes about three hours twenty minutes.

"The introduction of daily flights to KLIA by Shenzhen Airlines indicates that Malaysia has a very good appeal in the China market.

"This shows the great potential for the Malaysia-China market," said Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd managing director Datuk Seri Bashir Ahmad said in a statement on Sept 1.

Apart from Shenzhen Airlines, other airlines from mainland China currently operating direct and scheduled passenger flights to KLIA include Air China, China Southern Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, and Xiamen Airlines, while Hainan Airlines operates chartered flights.

Kuala Lumpur International and SITA INC gear up for the arrival of the A380 and major expansion in passenger numbers

Kuala Lumpur/Geneva – 20 September 2005

Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is to undergo a major replenishment of its IT infrastructure as it prepares for a massive expansion in passenger numbers from 21 million in 2004 to an expected 35 million in 2008 when it will be ready to receive the Airbus A380.
“The signing of this five-year contract today with Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad is a significant milestone in the partnership between Kuala Lumpur International Airport and SITA INC. Our promise is to make KLIA the first fully integrated airport in the region,” said Francesco Violante, managing director of SITA INC (Information Networking Computing).

“In line with our vision of simplifying travel and transportation worldwide we are going to equip Kuala Lumpur International Airport with the latest IT technology for common-use check-in systems including an initial 36 common-use self-service kiosks, and the most modern suite of baggage reconciliation systems available,” said Violante.

“We are very pleased to collaborate with SITA INC in the coming years as we move towards completion of our new satellite terminal which will increase our traffic from 21 million today to 35 million in three years time and reach our goal of becoming the first fully integrated airport in the region,” said Y. Bhg. Dato’ Seri Bashir Ahmad, managing director, Malaysia Airports.

“IT will play an essential role in helping us to optimize the airport’s assets and to improve the passenger experience for the growing numbers spending quality time here. As we prepare to receive the Airbus A380 we are establishing KLIA as a major hub for Asia and SITA INC has an important role to play in helping us to realize that vision by ensuring that we can benefit fully from the latest innovation in airport technology,” he added.

The package has been carefully constructed resulting in today’s agreement on the provision of SITA INC’s CUTE (Common Use Terminal Equipment) Integrated Network and Terminal Application.

The solution includes SITA AirportConnect CUTE and CUSS (common use self service) kiosks. For bag management, the applications are the BagManager baggage reconciliation system; BagMessage, the global message distribution system; and BagFast, a fallback system for sortation tags. Other features include PassengerHandler, a common language check-in and boarding application and the Maestro Departure Control System.

SITA INC will also install at KLIA the latest interface software for the Flight Information Display System. The total package also includes full operational support for five years with helpdesk and on-site support. SITA INC has been working with KLIA since it first opened in 1998.

In addition to being the home base of Malaysia Airlines, KLIA has become an important hub for many airlines. In fact, SITA’s CUTE systems are shared by 40 airlines operating at KLIA, including Malaysia Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Thai Airways, Emirates, Air China and China Airlines.

The airport is building a $1.1 billion new terminal which will boost passenger numbers further and allow it to cater for the arrival of the A380 in Asia. KLIA was ranked fifth in the Airport of the Year survey organized by Skytrax last year and was voted second in the 2004 Best Airport category in the Telegraph Travel Awards in Britain.

“SITA’s Airport solutions provide KLIA the flexibility of an open architecture operating platform that allows the airlines operating at the airport to enjoy the benefits of sharing dedicated IT systems and facilities, including the check-in counters and self-service check-in kiosks,” said Russ Lewis, SITA INC’s Regional Vice President of Airport and Desktop Services, Asia Pacific, speaking at today’s signing ceremony.

“This maximizes the airport’s limited terminal space, while helping airlines to increase efficiency and reduce costs – the two most vital factors in today’s airline business,” he said.

SITA INC’s solutions are designed to help airports to improve the passenger experience through reduced congestion and simplified passenger processing, optimize airport assets and business processes. They provide airports with the technology architecture required to take advantage of a broad range of IP-based services which are vital to the future of the air transport industry.

