SEPANG, July 1 — “Good… faster than before,” was how Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim described his ride on the upgraded KLIA Aerotrain during a walkabout at Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 1 (KLIA1) today.
Anwar arrived at the terminal at 1pm, accompanied by Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) managing director Datuk Mohd Izani Ghani, and senior MAHB officials.
Anwar tried the enhanced Aerotrain service, travelling from the Contact Pier to the Satellite Building, where he received a briefing on the system’s upgrades under MAHB’s Airport Regeneration Plan.
The fully modernised, driverless train service resumed full operation this morning following a RM456 million upgrade under MAHB’s RM742 million transformation initiative aimed at future-proofing KLIA as a premier regional aviation hub.
An iconic feature of KLIA since its opening in 1998, the Aerotrain now features Alstom Innovia APM 300R trainsets. Each three-car unit can accommodate up to 270 passengers and travel at speeds of up to 56kph, reducing travel time between the main terminal and the satellite terminal to under three minutes.
With advanced condition monitoring systems, the new trains are designed to minimise service disruptions, enhance operational efficiency and improve passenger comfort.
According to Izani, the upgraded system underwent six months of rigorous testing and commissioning by the Land Public Transport Agency from January to June this year, including extensive technical and safety assessments.
KLIA Terminal 1 currently records over 100,000 passenger movements daily. The Aerotrain remains a vital link, especially for international transit passengers connecting through the satellite terminal, which hosts most of the airport’s long-haul carriers.
With operations now fully restored, MAHB said the upgraded Aerotrain will boost KLIA’s readiness for growing passenger traffic ahead of Visit Malaysia Year 2026 and support its recovery to pre-pandemic levels.
Meanwhile, in a Facebook post, Anwar said the maintenance and upgrade of the Aerotrain is crucial to ensure the comfort and smooth movement of all parties, especially passengers using KLIA as a main gateway into and out of the country.
Anwar said the facility plays a key role in strengthening KLIA’s image as a world-class airport that always prioritises comfort of its users.
“Thank God, the Aerotrain service resumed operating today after undergoing maintenance and upgrades.
“I am satisfied with the operational level of this Aerotrain, which is not only fast and efficient but also easily accessible by all,” said Anwar, who inspected the Aerotrain before departing for his official visit to Italy, France and Brazil, today.
In the same post, Anwar extended his congratulations and appreciation to Malaysia Airports and all involved for their continuous efforts in improving service quality for the benefit of the people and international visitors.
— Bernama
