ALOR STAR – The Kedah government has appointed the ECK Group of Companies as its joint-venture partner to build the Kulim International Airport (KXP).
In a statement today, the company said it will be directly involved as a strategic partner in the project, from construction to accreditation.
This includes bringing in international cargo operators to conduct operations at KXP, it said.
“Apart from developing an international-standard airport with two runways, ECK will also be involved in the development of other key components, namely the airport known as Kedah Aerotropolis and Airport City in Mukim Sidam Kiri, Kuala Muda.
“ECK will also play a role in attracting investors from within and outside the country to invest in Kedah Aerotropolis and Airport City.”
The KXP project has sparked controversy, as its site is only about 60km from Penang International Airport (PIA).
It was reported that Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said KXP will be a direct threat to PIA’s cargo facilities.
ECK also announced that a special purpose vehicle (SPV) will be set up, with its main function being to drive the development and financing of the project, covering an area exceeding 4,000ha.
It said the SPV will be chaired by Tunku Laksamana of Kedah Tunku Shazuddin Ariff Sultan Sallehuddin.
“The members of the company’s board are Kedah government representatives and those from the private sector.
“Once completed, KXP will drastically change the face of Kedah and neighbouring states.
"Kedah Aerotropolis will be a modern city with housing and business components, a medical city, academy management, information and communications technology, as well as a fully equipped transportation hub.” – The Vibes, February 24, 2021
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