SITA INC currently manages some 30,000 CUTE workstations for 285 customers in more than 200 airports worldwide, checking-in an estimated 580 million passengers a year.

Ends...

Malaysia Airports to proceed with KLIA upgrade
Updated : 22-09-2005
Media : Business Times
Story By : KANG SIEW LI



MALAYSIA Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) said it will proceed with upgrading of the KL International Airport (KLIA) in Sepang to get it ready to handle the Airbus 380, the world¡¯s largest commercial jet, by the end of next year.

MAHB managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Seri Bashir Ahmad said the European aircraft maker¡¯s delay in delivering the first A380 to Malaysia Airlines by six months will not change its plans to upgrade the airport.

¡°As far as we are concerned, we are proceeding with the upgrade as scheduled because the aircraft will come sooner or later,¡± he told a news conference after a signing ceremony between Malaysia Airports (Sepang) Sdn Bhd and Sita Inc in Sepang yesterday.

He added that MAHB is not expected to incur any additional cost due to the delay.

Malaysia Airlines was supposed to take delivery of the first of six A380-800s in January 2007. The timetable has now been pushed to July 2007.

Earlier, MAHB signed a five-year contract with Sita to equip KLIA with the latest technology for common- use check-in and boarding systems.

Bashir and Malaysia Airports (Sepang) general manager Azmi Murad signed on behalf of MAHB, while Sita was represented by its regional vice-president Paul Dalton and client director Adrian Ching.

Department of Civil Aviation director-general Datuk Kok Soo Chon and Sita regional vice-president of airport and desktop services (Asia-Pacific), Russell Lewis, witnessed the signing.

Equipped with 36 self-service check-in kiosks and a modern suite of baggage reconciliation systems, the application of Sita¡¯s common-use terminal equipment integrated network and terminal application will form part of KLIA¡¯s major move to upgrade its information technology infrastructure as it prepares for increased passenger numbers.

Bashir said Malaysia Airlines and several foreign airlines, including Emirates Airlines, have expressed interest in using the self-service check-in kiosks.

He declined to reveal the investment cost for the new system.

KLIA¡¯s system is the latest version, making it the first fully-integrated airport system in Asia-Pacific.

KUALA LUMPUR - Russia's second biggest carrier Transaero Airlines, India's Air Sahara and Indonesia's Top Air are slated to launch flights to Malaysia's main airport by the year-end, a news report said on Friday. The new entries bring the number of carriers flying to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) to 53, and is a boost to its aim of becoming a regional aviation hub amid stiff competition from Singapore and Thailand, The Star newspaper reported. Earlier this year, four other airlines - Shenzhen Airlines, Royal Nepal Airlines, Jet Airways and Pakistan International Airlines - began flying to KLIA. Transaero will launch flights between Moscow and Kuala Lumpur on Oct 28, providing direct links for the first time since Russian flag carrier Aeroflot moved out several years ago, said Chan See Hoong, general manager of ABDA Aviation, the service agent for Transaero. It will operate two weekly flights initially, one direct and the other via Bangkok, he told the daily. Air Sahara, which was originally set to fly to KLIA in May, now expects to make its maiden flight from Chennai in mid-November, said its country manager GJ Vijay Kumar. He did not say why the launch was delayed. 'We will be flying daily when we begin. We hope to register passenger load factors of about 70 per cent from the start,' he said. Indonesia's Top Air, meanwhile, will begin flights to KLIA in October, a spokesman said without giving details. The ultramodern KLIA, which opened in 1998 at a cost of RM10 billion (US$2.67 billion), reported more than 20 per cent growth in arrivals to 21.1 million last year. Airport officials said a second terminal will be built at the KLIA to accommodate rapidly growing passenger traffic. When completed in 2008, the new terminal can accommodate the super-jumbo Airbus A380 aircraft and double the KLIA's capacity to handle 50 million passengers a year.

The decision to expand the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) will be made after the completion of the low-cost carrier terminal (LCCT) and its financial restructuring exercise, said Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB).

MAHB managing director Datuk Seri Bashir Ahmad said the LCCT, which will be completed by the first quarter of next year, would free some five million passenger capacity at the main terminal building.

