PUTRAJAYA: After nearly 28 months of suspension, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) is set to relaunch the fully modernised KLIA Aerotrain service tomorrow (July 1), marking a significant milestone in the country's airport transformation agenda.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is scheduled to officiate the launch at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 1 (KLIA T1), where the upgraded automated people mover system will resume full operations at 10am.
A long-standing icon of KLIA since 1998, the Aerotrain service has undergone a RM456mil overhaul to replace its ageing fleet and infrastructure under MAHB’s RM742mil Airport Regeneration Plan, aimed at future-proofing one of the region’s busiest aviation hubs.
Now equipped with state-of-the-art Alstom Innovia APM 300R trainsets, the system features three-car driverless units capable of transporting up to 270 passengers at speeds of 56 kilometres per hour. Hence the train journey between the main terminal and the satellite building is now reduced to under three minutes.
Each train is fitted with advanced condition monitoring systems to reduce service disruptions, boost operational efficiency and enhance passenger safety and comfort -- addressing past concerns over frequent breakdowns that plagued the ageing system.
The new system underwent six months of rigorous testing and commissioning by the Land Public Transport Agency (Apad) between January and June 2025.
MAHB managing director Datuk Mohd Izani Ghani was reported as saying that extensive technical and safety tests were implemented to ensure fault-free operations.
Originally slated for completion in March 2025, the project faced delays due to global supply chain issues, system integration challenges and the complexity of installing a new driverless system while keeping KLIA operational.
KLIA T1 currently manages more than 100,000 passenger movements daily, with the Aerotrain playing a pivotal role in maintaining smooth connectivity, especially for international transfer passengers.
The satellite terminal houses many long-haul international carriers, making fast terminal transfers essential in reducing missed connections and ensuring seamless passenger journeys.
With the Aerotrain now back online, the airport is better positioned to cater to rising passenger volumes, especially in anticipation of Visit Malaysia 2026 and KLIA’s projected recovery to pre-pandemic traffic levels.- Bernama
