by ANIS HAZIM / pic TMR FILE

MALAYSIA Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) has embarked on its aerotrain replacement programme which is slated to be completed by March 2025.

The programme involves nine new aerotrains for about RM700 million which will enhance MAHB’s passengers experience and rejuvenate the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).

MAHB chairman Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir said the current aerotrain system has been in operation for the last 24 years since the opening of KLIA. 

“We are not only replacing the trains but the entire track system so that our passengers will be able to experience a renewed modern aerotrain service when they pass through the airport.

“This will also effectively enhance KLIA’s reputation as one of the world’s best airports,” Zambry told a press conference today.

During this transition period, the current aerotrain service will run on a limited schedule augmented with round the clock bus services to assure a seamless airport journey for passengers.

MAHB MD Datuk Iskandar Mizal Mahmood said the replacement programme has to be done in phases as it involves large-scale assets replacement.

“The first phase involving design works is until March 2023, where multiple stakeholder engagements are conducted to ensure that the new aerotrain system meets both local and international transport,” he said.

Meanwhile, the second phase between March 2023 and March 2025 will be the construction of the new aerotrain. 

“Within this three-year transition period, the current aerotrain will run on a limited schedule to enable a more robust maintenance regime due to its ageing condition and to facilitate the replacement programme,” he said.

The new aerotrain replacement will be flexible in design to cater to future growth and new terminal connections.

“Passengers can look forward to a more robust aerotrain system using the latest technology and offering a greater comfort level,” he added.

Additionally, KLIA is also upgrading its bus services to augment the limited aerotrain operation.

The airport will replace its current fleet with six new airport buses, with the first two arriving in November this year, while the other four buses will arrive by February 2023. 

Moreover, the new buses will be able to cater up to 110 passengers per bus which doubles the current capacity.

“These airport buses will be at par with, if not better than the buses that are being used at other major international airports globally,” he added.

Last year, MAHB granted the aerotrain project tender to Pestech International Bhd for the works, in relation to design, supply, installation, testing and commissioning for the project.