Low Cost Air Terminal at KLIA

[Seth K 3]

Arrival on opening day, Thursday, 23 March 2006 (only selected flights- the rest still use the Satelite buiding and MTB ON 24)

 

AK 5257 -Anybody in this flight?

Miri

20:05

Domestic

 

AK 5213

Kuching

21:25

Domestic

 

AK 6358

Johor Bahru

21:40

Domestic

AK 997

Solo

21:40

International

 

AK 957

Jakarta

21:50

International

AK 917

Surabaya

22:05

International

 

AK 939

Medan

22:05

International

AK 6337

Terengganu

22:10

Domestic

 

AK 5265

Sibu

22:20

Domestic

AK 5115

Kota kinabalu

22:35

Domestic

 

AK 6329

Kota Bharu

22:35

Domestic

 

AK 6317

Penang

23:10

Domestic

 

AK 905

Denpasar ( Bali)

23:10

International

 

AK 53

Macau

23:10

International

 

AK 5157

Tawau

23:25

Domestic

 

AK 885

Bangkok

23:25

International

 

AK 5215

Kuching

23:30

Domestic

AK 5259

Miri

23:50

Domestic

AK 5121

Kota Kinabalu

23:55

Domestic

 

On 24th, all AK flights to/from KUL will use the LCC-T!

Edited March 18, 2006 by Seth K

[Seth K 3]

 

The opening of the LCC-T will be a significant milestone in Malaysia’s aviation industry, as just half a decade ago, no-frills or low-cost travel was unheard of.

 

OME March 23, Malaysia will become the first country in Asia to own and operate a low-cost terminal – known as LCC Terminal KLIA (LCC-T) – that can handle up to 10 million passengers a year. Three days later, Asia’s second low-cost terminal, known as Budget Terminal, will open for business in Singapore.

 

The LCC-T is a dedicated terminal for low-cost carriers and on that day, only flights of AirAsia and that of its units, Thai AirAsia and AirAsia Indonesia, will take off and land at the terminal. The opening of the LCC-T will be a significant milestone in Malaysia’s aviation industry as just half a decade ago, no-frills or low-cost travel was unheard of in the country.

 

Today, Malaysians have a choice of either flying premium class or no-frills class. And it was Datuk Tony Fernandes and his group of friends from the entertainment industry who decided to take on the challenge to introduce low-cost travel in Malaysia.

 

The Government has also been supportive, otherwise, this terminal, located near the KL International Airport (KLIA), would not have been built in less than nine months to cater to growth in demand for low-cost travel.

 

“The LCC-T would benefit airlines, passengers and handlers as it is custom-made to meet the low-cost carrier business model,” Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) managing director Datuk Seri Bashir Ahmad told StarBiz.

 

MAHB is the operator of both LCC-T and KLIA. The Government funded the development of the LCC-T that had cost RM108mil.

 

“To a large extent, the decision to build the LCC-T was in response to AirAsia’s rapid growth and future expansion and to cater to low-cost carriers from other countries. The concept for the LCC-T was to develop a temporary terminal for short-term requirements and build another bigger terminal should the need arise. This terminal can then be converted into a cargo terminal if is not needed,” Bashir said.

 

Datuk Seri Bashir Ahmad ... the LCC-T will benefit airlines, passengers and handlers as it is custom-made to meet the low-cost carrier business model

Do not expect the frills that you get at KLIA, or even at Penang, Kota Kinabalu or Kuching airports to be available at the LCC-T as this is a basic building with a simple layout. For the airlines, it offers short turnaround time for their aircraft. There are no aerobridges and all this means airlines’ operating costs are lower.

 

The concept of low-cost airline may be fairly new in Malaysia, but it has existed elsewhere for over five decades.

 

It originated in the US and has spread to Europe and now the rest of the world. A low-cost or no-frills airline is one that offers low fares and a passenger has to buy his own drink and food onboard a low-cost carrier.

 

Today, US-based Southwest Airlines is the leader in low-cost travel in the US and Ireland’s Ryanair, which began low fares operations in 1991, is the most notable success in Europe. In Asia, AirAsia has created a brand that sells across Asia.

 

AirAsia began offering low-cost travel from the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah International Airport in Subang and now at the KLIA, but it is getting ready to shift to the LCC-T. AirAsia flies four million passengers yearly and expects the figure to increase to six million next year.

 

Low-fare air travel is set to grow further in Asia as some experts believe it is the right model for the region that has a large population, but not necessarily large income.