He said MAHB recognised the need to reach an agreement with the government on its financial restructuring. The outstanding issues that have to be resolved with the government include outstanding lease rental, international and domestic airport taxes, and commitment on airport development as well as concession payment of RM846.7 million.

“We hope to settle the issues by the end of the year,” he told reporters in Copenhagen on Monday after the signing ceremony with Route Development Events and Media Ltd to host the World Route Development Forum 2008 in Kuala Lumpur.

KLIA is expected to handle 23 million passengers in 2005 from 21.5 million passengers last year. For the eight months this year, traffic grew by 10% year- on-year with the growth fuelled by the increase in frequencies and new services by carriers from China, India, Indonesia as well as the Middle East.

Meanwhile, work on the RM108 million LCCT is proceeding as scheduled and will be completed by the first quarter of next year. The LCCT would have a capacity to handle 10 million passengers a year.

The users of the LCCT will be AirAsia and its Thai and Indonesian units Thai AirAsia and PT AWAir. Bashir believed that the growth in low-cost carrier traffic, which had been phenomenal over the past two years, was likely to stabilise.

On another note, Bashir said the tender for the RM110 million A380 facility at KLIA would be called for next month.

“Despite the delay of Malaysia Airlines taking delivery of its Airbus 380 by six months from the initial delivery schedule in January 2007, we will proceed with the development of the facility,” he said.

The project to be completed within a year would see KLIA equipped with five aerobridges capable of handling the wide-bodied aircraft.

Bashir said apart from Malaysia Airlines, Dubai-based Emirates had indicated that it would use the A380 for the Kuala Lumpur route. :eek:

To a question, Bashir said MAHB had not seen a slowdown in traffic or airlines postponing their plans due to the rising oil prices. “It shows that airlines have mitigated the impact with their fuel surcharge,” he said. “Our charges are already the lowest in the region,” he said in response to a question on whether MAHB would be receptive to airlines request for incentives if oil prices continue to soar.

On MAHB’s success in its bid to host the World Route Development Forum in 2008, Bashir said it was an excellent platform for the company to fast-track its marketing efforts to attract more new airlines to offer services to KLIA.

“Having had the experience of successfully hosting the spin-off edition of World Routes — the New Route Asia, for three straight years certainly played a part in this bid apart from our joint effort with our partners,” Bashir said.

MAHB’s partners for the World Route Development Forum are the Ministry of Transport, Malaysia Tourism Board, Malaysia Airlines, Kuala Lumpur City Hall and Express Rail Link Sdn Bhd.

BA drops another hint on returning to KLIA
By Jimmy Yeow in Copenhagen


British Airways (BA) has given another strong hint that it may return to the London-Kuala Lumpur route in the near future, said Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd officials.

They said BA officials had acknowledged that the Malaysian is the largest “unserved” market in the region by the carrier.

“They noted that huge market potential with some 345,000 passengers traveling between the UK and Malaysia last year.

"Of that, 250,000 were passengers flying direct from the UK to Malaysia and the rest transit via other airports,” MAHB senior manager marketing Mohd Sallauddin Mat Shah told Malaysian reporters in Copenhagen on Sept 27.

That was an increase of the total 316,750 total passenger traffic between the UK and Malaysia in 2003, he said.

Sallauddin, who met with the BA officials at the World Route Development Forum in the Danish capital, said BA, however, did not give any firm commitment.

BA pulled out of Kuala Lumpur International Airport in the wake of the Asian Financial crisis several years ago.

Sallauddin and his MAHB team held back-to-back meetings with 36 carriers during the two-day forum.

“The meeting with the airlines were either exploratory in nature, follow-up or firming certain things on what they want to do at KLIA,” he said.

Sallauddin said another British carrier Virgin Atlantic was also monitoring the Far East market.

“Virgin Atlantic which has a code sharing agreement with Malaysia Airlines realises the potential of the Far East market,” he said.

Meanwhile, Sallauddin said it was a matter of time for Aer Lingus, the Irish carrier, to start operations to Malaysia after being convinced of Malaysia’s attractiveness.

