KLIA Aerotrain breakdown yesterday second time in less than six years: MAHB

SEPANG – Yesterday’s breakdown of the KLIA Aerotrain midway between the main terminal and satellite building was the second such incident after the first on September 6, 2017 for the 24-year-old system, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) said.

Expressing deep regret, MAHB managing director Datuk Iskandar Mizal Mahmood said the breakdown occurred after tripping of an internal circuit breaker.

“These are, however, preliminary findings, as we have to dismantle all parts of the train (including the platforms) to diagnose the real cause of the issue,” he told a press conference at the airport this afternoon.

He also revealed that several parts of the 24-year-old aerotrain system are no longer available from the original equipment manufacturer (OEM).

“Yes, in 2012, we did certain rectifications, upgrades, and some overhauls, but there are some parts that are not even supported or available anymore from the OEM,” he added.

For the record, said Iskandar the trains had clocked 2.8 million km in service and transported 300 million passengers.

Iskandar this afternoon announced the temporary suspension of Aerotrain services until further notice, citing safety reasons while replacement works continue.

Apologising profusely, Iskandar said the affected passengers had been taken care of.

The 3pm incident yesterday, which saw the train halting midway, resulted in 114 air passengers disembarking and walking 400m in the middle of the track to the satellite building.

A second train sent to assist the affected passengers also experienced technical difficulties on the way to the location. 

“We truly apologise for the breakdown and any convenience caused. For the sake of safety, we have decided to suspend the service until further notice,” Iskandar said. 

The incident caused 10 travellers to miss their flights. The 10 who missed their flights were destined for Padang and Pudong.

Iskandar said MAHB had arranged for new flight tickets, free of charge.

Last September, MAHB had announced that the Aerotrain would undergo replacement, with nine new ones worth some RM700 million in two phases to be completed by March 2025.

“Phase One is already underway involving design works until second quarter of 2023, where multiple stakeholder engagements are conducted to ensure that the new aerotrain system meets both local and international transport and safety standards," Iskandar said.

Iskandar added that the second phase would be the construction of the new Aerotrain slated between second quarter this year and March 2025. 

Asked whether MAHB would retire the existing trains, Iskandar replied: “We have no plans (on doing so) at the moment, as this must go through the board and other processes with the authorities.”

MAHB has also confirmed that the rail investigation team from the Land Public Transport Agency has yet to visit the airport.

As an alternative, the KLIA operator has allocated 18 shuttle buses operating round the clock to assist the passengers to board their flights at the satellite building. – The Vibes, March 2, 2023