KLIA Aerotrain Project Faces Further Delays Despite Earlier Promises of Completion

PUTRAJAYA, Jan 15 — The long-awaited Automated People Mover System (Aerotrain) at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) faces further delays, with no clear completion date, according to Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook.

The project, initially scheduled for completion by January 31, 2025, remains in the contractor’s testing phase, which includes dynamic, full-system, and integration testing. “The contractor has yet to confirm a firm date despite earlier indications,” said Loke in a press conference.

The delays come amidst mounting frustration, with Loke emphasizing the need for Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) to expedite progress. “More can be done at a faster pace,” he said, adding that as Transport Minister, he is answerable to public concerns.

Anthony Loke – Photo DAP

The Aerotrain Replacement Project, awarded in March 2022, originally set a three-year timeline for completion. However, delays led to the appointment of a new consortium in January 2024, including Alstom, Aerotrain’s original equipment manufacturer, and JMC-Pestech JV, to realign the project.

KLIA Aerotrain delays

As of September 2024, two aerotrain sets had arrived in Malaysia and were undergoing installation and inspection. Each set features three coaches with a capacity of 270 passengers, with a third backup set expected in October 2025. Dynamic testing is underway, using actual tracks, to ensure the trains meet operational standards.

Despite the aerotrain’s eventual return, shuttle buses will continue to serve KLIA passengers due to growing passenger demand. Loke underscored the importance of the project’s completion, particularly as Malaysia prepares to host ASEAN and international meetings later this year.

The Aerotrain project remains crucial to enhancing KLIA’s infrastructure and accommodating increased passenger movements, but continued delays highlight the challenges of large-scale infrastructure undertakings.