KLIA Aerotrain Breakdown

[Mohd Azizul Ramli 2]

Upgrading of aerotrain service at KLIA

By Jeeva Arulampalam

Published: 2010/08/20

 

AIRPORT operator Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) says its aerotrain service that shuttles between the KL International Airport's (KLIA) main terminal and satellite building will be down for about five months from November.

 

MAHB senior general manager of operations Datuk Azmi Murad said the Track Transit System (TTS), or aerotrains, will undergo upgrading works until March 15 next year.

 

As a result of the transit system shutdown, 12 shuttle buses will be stationed around the clock to transfer passengers between the contact pier at the main terminal and the satellite building.

 

While MAHB's dry run shows that it takes an extra eight minutes for departing passengers to commute from the check-in area to the departure gates at the satellite building using the shuttle buses, passengers travelling on international flights should allocate additional time.

 

"We are embarking on the KLIA Spur Line project which will see modifications to the existing 2 three-car trains and the adding of another three-car train," Azmi told reporters at a briefing at KLIA yesterday.

 

The project will also see the construction of a maintenance and storage facilities building, or depot, close to the satellite building. There will also be a new spur line integrated with the existing train shuttle system.

 

Azmi added that the project will address the future needs of the ultimate train system with the construction of the a new satellite building, which could be in three to four years.

 

The spur line will connect the present satellite building (A) with the future satellite (B ) building.

 

Konsortium Bombardier-Hartasuma Sdn Bhd was given a 32-month contract to complete the project, valued at RM208.58 million. The entire project should be completed by September next year.

 

"The reason for carrying out this project is to facilitate maintenance for the current train operation and accommodate overhaul works of the existing and future trains," said Azmi.

 

The dual-lane shuttle system has one train each. One track has a recorded mileage equal to 44 trips around the world, while the other track has recorded 48 trips.

 

Currently, when maintenance works are carried out on either train, only one train is left to function. Therefore, an additional carriage will ensure that, in future, two trains will work at any given time.

 

Azmi said the shutdown of both aero-trains was a necessary precautionary measure.

 

"There may be flying debris due to hacking of structures, compromising passenger safety. One of the existing tracks is equipped with high-tension cables, so it puts the safety of workers at risk," he said.

 

He added that the shutdown period would otherwise drag to nine months.

 

Read more: Upgrading of aerotrain service at KLIA http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/jmab19/Article/#ixzz0x4nuEYwW

[Mushrif A 3]

If the Skytrain does go inop, bussing those pax about inter-terminal may prove the more desirable option

The alternative may be having to walk the distance

 

Wonder what, if any measure(s) they have over at Changi to mitigate problem should they ever face same situation as what we have at KLIA now ?

 

The skytrains at Changi do go inop a few hrs everyday, between 2-5am or so. The signs clearly state to just use the walkalators when that happens. All 3 terminals are really one giant U-shaped building (with a few arms sticking out).

[BC Tam 2]

..... to just use the walkalators when that happens. All 3 terminals are really one giant U-shaped building (with a few arms sticking out).

At Changi, that would be a treat rather than an inconvenience

Unless one has a tight connection to make

[leon t 0]

That is why KLIA will Never become a really successful hub like Changi - bec the way it is run by MAHB which functions like a laid back govt dept and fix problems when they become an issue rather than proactive. This aerotrain service could have been done in phases whether replacing the carriages or tracks or maintenance. Look at Changi's aerotrain links between its 3 terminals - they do not shut down like KLIA for 3 whole Months or likely more.

[V Wong 0]

Upgrading of aerotrain service at KLIA

By Jeeva Arulampalam

Published: 2010/08/20

 

AIRPORT operator Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) says its aerotrain service that shuttles between the KL International Airport's (KLIA) main terminal and satellite building will be down for about five months from November.

 

MAHB senior general manager of operations Datuk Azmi Murad said the Track Transit System (TTS), or aerotrains, will undergo upgrading works until March 15 next year.

 

As a result of the transit system shutdown, 12 shuttle buses will be stationed around the clock to transfer passengers between the contact pier at the main terminal and the satellite building.

 

While MAHB's dry run shows that it takes an extra eight minutes for departing passengers to commute from the check-in area to the departure gates at the satellite building using the shuttle buses, passengers travelling on international flights should allocate additional time.

 

"We are embarking on the KLIA Spur Line project which will see modifications to the existing 2 three-car trains and the adding of another three-car train," Azmi told reporters at a briefing at KLIA yesterday.

 

The project will also see the construction of a maintenance and storage facilities building, or depot, close to the satellite building. There will also be a new spur line integrated with the existing train shuttle system.

 

Azmi added that the project will address the future needs of the ultimate train system with the construction of the a new satellite building, which could be in three to four years.

