KLIA Aerotrain Project To Complete Ahead Of Schedule
The much-anticipated Aerotrain Replacement Project at KL International Airport (KLIA) is slated to complete by 31 January 2025, ahead of the project's original planned completion date. This expedited timeline, finalised through a contract signed on 14 June 2024 between Malaysia Airports (Sepang) Sdn Bhd [MA Sepang], a wholly-owned subsidiary of Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad [Malaysia Airports] and ALSTOM Transport Systems (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd [ALSTOM], and a joint venture consisting of IJM Construction Sdn Bhd and PESTECH Technology Sdn Bhd [IJMC-PESTECH JV], advances the originally completion date of 31 March 2025 by two months.
As the Project Coordination Lead, ALSTOM will oversee the delivery of three new trains, the upgrading of two lines, and the overall comprehensive testing required for safe operations.
In March 2022, Malaysia Airports had announced the award of the KLIA Aerotrain Replacement Project with a scheduled completion timeline of three years. However, the project had encountered delays which had resulted in a new project award in January 2024, to a consortium comprising ALSTOM - the Aerotrain's original equipment manufacturer [OEM] - and IJMC-PESTECH JV, to steer the project back on track. Despite these setbacks, Malaysia Airports and its project partners have collaborated effectively to achieve a completion date ahead of the original schedule by implementing innovative strategies and efficient project management.
Acting Group Chief Executive Officer, Mohamed Rastam Shahrom expressed appreciation for the patience of KLIA passengers during the airport's many facilities upgrades, “This early project completion ahead of the original planned date, is a testament to our relentless commitment to improve passenger experience. This advancement not only addresses immediate operational needs but also strengthens KLIA'S position as a leading transport hub in the region by providing world-class service and infrastructure to our passengers.”
According to the project's timeline, the new Aerotrains are expected to arrive in Malaysia from China by the end of third quarter this year (Q324). The Aerotrains will then undergo commissioning and rigorous testing by the relevant authorities before official operations can commence.