MAHB proposes skybridge as alternative to aerotrain at KLIA

Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) plans to build a skybridge to connect the main and satellite buildings of the KL International Airport (KLIA) as an alternative to using the aerotrain.

Its managing director, Datuk Badlisham Ghazali said the proposal was being discussed by the management of MAHB - the handler of KLIA - before tabling a working paper to the transport ministry.

"Other than a skybridge, which has a walkalator, we also have several other proposals as long-term solutions, including replacing the aerotrain.

"Whatever we put in the airport is considered capital expenditure and those are something that we have to discuss with the government," he told reporters after handing over MAHB's 14th Loyal Service Awards here Tuesday.

He said this when asked to comment on the urging of Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai that a long-term solution be found due to breakdowns experienced by the aerotrain.

For short-term solution, Badlisham said more than 24 buses and vans had been stationed at KLIA in the event the aerotrain broke down again.

"The aerotrain service started when KLIA began operations 18 years ago. We are still looking to further improve it, including upgrading the signaling system which we think, was the cause of a lot of the recent downtimes," he said.

On Friday, hundreds of consumers at KLIA were stranded after two KLIA aerotrains broke down at 8am. A similar incident occurred in December.

Meanwhile, commenting on efforts to upgrade the KL International Airport 2 (klia2) to overcome stagnant water, especially during the rainy season, Badlisham said MAHB was prepared for any eventuality.