 

The spur line will connect the present satellite building (A) with the future satellite (B ) building.

 

Konsortium Bombardier-Hartasuma Sdn Bhd was given a 32-month contract to complete the project, valued at RM208.58 million. The entire project should be completed by September next year.

 

"The reason for carrying out this project is to facilitate maintenance for the current train operation and accommodate overhaul works of the existing and future trains," said Azmi.

 

The dual-lane shuttle system has one train each. One track has a recorded mileage equal to 44 trips around the world, while the other track has recorded 48 trips.

 

Currently, when maintenance works are carried out on either train, only one train is left to function. Therefore, an additional carriage will ensure that, in future, two trains will work at any given time.

 

Azmi said the shutdown of both aero-trains was a necessary precautionary measure.

 

"There may be flying debris due to hacking of structures, compromising passenger safety. One of the existing tracks is equipped with high-tension cables, so it puts the safety of workers at risk," he said.

 

He added that the shutdown period would otherwise drag to nine months.

 

Read more: Upgrading of aerotrain service at KLIA http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/jmab19/Article/#ixzz0x4nuEYwW

 

With puke inducing spin and rationalization like this, it is times like this when I ask myself why are we still stuck in 3rd world mode. I would rather put this down to plain poor planning (or other never-to-be-revealed factors, given that a 'Konsortium' is involved) for such total shutdown to occur. Period.

Edited August 20, 2010 by V Wong

[KK Lee 5]

One of skytrain is out of service.

[Mohd Azizul Ramli 2]

*Ehem* you mean aerotrain? Skytrain is referring to the one in SIN.

[Josh T 0]

I just hope the bus services between the Satellite terminal and the Main terminal runs efficiently and frequently.

[V Wong 0]

Upgrading of aerotrain service at KLIA

By Jeeva Arulampalam

Published: 2010/08/20

 

While MAHB's dry run shows that it takes an extra eight minutes for departing passengers to commute from the check-in area to the departure gates at the satellite building using the shuttle buses, passengers travelling on international flights should allocate additional time.

 

http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/jmab19/Article/#ixzz0x4nuEYwW

 

If you do not doubt this statement, it should (read : should ) be ok....

Edited September 23, 2010 by V Wong

[KK Lee 5]

Reduced service during off peak period To save energy, wear and tear?

[Mike P 0]

I thought the service is totally suspended? So they only reduce the frequency?

[erina airin 0]

sharing is caring....

 

 

 

Kindly be informed that the Aerotrain services at KLIA will be temporarily shutdown for the trial run purposed on 20th October 2010 from 0800am till 0400pm.

 

Therefore, during the closure, the shuttle bus services will be provided by KLIA to ease the movement. The routes will be :

 

PICK–UP POINT DROP-OFF POINT

 

DEPARTURE Bussing Lounge, Ground Floor, Contact Pier C11

Contact Pier to Satellite)

 

 

 

ARRIVAL

(Satellite to Contact Pier) Bussing Lounge, C5 A2, Contact Pier

 

 

 

 

p/s: the actual closure shall commence from 1st November 2010 till 15 March 2011.

[Mushrif A 3]

I had the opportunity to experience the bus service...one immediate comment - is MAB's budget is sooo tiny that it has to rely on those small laminated orange coloured signboards to show the direction to the bus gate?

 

These miniature signboards easily blend into the background and are virtually invisible around the toyshop area at the satellite terminal which leads to the bus gate C5.

 

Also, the temporary signboards hanged from the roof not too far away from gate C5/ airside hotel showing the bus transfer only state "Arrivals" (& the BM equivalent) - but what about Domestic Transfers and To Gates G & H?

[mila 0]

KL International Airport (KLIA) will temporarily close the Aero Train service for upgrading and extension of its travelling route purposes in line with more aero gates soon to be set up in order to cater more / new airlines landing in KLIA next year.

 

Effective 01st Nov - 15th March 2011 , the Aero Train service will be replaced by ground shuttle buses that will be mobilised around the clock (24 hours) to transfer passengers to and from contact pier (Main Terminal Building) and Satellite Building.

 

All international departure flight passengers will go through the same process at international immigration counters and custom check. There after they shall proceed to the current Aero Train service point (beside Harrods Retail boutique) whereby an appointed staircase nearby will be accessible to the shuttle buses point for the transfer service to Satellite Building.

 

As for all arriving international flight passengers, they are advised to proceed to Gate C5 whereby an appointed staircase nearby will be accessible to the shuttle buses point for the transfer service to Main Terminal Building. The international arriving immigration and custom check process as well as luggage retrieving process remain unchanged.

 

 

 

Thank you, have a refreshing day.

 

be well

[Mushrif A 3]

This is probably an MAB member and hence, the new post on aerotrain closure when there is already an existing topic on this.

