SEPANG: Malaysia is actively working to attract more air cargo liners to establish Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) as a hub and major stop, positioning itself as a central logistics hub in Asean.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said KLIA has all the necessary factors to support the continued growth of the country's logistics services.
"KLIA is a huge airport encompassing more than just the passenger terminal; cargo is a crucial component of its operations.
"Over the past few years, significant developments have taken place in this area of KLIA, with many new cargo warehousing complexes being established.
"Furthermore, there has been an increase in requests from air cargo liners, including multinational companies that have approached the government seeking assistance in securing space for investment and growth," he told reporters after witnessing the strategic partnership between MMAG Aviation Consortium Sdn Bhd (MAC) and Unilode Aviation Solutions.
Present were MAC chairman Woo Kam Weng and Unilode chief executive officer Ross Marino.
Loke said KLIA has the potential to become a central hub for Asean due to its extensive network.
He said it has advantages that many may not have noticed.
"In terms of connectivity within Asean, KLIA is one of the best in the region.
"Through our airlines, especially our low-cost carriers, we serve numerous secondary cities in Asean, such as those in Indonesia, Thailand, and Cambodia.
"With our strong network at KLIA, we must fully utilise our resources and I'm confident that all airlines are considering this as well."
Loke said the KLIA is already serving as a central hub for logistics in Asean.
He said it could expand significantly by increasing traffic, enhancing flight frequency, and attracting more air cargo liners to establish itself as a hub.
Loke described the partnership between MAC and Unilode as a positive collaboration and represents a significant step forward in Malaysia's ongoing efforts to strengthen its logistics and aviation sectors.
"With this, we must further improve our efficiency and enhance our equipment and facilities," he said.
The partnership between MAC and Unilode enables MAC to deliver enhanced services to its customers and pave the way for further collaborations, including establishing a unit load device (ULD) management center at MAC's Xpress Cargo Terminal.
The partnership will commence with Unilode providing unit load device management to MJets Air Sdn Bhd, the commercial air cargo unit within MAC.