“They did not discount operating to Malaysia starting next year,” he said.

Sallauddin said Shanghai Airlines, Finnair and Ethihad Airlines of Abu Dhabi had also indicated interest in operating to Kuala Lumpur.

“We gave Shanghai Airlines our proposals and will step up our engagement with them, while we will come back with proposals for Finnair to extend the services to KLIA via Bangkok. Their planes have ample idle time in Bangkok,” he said.

Ethihad had meanwhile, indicated that they might come mid-next year or 2007 after taking deliveries of more aircraft, he said.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabian Airlines will increase its frequency to KLIA to three times scheduled weekly flights from twice weekly on the growing popularity of the Malaysian market among West Asian travelers.

For the summer schedule next year (April to October), Saudi Arabian Airlines would increase its frequency from seven flights to 10 times weekly.

Sallauddin said MAHB would also go on a branding exercise to reinforce the position of KLIA and other airports managed by the company. “KLIA has its own branding but we want to give emphasis on other airports too,” he said.

British carriers keen on M'sia
Thursday September 29, 2005
BY B.K. SIDHU IN COPENHAGEN



THREE British carriers - British Airways (BA), Virgin Atlantic and British Midlands - have Malaysia on their radar screens but the issue that is holding them back is yields.

Yield is a term the airlines use to measure the revenue per-customer-per-km flown.

While the British carriers are still crunching their numbers, they acknowledge that Malaysia has huge potential since it records high passenger volumes on the KL-Britain sector, Royal Khmer Airlines is set to enter the Malaysian market this year.

Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airlines, Shanghai Airlines, Shangdong Airlines and Aer Lingus would be making their way to KL International Airport (KLIA) next year.

Etihad is planning a three to four times weekly flight but its plans are dependent on how fast they can mobilise their aircraft.

“We can say about four new airlines would fly to KLIA next year even though many others have indicated interest,” MAHB senior manager, marketing, Mohamed Sallaud-din Mat Sah said.

With Cambodia's Khmer, KLIA can expect three more new airlines this year, including India’s Air Sahara, Medan’s Top Air and Russia’s Transaero.

As at Septem-ber, five new carriers made their way to KLIA - Shenzhen Airlines, Royal Nepal Airlines, Pakistan International Airlines, India’s Jet Airways and last week’s AirAsia’s Indonesian unit, PT AWAir.

Sallauddin told reporters in Copenhagen at the end of the Routes 2005 forum that MAHB met up with executives from 28 airlines and “Aer Lingus was keen to fly to KLIA” but they were trying to look at their aircraft availability issue first.

“Aer Lingus is most convinced that Malaysia has its attractiveness,” he said.

Finnair, which currently flies to Bangkok from Finland, is trying to work out a schedule to include KLIA on its routing.

Sallauddin said Saudi Arabian Airlines would also be increasing its flight frequency from twice weekly to three times by next year for its Jeddah-KL flights. It would also maintain the nine-weekly flights during the Arab summer, from June to August.

Meanwhile, yields on Britain-Malaysia market are competitive as many carriers are plying the route either direct or via European destinations.

BA pulled out of the Malaysian route in 2001 alongside Lufthansa and Qantas, but Lufthansa has since returned.

Virgin Atlantic has a code-share agreement with Malaysia Airlines which is coming up for review at the end of the year. If that is not renewed, Virgin may consider flying direct to KLIA.

Sallauddin said British Midlands had requested to meet MAHB officials at the Routes 2005 forum.

“They (British Midlands) were very exploratory in nature. They asked for some data; they may just be assessing the market,” he said.

As for BA, Sallauddin and MAHB managing director Datuk Bashir Ahmad met its executives during Routes 2005 and “they (BA) are closely monitoring the route and time will tell when they would fly again to KLIA”.

Some 345 million travellers ply the Britain-Malaysia route a year, Sallauddin said, adding that about 250 million flew directly from Britain.

Although discussions to get more carriers to fly to Malaysia were encouraging, he said MAHB may next year plan a rebranding exercise to further strengthen its position.