Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) has announced that the aerotrain replacement project at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is now scheduled for completion by January 31, 2025, ahead of the originally planned date. The airport operator stated that this accelerated timeline was established through a contract signed on June 14, 2024, between Malaysia Airports (Sepang) Sdn Bhd (MA Sepang) and a joint venture (JV) comprising IJM Construction Sdn Bhd and Pestech Technology Sdn Bhd (IJMC-Pestech JV).
MAHB stated that MA Sepang, a wholly-owned subsidiary of MAHB, along with Alstom Transport Systems (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (Alstom), will oversee the project. This new schedule moves the original completion date of March 31, 2025, forward by two months.
“Alstom, as the project coordination lead, will oversee the delivery of three new trains, the upgrading of two lines, and all comprehensive testing necessary for safe operations,” the statement said, according to Free Malaysia Today.
MAHB stated that, according to the project’s schedule, the new aerotrains are expected to arrive in Malaysia from China by the end of the third quarter of this year (Q3 2024). “The aerotrains will then undergo commissioning and thorough testing by the relevant authorities before commencing official operations,” the statement added. In March 2022, MAHB announced that it had been awarded the KLIA aerotrain replacement project, with a planned completion timeline of three years.
However, the project faced delays, leading to a new project award in January 2024. This time, the contract was given to a consortium consisting of Alstom, the original equipment manufacturer for the aerotrains, and IJMC-Pestech JV. This consortium was tasked with bringing the project back on schedule and ensuring its successful completion.
“Despite encountering challenges, MAHB and its project partners have successfully collaborated, utilizing innovative approaches and effective project management to achieve an earlier completion date than originally planned,” the statement highlighted.
Meanwhile, MAHB’s acting group CEO, Rastam Shahrom, emphasized that the successful early completion of the project, ahead of the initially planned timeline, reflects their steadfast commitment to enhancing the overall passenger experience at KLIA. He highlighted that this achievement is a testament to the collaborative efforts and effective strategies employed by all involved parties in overcoming challenges and ensuring timely delivery of improvements.
“This progress not only meets current operational requirements but also enhances KLIA’s stature as a premier transportation hub in the region, offering top-tier service and infrastructure to our passengers,” he emphasized.
Through collaborative efforts with Alstom and IJMC-Pestech JV, MAHB has demonstrated resilience and commitment, ensuring the project not only meets operational demands but also enhances KLIA’s reputation as a leading regional transport hub. The successful delivery of new aerotrains and upgraded infrastructure underscores MAHB’s dedication to providing world-class service and facilities that elevate the passenger experience, reinforcing their position in the global aviation landscape.
Source: Free Malaysia Today
