KUALA LUMPUR: Kuala Lumpur International Airport's (KLIA) aerotrain project is expected to be completed by Jan 31, 2025, ahead of schedule.
KLIA's operator, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) said the expedited timeline of the aerotrain replacement project advances the original completion date of Mar 31, 2025 by two months.
The new completion date was finalised through a contract signed on June 14, 2024 between its subsidiary Malaysia Airports (Sepang) Sdn Bhd and Alstom Transport Systems (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, as well as a joint venture consisting of IJM Construction Sdn Bhd and Pestech Technology Sdn Bhd.
"As the project coordination lead, MAHB Alstom will oversee the delivery of three new trains, the upgrading of two lines, and the overall comprehensive testing required for safe operation," it said in a statement today.
In March 2022, MAHB announced the award of the KLIA aerotrain replacement project with a scheduled completion timeline of three years.
A delay in the project however led MAHB to terminate the contract.
In January 2024, it awarded the project to a consortium comprising of Alstom - the aerotrain's original equipment manufacturer (OEM) - and IJM-Pestech join venture, to steer the project back on track. Despite these setbacks, MAHB said the company and its project partners have collaborated effectively to achieve a completion date ahead of schedule by implementing innovative strategies and efficient project management.
Acting group chief executive officer Mohamed Rastam Shahrom said the early project completion is a testament to MAHB's 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," he said.
According to the project's timeline, MAHB said the new aerotrains are expected to arrive in Malaysia from China by the end of third quarter this year.
It will then undergo commissioning and rigorous testing by the relevant authorities before starting its official operations.