THE Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) aerotrain project in Sepang is set to be completed by March next year, said Alstom managing director (Malaysia and Singapore) Yann Maixandeau.
According to reports in the New Straits Times, he said the company was working with all stakeholders to complete the project before the deadline while maintaining high standards of quality and reliability.
“Despite the unforeseen delays, Alstom, in collaboration with Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB), IJM Construction Sdn Bhd (IJMC) and Pestech Technology Sdn Bhd, are determined to ensure timely delivery of the project.
“By working together, embracing innovation and prioritising safety and reliability, we can assist Malaysia in enhancing its aerotrain service and providing passengers with a superior travel experience.”
The existing aerotrains at KLIA have ferried over 300 million passengers between the satellite and main terminal buildings over the last 23 years.
However, in recent years, the ageing aerotrain system has encountered frequent service disruptions, leading to operational inefficiencies.
MAHB signed an agreement with Alstom Transport Systems (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd and a joint venture comprising IJMC and Pestech to steer the aerotrain replacement project back on track.
Under the agreement, Alstom, as the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of the new aerotrains, will lead project coordination efforts and oversee the restart of the project, with the aim of delivering three new trains and two tracks by the first quarter of next year.
Maixandeau said he noted Malaysia’s interest to leverage technology to enhance rail transportation, citing advancements in signalling systems, connectivity solutions, and artificial intelligence (AI).
He said initiatives like the Mastria AI Solution enhanced passenger flow management while utilising machine learning (ML) algorithms to anticipate demand and adjust train numbers accordingly.
“Alstom employed predictive maintenance and a complete signalling system via ML to ensure safety and efficiency across diverse networks,” he said, adding that Alstom’s signalling system also ensured collision avoidance and seamless operations across diverse networks. – The Vibes, April 24, 2024