KLIA2 to be ready by May despite deferred opening

The new low-cost airport, KLIA2, is set to be ready by May 1, although the commencement date has been deferred to June 28.

Airport operator, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) expects to honour its initial deadline as the postponed date is only to commemorate the inauguration of the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) 15 years ago.

MAHB Senior General Manager (Commercial Services) Faizah Khairuddin said the grace period would be utilised amicably by the airport operator to perform testing, mock-operation drills and certain commissioning activities.

"The development of KLIA2 is on-track. MAHB is on-track to conclude the construction and internal works by May 1," she told Bernama.

From a commercial perspective, Faizah said the KLIA2 would commence operations, with more than 80 per cent of its commercial floor space taken up by reputable domestic and international brands.

She said MAHB has set a very clear brand positioning for the new airport and opening it with more than 80 per cent commercial occupancy, would position the airport on par with other of its international peers.

"We are going to open with above 80 per cent commercial occupancy. It is nothing to worry as MAHB has not opened the entire commercial space for tender.

"We only opened up 84 per cent and almost all floor space has been tendered out. This is a signal of very good acceptance and response towards KLIA2," Faizah said.

The KLIA2 is being built at a development cost of about RM4 billion to allow seamless connectivity for both local and international low-cost plus full-service carriers.

The new airport terminal is measured to be at least 257,000 square metres, with 60 gates, eight remote stands, 80 aerobridges plus a retail space of 32,000 square metres to accommodate 225 retail outlets.

The airport is designed to cater for 45 million passengers per annum.