Tuesday, March 6, 2012

KLIA2 ETA on schedule in April 2013

By Anthony Tan email: micemalaysiabeyond@gmail.com


Construct works going on overdrive to meet schedule


The ongoing construction of new 257,000-sq metre low-cost terminal KLIA2 is now 45% completed as per its schedule and to be completed in April 2013.

Malaysia Airports Holding Berhad (MAHB) managing director Tan Sri Bashir (front row-third from left) was briefing the members of the media after accompanying the Transport Minister Datuk Kong Cho Ha (with red tie) to visit the construction site of KLIA2.

Bashir said “KLIA2 is on track for completion in April 2013 and the cost is still within the budget of RM3.6 billion to RM3.9 billion.”

"At the moment, the biggest operator of KLIA2, of course, will be AirAsia and we already have at the low-cost terminal right now, Cebu Pacific, we've got Tiger Airways; of course these airlines will move to KLIA2. If new low-cost airlines come up and they want to operate from KLIA2, they are most welcome to do so.

"For now, whatever is operating out of LCCT, will move to KLIA2. But from now until then, if any new airlines are established, any new low-cost carriers come up in the region and want to operate out of KLIA2, they are most welcome."

Earlier in the morning, the Transport Minister attended a briefing given by MAHB officials at their headquarters Sepang on the progress of the project before visiting the KLIA 2 construction works site,

Bashir informed that MAHB has received an overwhelming from interested by parties for the commercial spaces for retail and F&B spaces at KLIA 2.

“The tenders exercise will be done in stages and no decision has been made yet on the retailers as this exercise was ongoing.” he added

There will be 225 outlets, of which 26 lots for services, 118 outlets have been allocated for retailing and 81 units for food and beverages.

The KLIA2 project manager and Chief Operating Officer, Dato’ Abd Hamid added “KLIA2 will be on schedule as long as there are no more last minute changes to the present agreed designs or request for additional works by the concerned parties.

He said some of MAHB’s increase cost announced last November was because of additional facilities to the new terminal for passenger comfort and additional facilities.

These include increase in the size for more retail and shopping mall, significant upgrades in terms of floor space, an automated baggage handling system, aero bridges, the length of runways and the number of aircraft stands at the terminal.

Construction works on the aerobridge in progress

The departure hall on the airside terminal is progressing on schedule