 

[Tze Shan 0]

still using the same runway, i though they created another

[Naim 6]

At last some official clues!

 

.ny

 

+++

 

 

March 20, 2006 13:59 PM

Klang Valley Taxis Can Pick Up Passengers At KLIA LCC Terminal

 

By Yong Soo Heong

 

SEPANG, March 20 (Bernama) -- Taxi drivers sending passengers to the soon-to-be-opened KLIA Low Cost Carrier (LCC) Terminal near the cargo complex will be allowed to pick up passengers from the airport, said KLIA general manager Azmi Murad.

 

In order to be able to do so, taxi drivers would have to queue up under a system managed by Mesra Indah Jaya Sdn Bhd, the coupon operator of the LCC's taxi services, he told a briefing here Monday.

 

They will have to pay a small administrative fee to the company as the taxi service from the LCC Terminal is also based on a coupon system similar to the KLIA Main Terminal.

 

Presently, taxi drivers other than those registered with the taxi operating service company at the KLIA Main Terminal, are not allowed to pick up passengers there.

 

However, the government has given some leeway to Klang Valley taxi drivers at the LCC Terminal.

 

So far 400 taxi permits had been issued to several companies and cooperatives to operate dedicated taxi services at the LCC Terminal and another 200 would be issued soon.

 

Azmi said Mesra Indah Jaya would not impose a fare surcharge for trips after midnight.

 

He also said there would be a shuttle service between the KLIA Main Terminal and the LCC Terminal to facilitate passengers who had to take connecting flights between the two terminals.

 

This also meant that passengers could use the Express Rail Link train service to go to the LCC Terminal via the KLIA Main Terminal.

 

He also advised passengers who had to use the two terminals to connect their flights to allow for a Minimum Connecting Time of 2.5 hours.

 

This is because there was no interlining arrangements between airlines operating from the Main Terminal and AirAsia, the sole operator at the LCC Terminal.

 

This would also mean that passengers would have to check out with their bags and go through Immigration and check in again at either terminals.

 

Azmi disclosed that passengers at the LCC Terminal need not board an aero train to catch their flights as in the Main Terminal.

 

However, there would not be any aero bridges and passengers would have to walk on to the tarmac to board their planes.

 

Azmi said there would also be commuter bus services from Nilai, Salak Tinggi, Sepang and Banting.

 

He also said the government had approved a bus shuttle service from KL Sentral to the LCC Terminal to be provided by Nareco Bus at RM9 for a one way trip.

 

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi will officially open the LCC Terminal on Thursday and AirAsia will begin full operations there the following day.

 

-- BERNAMA

[Kee Hooi Yen 0]

 

This is because there was no interlining arrangements between airlines operating from the Main Terminal and AirAsia, the sole operator at the LCC Terminal.

 

This would also mean that passengers would have to check out with their bags and go through Immigration and check in again at either terminals.

 

 

How about the arrangement for Budget Terminal in SIN ?

[Fairul 0]

How about the arrangement for Budget Terminal in SIN ?

 

they have a free shuttle service between the terminals and Budget Terminal..you can check out the Budget terminal preview by this forumer from SSC forum...its kinda cool..

 

Budget Terminal preview

 

 

[Naim 6]

they have a free shuttle service between the terminals and Budget Terminal..you can check out the Budget terminal preview by this forumer from SSC forum...its kinda cool..

 

Budget Terminal preview

 

At last, something about a shuttle bus between KLIA main and LCC terminals.

 

"Those travelling by KLIA Ekspres and KLIA Transit – the two high-speed train services linking KL Sentral with KL International Airport – can also catch a shuttle bus from airport to the new terminal at RM1.50 each."

 

.ny

 

+++

 

The Star

Tuesday March 21, 2006

 

Bus service to new terminal

 

By NG SI HOOI

 

SEPANG: Those who fly on no-frills airlines can soon travel from the city to the new low-cost-carrier terminal here on budget fares.

 

A new shuttle service will ply between the terminal and KL Sentral half-hourly, charging RM9 each way.

 

The service, operational from 3.30am to midnight daily, will be available when the RM108mil terminal begins operations on Thursday.

 

Those travelling by KLIA Ekspres and KLIA Transit – the two high-speed train services linking KL Sentral with KL International Airport – can also catch a shuttle bus from airport to the new terminal at RM1.50 each.

 

The bus plies every 20 minutes.

