GEORGE TOWN: Penang International Airport’s (LTAPP) expansion and upgrading are progressing steadily, with significant advancements across various work packages, says state Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari.
He said the project comprises three key Work Packages (WP), each designed to enhance the airport's infrastructure and operational capacity, which include enabling works, airside facility improvements and the construction of a new terminal building.
"Work Package One (WP1) was awarded to Gagasan Maya Sdn Bhd in September 2024, with a total contract value of RM107.9mil. As of Feb 15, WP1 has achieved 31% physical progress and is on track for completion by November 2025.
"This package encompasses critical enabling, upgrading and construction works, including the Ancillary Building, Air Traffic Control (ATC) Tower, Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) office and AVSEC Control Post," he said in a statement on Monday (March 10).
Zairil noted that this project will introduce a Remote Digital Virtual Tower (RDVT), making the airport the first in Southeast Asia to implement this advanced technology.
He also pointed out that physical construction for Work Package Two (WP2) is set to begin by mid-April and the package was awarded to Acre Works Sdn Bhd in December 2024. WP2, with a total contract value of RM254.6mil, focuses on upgrading the airport apron, taxiway, airside drainage, utilities diversion and other related infrastructure.
The tender for Work Package Three (WP3), which includes the construction of a new terminal and renovation of the existing terminal, covering local infrastructure works, building services and interior design enhancements, is expected to be called in April 2025.
Zairil said the new terminal is expected to be operational by 2027, with full project completion targeted for 2028.
"This expansion is a crucial step in accommodating the increasing passenger traffic at LTAPP while improving overall airport facilities. It will reinforce Penang's position as a key regional aviation hub and support our state's economic growth and connectivity," he said.
In February 2024, Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced that the government had approved the expansion project, which was also mentioned by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim when tabling the Budget 2025 on Oct 18.
Apart from the expansion of LTAPP, Anwar also announced the implementation of the Juru and Sungai Dua Elevated Expressway projects, the Penang Light Rail Transit and the Batu Kawan Industrial Park 3 project in Penang. - Bernama
