KUALA LUMPUR – Will the KLIA aerotrain service resume this month?
Uncertainty clouds the resumption of the aerotrain service, originally projected to be operational by the end of January this year.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke, at the ministry New Year’s address ceremony today, sidestepped confirmation when asked about the timeline, responding: “Aerotrain service matters will be at the next press conference. Today is very heavy already.”
Loke’s hesitation comes amid reports that Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) and appointed consortium member IJM Corporation reportedly indicating that the service can only be ready by March, raising concerns over contingency plans.
The aerotrain service and readiness are critical at KLIA, Malaysia’s main transit hub, which handles millions of passengers annually. Its smooth operation is especially vital this year as Malaysia hosts an influx of Asean leaders and delegates following its assumption of the 2025 Asean chairmanship.
Efficient transit within KLIA is essential for ensuring a positive first impression of the country for dignitaries and visitors.
The Aerotrain service at KLIA was suspended in March 2023 after frequent breakdowns as it was due for an overhaul after 23 years of service.
Since then, transit buses have been used to ferry passengers from the main airport building to the terminals.
MAHB had before that, in March 2022, announced the KLIA Aerotrain Replacement Project with a timeline for completion of three years.
However, the project suffered from delays and was followed by the award of a new project in January 2024 to a consortium comprising the aerotrain’s original equipment manufacturer Alstom Transport Systems (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, as well as a joint venture between IJMC and Pestech to steer the project back on track.
In September last year, optimism was high with promises of test runs beginning in October and a full relaunch by this month, following the delivery of two new aerotrain sets.
Previously. Loke said both sets were being installed and will undergo testing over the next four to five months.
However, progress updates have been sparse, leaving questions over the relevant parties’ ability to meet expectations. – January 6, 2025