[UPDATED] KLIA Aerotrain expected to resume in Q2, Asean chairmanship unaffected: MAHB

Managing director says ongoing technical evaluations are important and expected to be completed by April

12:41 PM MYT

 

SEPANG – Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) has said that the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Aerotrain is expected to resume operations in the second quarter (Q2) of this year and assured that the delay will not impact Malaysia’s 2025 ASEAN chairmanship. 

MAHB managing director Datuk Mohd Izani Ghani said ongoing technical evaluations are critical to ensuring the system meets all safety and operational standards.  

“We anticipate completing all the tests by April. If successful, we aim to secure the necessary certification and begin operations immediately.

“The Q2 timeline is critical, and we are doing our utmost to meet it,” he said during the KLIA Aerotrain Project Media Briefing and Tour today. 

Izani emphasised the importance of adhering to the Q2 timeline to restore the system promptly while maintaining the highest safety standards.

“We are very confident that it will be operational by Q2 this year. With all the rigorous testing that we are doing now, and the good cooperation from various parties, including our contractors and technical partners, we don’t expect any more costs to be incurred after,” he added.

The Aerotrain replacement project is currently 85% complete, with design and procurement fully finished, installation at 90%, and testing and commissioning at 25%. 

Full operations are expected to commence by June, pending the successful completion of all tests.  

In addition to the Aerotrain upgrades, MAHB has been preparing to host Asean delegations since December, he added.

Efforts include upgrading lounges at KLIA and other major airports, as well as special arrangements like the use of Kompleks Bunga Raya to ensure smooth delegate movements.  

“The readiness of the Aerotrain will not affect Malaysia’s hosting of the ASEAN Summit. All necessary arrangements are already in place,” Izani said. 

The Aerotrain, which has been the backbone of KLIA’s internal transportation since 1998, initially operated with just two train sets, each comprising two cars. 

However, the system was suspended in March 2023 as it neared the end of its 25-year operational lifespan and suffered frequent breakdowns.

The ongoing tests include 80 critical evaluations, such as dynamic testing, interface testing, and system integration testing (SIT). 

The final fault free run (FFR) will require the first Aerotrain to operate over 2,000 kilometres without any failures, followed by two other Aerotrains completing 1,000 kilometres each without faults.  

The tests are being conducted under the supervision of the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) to ensure compliance with all operational and safety regulations.  

The new Aerotrains offer increased capacity, accommodating 270 passengers per trip, compared to 230 previously. Each train consists of three carriages, each with a capacity of 90 passengers.  

“The upgrades will significantly enhance passenger experience and reliability, ensuring seamless connections between the main terminal and the satellite building,” said Izani.

The Aerotrain project is a cornerstone of MAHB’s efforts to improve passenger experience and bolster KLIA’s reputation as a premier regional aviation hub, especially as Malaysia prepares for Visit Malaysia Year 2026. — January 24, 2025

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