KL International Airport (KLIA)

KL International Airport (KLIA)

Set to be Malaysia’s main global gateway, its strategic location and position has made KLIA as having one of the highest hub potentials in Asia Pacific. Managed by Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB), the US$3.5 billion state-of-the-art airport is capable of handling 1.2 million tonnes of cargo, and 25 million passengers annually with its current structure, which is merely one fourth of the airport’s potential capacity. In 2007, KLIA handled around 26.5 million passengers, exceeding its 25 million category mark, with the highest passenger growth in the region. KLIA is well-connected to over 100 destinations around the world through 57 international carriers and more to come. KLIA is the first airport in the world to be accredited with Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Assured certificate from Airports Council International (ACI). This certification complements KLIA’s achievement in obtaining the World’s Best Airport from ACI from 2005 to 2007. By being the first airport to receive this certificate, KLIA sets the standard and becomes an exemplar to all other airports worldwide.

KLIA represents a distinctive example of spectacular feat of construction combining futuristic technology, Malaysian culture and rich, tropical splendour of its natural resources. Dubbed as the “Airport in the Forest, Forest in the Airport”, KLIA is designed by renowned Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa. KLIA is the first eco-friendly airport in the Asia Pacific Region and the first airport in the world that earned the prestigious Green Globe 21 Certification three years in a row. With the overall green theme carried through to the airport terminal, visitors will be struck by the man-made tropical forest that surrounds the airport. This provides travellers with a pleasant and refreshing environment as they land at KLIA. An airport is a microcosm of the nation and KLIA has always reflected Malaysia’s image as a progressive nation where her people are friendly, warm and also concern for the environment. KLIA’s commitment to preserve the Mother Nature is further enhanced with the birth of “Project Green Planet” that incorporates “Seven Wonders of KLIA” within its infrastructure – Natural Environment, Waste Management, Energy Efficiency, Resource Management, Noise Control, Water Resource and Storm Water Management.

As an advocate of technology, KLIA provides free WiFi service for KLIA passengers. This WiFi service that was launched in 2006 was facilitated by the recent upgrade of the backbone network making KLIA as one of the most advanced airports in the world in terms of network infrastructure. In line with KLIA’s vision of being the number one airport shopping destination in the region, the shopping malls are being upgraded into a more vibrant mall featuring multiple products and international brands. At KLIA, security personnel are well trained to handle sophisticated security equipment, weapons and surveillance and explosive detectors. Frontline staff and service providers exude the Malaysian warmth and customer service as they greet new travellers to the country and weary Malaysian back home.

Amidst all the challenges in the aviation industry, KLIA has done remarkably well in growing and positioning itself as the preferred airport in the region within the span of 10 years. As the new millennium witnessed a booming of businesses in the Asia Pacific region, KLIA is poised for further growth. Reasonable airport charges, along with the quality and quantity of connections available, make it an attractive hub to tap on the emerging opportunities. Winning multiple awards is a testimony of KLIA’s ability to compete with the other more established international airport. It has also placed Malaysia on the world map and has helped to position KLIA as a brand globally.

LCCT – KLIA

In March 2006, Malaysia created history as the first country in Asia to launch a dedicated ‘LCC-friendly terminal’ to serve the region’s fast growing number of low-cost carriers (LCCs). Built on a fast track basis within nine months, the construction of the terminal began in June 2005 at an approximate cost of RM108 million. The LCC Terminal-KLIA (LCCT- KLIA) is designed to cater up to 10 million passengers a year.

The LCCT- KLIA is an extension to the existing facilities of the KL International Airport. The opening of this LCC Terminal makes KLIA a complete and integrated airport which caters to passengers of all categories. Barely 6 months since its operations, the newly opened Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT-KLIA), was named CAPA Low Cost Airport of the Year at the CAPA Aviation Awards for Excellence. This achievement has positioned KLIA to be a key player in this sector by providing a terminal well suited to the needs of the fast-growing LCC sector.

The terminal building houses all the operational facilities and 72 check-in counters within one level at the ground floor of the terminal Passengers can move conveniently from the car park to the passengers’ departure and arrival halls with easy movement within the terminal.

Other facilities includes duty free shops, F&B outlets, a money changer and a comprehensive public transportation system all made available on a “single level” mode of operations. The LCC terminal is currently undergoing an expansion plan to cater the growing needs of low cost carrier. The expansion project will increase the terminal’s maximum capacity by 50% from the current 10 million to 15 million passengers annually by 2011.

KLIA Layout