Malaysia Airports to unveil property project in 2-3 months

A DECADE OLD: (From Left) Bashir, Malaysia Airports Chairman Tan Sri Dr Aris Othman and Chan at the launch of the KLIA 10th Anniversary campaign logo yesterday

Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) plans to unveil its maiden commercial property development, involving some 10,000ha of KL International Airport (KLIA) land area, in the next two to three months.

Managing director Datuk Seri Bashir Ahmad said under the plan, which is part of its future growth strategy, the project will have a recreation park, business centres, offices as well as a theme park.

He was tight lipped on the project's details.

"We have already come up with a proposal for this project. We will make an announcement on this in two to three months," he told reporters after the launch of KLIA's 10th anniversary campaign by Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy in Sepang, yesterday.

The airport operator aims to increase its commercial or non-aeronautical revenue to 50 per cent by this year.

Aside from the property project, MAHB is also revamping retail and food and beverage outlets at the airport area.

Bashir said MAHB expects to receive between four and five new foreign airlines flying into KLIA this year. Talks are still ongoing.

"We are still at the talking stage at this moment. We will not disclose the name of these airline as we want them to make the announcement themselves."

A total of 53 airlines are currently operating in KLIA, including seven new airlines that started their operations last year.

He also expects KLIA to handle between four and five per cent more passengers this year, against last year's 26 million passenger.

About seven million of that are those using the low-cost carrier terminal (LCCT).

As part of the 10th anniversary campaign, MAHB launched the logo, theme song and new attire for the frontline staff.

"The year 2008 will also be a good year to showcase KLIA's strength and credibility, as more than 2,000 airport and airline representative around the world will congregate in Kuala Lumpur for the 14th edition of World Route Development forum (Routes), for which MAHB will be the host," added Bashir.

By New Straits Times (by Anna Maria Samsuddin)