SEPANG, Jan 24 — The Automated People Mover System (Aerotrain) in Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is expected to resume service in the second quarter of this year, its operator, the Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) said.

In a press conference here, MAHB managing director, Datuk Mohd Izani Ghani said that immense technical improvements have been made with extensive testings ongoing in phases, to ensure service resumes within the said deadline.

Izani said that the total cost of the repair works and upgrades costs RM456 million.

He mentioned that the best-case scenario would be receiving the certificate to operate immediately after successful tests. However, the Q2 timeline is important in case further tests are needed.

Izani referred to MAHB’s chief operating officer, Gordon Stewart, mentioning that the January deadline was set despite ongoing challenges, and noted that Stewart had described it as an overambitious target.

“Based on technical requirements, it is important for us to really follow the regime of testing required to ensure safety and reliability. Hence, when we charted out the timeline, we can only complete the 80 tests which were required to be done, until April.

“Therefore, as soon as those tests are completed, then we can start operation of the services. Not long from now, a few months away,” Izani explained.

During a media briefing session, Stewart also shared that the new and improved trains will feature increased capacity, accommodating up to 270 passengers in the three-coach configuration, compared to the previous limit of 230.

“It’s not just trains that we have been installing here, but an entire train system.

“The first two aerotrains were delivered in August (2024), the third aerotrain arrived in October. The all-important energisation took place in October as well,” he said.

Izani also assured that there will be no disruptions to the mobility of Asean delegates and guests, as proper systems have been implemented to ensure smooth arrangements.

“In fact, on this floor, all the lounges have been upgraded to facilitate the movement of the delegates and also, we have arranged for the delegates to use the Bunga Raya Complex. So, I would say, no impact on the Asean 2025 meeting.”