KUALA LUMPUR: The shuttle buses between the main and satellite terminals will operate around the clock as a mitigation measure to overcome the problem of instability of the aerotrain service at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).

Transport Minister Anthony Loke said this measure is aimed at reducing dependence on aerotrains with travel time between the two buildings taking four minutes.

Currently, he said only one set of aerotrains is operating because the second set is facing technical problems.

"The management of Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) has decided on a project to upgrade the system and purchase a new set of aerotrains, but the project will only be completed and operational within 24 months," he said in a post on Facebook today.

Loke, who was on a working visit to KLIA yesterday morning, said more long buses will also be added by March for passenger comfort and to ease of passenger congestion as well.


According to him, all MAHB staff and employees at retail outlets in the satellite terminal can only use the shuttle bus and not the aerotrain except for the flight crew.

In addition, more wide-body aircraft such as the A350 involving international flights will be allowed to park in the main terminal subject to bay availability.

Loke said all domestic flights will operate from the main terminal to help to reduce the use of the aerotrains as passengers can continue to walk to the immigration and baggage claim counters located in the same building.

Only transit passengers need to take the aerotrain or bus to the satellite terminal.

In the meantime, more staff will be stationed at the checkpoints to manage movement and help passengers who need assistance.

"I do not deny that we are facing operational problems at KLIA, especially where aerotrains are concerned, but all responsible parties must have the courage to face and manage these problems," he also said.

Loke added that he was confident in MAHB management's commitment to continue to improve the quality of services at KLIA and other airports.

-- BERNAMA