KLIA aerotrain replacement underway, one line set to open next year

SEPANG – The aerotrain replacement programme at the main terminal of Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is underway, with one rail line expected to be up and running by June next year, said Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) managing director Datuk Iskandar Mizal Mahmood.

He said aerotrain operations had been suspended until further notice since March this year.

Prior to the suspension, the 25-year-old service received much backlash over frequent breakdowns.

“All efforts are being made meticulously to avoid future inconvenience,” he told a press conference after the launch of STARDesk and EZBagz, a new initiative at KLIA by MAHB chairman Tan Sri Zainun Ali, here today.

Last year, it was reported that the aerotrain replacement programme was expected to be completed in 2025, involving nine aerotrains worth some RM700 million to be implemented in two phases of design and construction works.

Iskandar Mizal said international and local parties had been contracted for jobs for the replacement programme.

“Hopefully, by the middle of next year, we will have at least one rail line,” he said.

Meanwhile, Zainun said the launch of STARDesk and EZBagz was part of the airport’s digital transformation, as it is firmly believed that digital solutions are critical to increasing its efficiency.

Through STARdesk, KLIA will be able to validate and address passenger feedback within 15 minutes. The newly formed customer experience team now works around the clock to ensure response times are met and resolutions are undertaken as soon as possible.

Passengers can download the MYAirports app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, which also features flight schedules, wayfinding, and food and beverage offerings at the airport.

EZBagz, meanwhile, enables passengers to check in their baggage faster and more efficiently, with each bag taking only 45 seconds to process.

Zainun said six new units of the EZBagz kiosk have been installed at Malaysia Airlines’ domestic check-in counter at KLIA to provide more convenience to passengers checking in their baggage. – Bernama, May 12, 2023