 

“We want to ensure travellers have no problems getting to the (new terminal),” Malaysia Airports (Sepang) Sdn Bhd general manager Azmi Murad said during a site tour of the terminal for government officials and the media here yesterday.

 

Express Rail Link Sdn Bhd, the operator of KLIA Ekspres and KLIA Transit, currently charges RM35 one-way.

 

Apart from buses, taxis will also be operating from the new terminal.

 

Azmi added that buses would also be available from Pekan Nilai, Salak Tinggi, Sepang and Banting.

 

These are operated by Airport Coach Sdn Bhd, Airport Liner, Sepang Omnibus and Eco Coach Sdn Bhd.

 

The new terminal will be opened by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on Thursday.

 

“The first plane, from Penang, is scheduled to arrive at the terminal at about 4pm that day,” Azmi said, adding that the terminal would be fully operational from Friday.

[Kee Hooi Yen 0]

they have a free shuttle service between the terminals and Budget Terminal..you can check out the Budget terminal preview by this forumer from SSC forum...its kinda cool..

 

Budget Terminal preview

 

I mean for those who wants to tranfer from other terminal, do they need to claim the baggage and check in at Budget terminal again ?

[Attan 0]

I mean for those who wants to tranfer from other terminal, do they need to claim the baggage and check in at Budget terminal again ?

 

Yes, they have to....and vice-versa.

[Naim 6]

Somehow or rather I found myself loitering at the LCCT today afternoon, amidst the hustle and bustle of last-minute preparation for tomorrow's opening. Didn't have my FZ3, so I had to resort to my cam-phone - SE K700i. Apologies for poor pics.

 

Driveway images. Part of it used for tomorrow's ceremony - stage and chairs.

 

Domestic arrival hall.

 

The corridor connecting domestic arrival and departure halls. Lined with shops, amenities and offices.

 

Departure hall. Cavernous.

 

72 check-in counters, with about half carrying AK logos.

 

Your checked-in baggages get immediately ejected to the back of the building, airside.

 

International departure. Passport control there.

 

McD already in business!

 

International arrival hall. Smallish.

 

Flight info on flat panel display. All AK - looks monotonous lah.

 

.ny

[Pieter C. 5]

Departure hall. Cavernous.

 

72 check-in counters, with about half carrying AK logos.

 

Naim,

 

Thanks for sharing !!!

 

Amazing how similar the check-in area looks like the Terminal 3 at CDG (from where I departed on my Air-Berlin flight): they have about 35 counters positioned at 1 wall, and another around 35 counters at the opposite wall and in between just some chairs and (travel)agency-counters...nothing else

Here, at least, they have shops and McD

 

 

[Seth K 3]

Not too bad actually.

The wall seems plain and boring, perhaps advertisements would make a little bit interesting for eye

[Naim 6]

Naim,

 

Thanks for sharing !!!

 

Amazing how similar the check-in area looks like the Terminal 3 at CDG (from where I departed on my Air-Berlin flight): they have about 35 counters positioned at 1 wall, and another around 35 counters at the opposite wall and in between just some chairs and (travel)agency-counters...nothing else

Here, at least, they have shops and McD

 

Pieter, to put the pics in context, pls see floor plan below - red labels are mine relating to said pics. I took a walk around and sort of like the ambience - simple, spacious, airy, easy parking. Hope it remains the same when fully operational.

 

 

.ny

 

[Seth K 3]

TODAY'S THE DAY

[Naim 6]

Uh-huh? Now IATA gets into the LCCT act?

 

.ny

 

+++

 

March 23, 2006 14:48 PM

 

IATA Seeks Non-discriminatory Treatment At KLIA

 

KUALA LUMPUR, March 23 (Bernama) -- The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has demanded assurances from Malaysia Airports Holding Berhad (MAHB) that passengers and airlines using the main terminals at Kuala Lumpur International Airport will not be subsidising those using the low cost carrier terminal (LCCT).

 

IATA also demanded that the low cost carrier terminal be available for any carrier wishing to use its facilities.

 

Last week, MAHB announced a lower departure tax of RM35 for international passengers using the LCCT.

 

At the same time, IATA said MAHB failed to give any assurance that the LCCT would be available for use by any airline.

 

The first priority of any airport should be efficiency and lower charges for all airlines, IATA said in a statement issued from its Asia Pacific office in Singapore.

 

"Where different levels of service are provided, cost-related charges can be acceptable, provided there is accurate cost-allocation and transparency," it said.

 

There should be no discrimination for charges with common service levels, such as security, the association said.

