15 July 2021
The airport’s Terminal 2 redevelopment leverages Malaysia’s current position as the 4th-largest base for business jet fleet in APAC
THE government’s approval of the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (LTSAAS) regeneration plan in the near future is vital to cater to the expansion needs of current tenants through new state-of-the-art hangarages.
The plan is driven by demands from local champions who are currently operating in the airport, namely Berjaya Air Sdn Bhd and Smooth Route Sdn Bhd, and will provide an avenue for their further growth.
KLIA Aeropolis Sdn Bhd head Randhill Singh said the airport’s Terminal 2 redevelopment leverages Malaysia’s current position as the fourth-largest base for business jet fleet in Asia Pacific (APAC).
“Our plan will act as a catalyst in growing the local business aviation market by almost threefold in the next 10 years, hence strengthening the position of LTSAAS as the business aviation hub for the region.
“Our internationally recognised Malaysian-based aviation partners here will be the key drivers in making LTSAAS an airport with a competitive aviation landscape.
“We are seizing this opportunity and remain fully committed to growing the aerospace and business aviation industry for the country,” he said in a statement yesterday.
As part of the LTSAAS regeneration plan, the former Terminal 2 is earmarked to be redeveloped into hangarages to accommodate the relocation and expansion of existing business aviation operator tenants at the airport.
The overall tenant relocation exercise will be done in phases to demolish old hangar structures and develop new ones as replacement, of which the redevelopment of the former Terminal 2 into hangarages will serve as the critical first phase of the exercise.
The new hangars will be developed to meet the tenants’ operational needs, as well as in full compliance of safety, security and authority requirements.
Both Berjaya Air and Smooth Route have committed to take up the additional space offered at the new facility.
On top of that, the redevelopment will also contribute to the overall capacity increase of Subang Aerotech Park by 280% and will further Malaysia’s ambition to make LTSAAS the preferred aerospace and business aviation hub in APAC.
Berjaya Air GM Arthur Lee said as one of the pioneer operators at the airport since the 1980s, the company is looking forward towards the realisation of the LTSAAS regeneration plan which will place it at the forefront of commercial air charterers serving the travelling public for domestic and regional destinations via its ATR 42-500 aircraft type.
“Both leisure and business travellers can expect a seamless journey to Berjaya’s hotels and resorts, particularly the regular air charters to The Taaras Beach & Spa Resort in the beautiful Redang Island and in the near future, Tioman island as well.”
The well-facilitated airport lounges have enabled Berjaya Air to offer private and upgraded services to passengers through convenient check-in and boarding processes.
Meanwhile, Smooth Route GM Vivian Mathews said LTSAAS is a strategic location for business aviation, benefitting from being the closest airport to Kuala Lumpur that houses multinational companies and high-net worth individuals.
“We are glad to be working together with Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd in realising the LTSAAS regeneration plan. We see a huge potential in the growth of business aviation in Malaysia and the region.
“The plan, which optimises the availability of space and state of the art facilities, will definitely help us in supporting Malaysia’s Aerospace Blueprint 2030 initiatives.
“Smooth Route hopes to stand out in the region, competing with our neighbouring countries and to support Malaysia Airports in making LTSAAS a preferred hub for business aviation. We foresee the aviation sector to be a major contributor to the national economy in post-pandemic years ahead,” she said.
Source: themalaysianreserve.com
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