[BC Tam 2]

KL International Airport (KLIA) will temporarily close the Aero Train service for upgrading and extension of its travelling route purposes in line with more aero gates soon to be set up in order to cater more / new airlines landing in KLIA next year.

Interesting spin

Meaning even with all the empty gates we see so often at KLIA nowadays will still not be enough to accomodate the expected rush next year ?

[Mushrif A 3]

Typical MAB - I think they should channel their energy towards having proper signboards to direct pax to the bus gates rather than spend energy on spin-doctoring.

[Mohd Azizul Ramli 2]

Aerotrain comes to a temporary halt

By CHARLES FERNANDEZ Friday October 22, 2010

http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2010/10/22/central/7272521&sec=central

 

THE aerotrain service at the KL International Airport (KLIA) will be suspended for four-and-a-half months from Nov 1 and buses will be used to transport passengers during this period.

 

The trip between the main terminal building and satellite building will take 10 minutes.

 

On Wednesday, the Malaysian Airports Berhad (MAB) organised a trial run of its shuttle bus service between the two buildings from 8am to 4pm.

 

During the eight-hour trial run, 11,000 passengers were transported, involving 37 departures and 20 arrivals.

 

Hands on: Azmi (in white shirt) directing passengers at the satellite building.

 

MAB senior general manager (operation services) Datuk Azmi Murad said the objective was to provide Malaysia Airports and airlines at KLIA the opportunity to test the effectiveness of the shuttle service with actual passengers and to identify any areas that required fine-tuning before Nov 1.

 

He said the temporary service involving 16 buses would be rigorously tested to minimise inconvenience especially during peak hours and to ensure smooth and fast transfer of international passengers.

 

He said signboards had been put up to notify travellers and personnel would be on standby to guide passengers and ensure smooth operations.

 

“All airline operators have also been given recorded messages to play on flights to create awareness on the closure of the aerotrain service. The units are due for a complete overhaul as they have been operating for 12 years and clocked two million kilometres,’’ added Azmi.

 

This way please: Passengers departing from KLIA following the signages leading them to the waiting buses that will take them to the satellite building from the Contact Pier.

 

The shuttle bus lounge for departing passengers is located at the ground level of the Contact Pier, where the shuttle service will transfer passengers to Gate C11 to proceed to their boarding gates.

 

For arriving passengers, they will proceed to Gate C5 of the satellite building where the shuttle service will transport them to the Contact Pier for Immigration clearance and baggage reclamation.

 

“We want to ensure that the shuttle system is working effectively as we want passengers to continue enjoying the same level of service during this period,’’ said Azmi.

 

He said the closure was necessary to facilitate the KLIA Spurline expansion project, which involved modifiying the existing aerotrain fleet and commissioning an additional three-vehicle aerotrain.

 

The project will also enable the construction of a crossover switch between the two existing guide ways. The Spurline is a branch line from the existing guide-way connecting to the new Operation, Maintenance and Storage Facility (OMSF) building.

 

“The OMSF will serve as a permanent venue for scheduled maintenance work and also to house another train that will serve as a replacement during repairs or maintenance,’’ said Azmi.

 

Currently in the event of a breakdown, maintenance is undertaken at Satellite A terminal station, disabling the full operation of the aerotrain service.

 

“We need a third train in such circumstances. Now, there are two cars per train to ferry 160 passengers and once the project is completed, each of the trains will have three cars to ferry 240 passengers with the third train on standby,’’ said Azmi.

 

For more information, call 03-8776 9106 or visit: www.klia.com.my

[Josh T 0]

I'll be testing out the shuttle service between the 2 terminals in about 3 weeks...

[Edwin P K 0]

Another irritating thing when you call up the MH line is that you have to listen through the announcement of the aero train suspension. Given that you always get cut off halfway, or put on hold for 10 minutes, you usually need to call them back. And having to listen to the announcement over and over again before the main menu is really annoying.

[KK Lee 5]

 

 

 

The journey from MTB to satellite terminal took about 5 minutes.As there were not many pax, the experience was better than expected. However, our bus can’t compare with European.

 

[KK Lee 5]

Queue for bus to MTB

 

Masuk, masuk, belakang masuk lagi!

[Desmond Loo 0]

Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad must avoid packing passengers into busses like sardines in a can. This practice is extremely off putting for the Malaysian air gateway users. There may also be an economical impact for Malaysia. After all with nearly 4 months of this before things improve, it is best getting it right now.

[jani 0]

Oh man what the hell..!!!

[BC Tam 2]

Actually, would anyone have noticed or minded if they employed the right equipment for the job ?

Like those low and wide coaches that we get bussed to/fro remote stands

Instead of these buses now which are designed for a different requirement