 

KL International Airport unilateral announcement contravenes the charging principles adopted by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

 

ICAO principles state that all charges should be based on sound economic principles and be reached through consultations with airlines.

 

ICAO also requires transparency and cost relatedness in the charges. IATA is ready to work together with MAHB and the Transport Ministry to ensure an efficient and fair charging model in accordance with internationally agreed principles.

 

IATA has urged MAHB to engage in consultations with airlines before any further decisions are made.

 

IATA also said the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), which operates Singapore's Changi Airport, had held consultations with regards to the Singapore low cost terminal.

 

Following the consultations, IATA accepted CAAS' proposals on the operating and charging principles for the low cost terminal.

 

IATA also received CAAS' commitment that all airlines meeting the operational criteria, including full service carriers, will be able to operate from the low cost terminal.

 

-- BERNAMA

[Naim 6]

Better floor plan here (plane icon looks a tad funny):

 

 

.ny

 

[Kee Hooi Yen 0]

Better floor plan here (plane icon looks a tad funny):

 

 

 

It seems like a lot of B747s...

[Seth K 3]

It seems like a lot of B747s...

 

Is that mean MAS also joining AK using LCC to cut cost <_ src="%7B___base_url___%7D/uploads/emoticons/default_biggrin.png" alt=":D">

[Seth K 3]

ERL propose to expand the srvice to LCCT and futher south Malaysia

[Cheng Chun 0]

ERL propose to expand the srvice to LCCT and futher south Malaysia

 

Is it true... I wonder what happens ERL moves down to Singapore...

 

Also, how is going in LCCT... Is everything going fine... With the shear volume of AK planes is it able to handle all those passengers...

[Daniel Ng 0]

Used the LCCT for the first time last Saturday.

Took the Skybus from KL Sentral, really cheap, only RM 9 for a single journey.

I have to say some of the buses looked really crappy, but the drivers are very disciplined. No speeding or smoking on the bus, which is a plus point. It took only about an hour to reach the LCCT.

 

The LCCT does have the cheap kinda feel. But generally, it is comfy and usable. Below are my comments.

 

The plus:

1) Good air-cond system. You don't get stuffy

2) Check-in area very spacious, so it doesn't really feel too crowded

3) Immigration - very simple and straight forward

4) Nice wall and tile colour. It gives you the bright kinda feel

5) Duty free - Ok for a small terminal

6) Queue for boarding seems quite systematic

 

The cons:

1) The check-in and immigration counters look cheap. The green colour doesn't blend very well with the general mood of the terminal. Can't they even pick a brighter colour?

2) Generally all signboards look dated (e.g. Arrival & departure signboards; Immigration signboards etc.). They looked very much like those leftover stocks from Subang airport. Not very modern.

3) Baggage carousel very slow. It took us only less than 10 minutes to clear immigration upon arrival, but waiting for our luggage to arrive took us more than 15 minutes! Air Asia should really look into this. No point having efficient arrival & immigration system, when passengers can't even get their bags on time.

4) Touts everywhere!

5) Restrooms look worse compared to those in rest areas along North-South highway

 

In summary, while the LCCT is comfy and easy to use, the management seem to fail to address little things like making the terminal look more modern. Cheap doesn't mean you can't make things nice.

[H Azmal 0]

An aside: I read somewhere people complained about the LCCT, saying it stands for Low Class Concept Terminal. I don't know if I can agree with that since I've never used the new terminal (or the whole of KLIA, for that matter).

[Azuddin 1]

It seems like a lot of B747s...

 

 

seems to me like C-5 galaxy.

 

Azuddin

[Cheng Chun 0]

Very hard to say what a low cost airport is or how should it look like... For airports in Luton and Stanstead it is just a warehouse... At least there are nice tiles in LCCT...

 

The one at Changi... Wow, it looks like IKEA... Hahaha...

Edited April 13, 2006 by Cheng Chun

[kandiah k 0]

Very hard to say what a low cost airport is or how should it look like... For airports in Luton and Stanstead it is just a warehouse... At least there are nice tiles in LCCT...

 

The one at Changi... Wow, it looks like IKEA... Hahaha...

 

 

 

I am not too sure about Luton, but Im convinced STN (Stansted Airport) looks very good for a Low Cost Carrier Airport. It has internal trains, has a decent architecture and surroundings, and most importantly, a decent amount of Duty Free after Immigration. It is a mess in the early morning because many flights depart around that time. The airport I must say (STN) is one of the better airports I have been to in the UK.