24-Mar-2006 9:12 AM
PM Launches Biggest LCC Terminal
Analysis
KUALA LUMPUR (Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad) - The Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Abdullah Haji Ahmad Badawi today launched the biggest terminal dedicated to low cost carriers (LCCs), designed to handle up to 10 million passengers a year.
The MYR108 million terminal, known as LCC Terminal-KLIA (LCCT- KLIA), is an extension of the facilities of the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).
To commemorate the launch of the LCC-friendly terminal, the Prime Minister signed a special plaque and was taken on a tour of the terminal's facilities, which included duty free shops, F&B outlets, a money changer and a comprehensive public transportation system all made available on a single level mode of operations.
The Prime Minister was accompanied by the Transport Minister, YB Dato Sri Chan Kong Choy, his Deputy, YB Datuk Douglas Uggah Embas, Senior Officials from Ministry of Transport, Malaysia Airport Holdings Berhad (Malaysia Airports), AirAsia Berhad and dignitaries and officials from the aviation industry.
It was a historical moment for the 130 passengers on board AirAsia flight AK 6315 from Penang, when they were warmly greeted by the Prime Minister. The flight, which touched down at approximately 4:40 pm, was the first of 19 AirAsia flights to land at the newly launched LCC Terminal at KLIA today.
AirAsia, Asia's leading and largest low fare airline, and its associates Thai AirAsia and Indonesia AirAsia will be the main airline operators at the new Low Cost Carrier Terminal, occupying up to two thirds (44 of 72) of the check in counters available, and a 4925 square meters office space at the LCCT-KLIA's mezzanine floor. As of March 24, all AirAsia, Thai AirAsia and Indonesia AirAsia's flights will depart and land at the LCCT-KLIA.
The opening of the LCCT marks a significant milestone in the Aviation industry, especially for Malaysia, as just a decade ago, no-frills or low-cost travel was unheard of in the region. Today, a growing number of LCCs have taken to the Asian skies.
AirAsia has successfully pioneered and revolutionized low cost travel in Asia. The airline, with its fast growing network, now encompassing some 69 destinations in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Macau, Vietnam, Cambodia, China and the Philippines, has carried a whopping 17 million passengers to date.
The growth of AirAsia, together with the launch of the new LCC Terminal at KLIA, will position Malaysia as a major hub for low cost travel in this region. The positive development of this market segment will further stimulate the growth of the tourism industry to an even greater level.
According to Dato Sri Chan, the completion of the project ahead of schedule, which took less than nine months to complete, is a reflection of the Government's support and commitment to develop the low cost travel sector to make air travel more affordable to all.
"The Government has undertaken the building of a dedicated low-cost carrier terminal in recognition of the contribution by low cost carriers, in promoting and developing tourism and economies in their respective countries.
"Although it is a low-cost carrier terminal, the facilities offered are similar, if not better, than other international airports in the region,"
To commemorate the launch of the LCC-friendly terminal, the Prime Minister signed a special plaque and was taken on a tour of the terminal's facilities, which included duty free shops, F&B outlets, a money changer and a comprehensive public transportation system all made available on a single level mode of operations.
The Prime Minister was accompanied by the Transport Minister, YB Dato Sri Chan Kong Choy, his Deputy, YB Datuk Douglas Uggah Embas, Senior Officials from Ministry of Transport, Malaysia Airport Holdings Berhad (Malaysia Airports), AirAsia Berhad and dignitaries and officials from the aviation industry.
It was a historical moment for the 130 passengers on board AirAsia flight AK 6315 from Penang, when they were warmly greeted by the Prime Minister. The flight, which touched down at approximately 4:40 pm, was the first of 19 AirAsia flights to land at the newly launched LCC Terminal at KLIA today.
AirAsia, Asia's leading and largest low fare airline, and its associates Thai AirAsia and Indonesia AirAsia will be the main airline operators at the new Low Cost Carrier Terminal, occupying up to two thirds (44 of 72) of the check in counters available, and a 4925 square meters office space at the LCCT-KLIA's mezzanine floor. As of March 24, all AirAsia, Thai AirAsia and Indonesia AirAsia's flights will depart and land at the LCCT-KLIA.
The opening of the LCCT marks a significant milestone in the Aviation industry, especially for Malaysia, as just a decade ago, no-frills or low-cost travel was unheard of in the region. Today, a growing number of LCCs have taken to the Asian skies.
AirAsia has successfully pioneered and revolutionized low cost travel in Asia. The airline, with its fast growing network, now encompassing some 69 destinations in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Macau, Vietnam, Cambodia, China and the Philippines, has carried a whopping 17 million passengers to date.
The growth of AirAsia, together with the launch of the new LCC Terminal at KLIA, will position Malaysia as a major hub for low cost travel in this region. The positive development of this market segment will further stimulate the growth of the tourism industry to an even greater level.
According to Dato Sri Chan, the completion of the project ahead of schedule, which took less than nine months to complete, is a reflection of the Government's support and commitment to develop the low cost travel sector to make air travel more affordable to all.
"The Government has undertaken the building of a dedicated low-cost carrier terminal in recognition of the contribution by low cost carriers, in promoting and developing tourism and economies in their respective countries.
"Although it is a low-cost carrier terminal, the facilities offered are similar, if not better, than other international airports in the region,"