By Yasmin Ramlan
SHAH ALAM, Aug 1 — The resumption of narrow-body aircraft operations from six airlines at the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (LTSAAS) starting today serves as a significant boost to the airport’s cargo transportation potential and is expected to further enhance Malaysia’s air transportation network, economists opined.
LTSAAS, fondly known as Subang Airport, is located approximately 23km from the Kuala Lumpur city centre. The resumption comes 22 years after all narrow-body aircraft operations were moved to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) in 2002.
Economist Prof Barjoyai Bardai emphasised the need for Malaysia to have an airport that operates actively in the vicinities of Kuala Lumpur, Shah Alam, Klang, and Putrajaya to complete the country’s air transportation network.
“As it (Subang Airport) is set to resume operations for narrow-body aircraft, it can cater more passengers.
“It is also the closest airport and the most effective for cargo transportation as many industries are located nearby the airport, thereby reducing logistics costs.
“Additionally, there are various services, particularly related to aircraft and maintenance services, that are available at the Subang Airport,” he told Selangor Journal.
On Wednesday, Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced that starting August 1, six airlines will resume narrow-body aircraft operations at the Subang Airport as part of the interim phase of the Subang Airport Redevelopment Plan (SARP), before the project kicks start its second development phase in the next three years.
The six airlines are AirAsia (Malaysia), Firefly, SKS Airways, Transnusa, Batik Air Malaysia, and Scoot.
Previously, the airport focused on maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) activities and is now evolving to support a wider range of aviation services, including general business aircraft operations.
Despite possessing a solid reputation as a key aviation hub in Malaysia, Barjoyai said the Subang Airport is becoming increasingly accessible to the foreign market, highlighting the development of its aircraft maintenance services.
He said this development complements the airport’s evolution over the years, as it has been equipped with various facilities for passengers.
Economically and socially beneficial
Historically, Subang Airport served as Kuala Lumpur’s primary airport before the opening of KLIA in 1998. Its strategic location, just a short drive from the city centre, makes it a convenient choice for travellers.
It is also particularly well-regarded for its efficiency, with travellers complimenting the quick Immigration and Customs processes, on top of its reputation for its cleanliness, contributing to a positive overall experience for passengers.
Another economist, Prof Emeritus Datuk Zakariah Abdul Rashid, said the decision to enhance operations with narrow-body jets aims to create added value for customers and contribute positively to the economy.
However, it is essential that this new investment does not negatively impact the welfare of residents in the surrounding densely populated areas, as the project can be seen as both economically and socially beneficial, if it is well-managed.
“If the new fixed capital investment in enhancing interim jet operations will create value to customers and the economy at large without affecting the welfare of the people in the surrounding densely populated area, the project can be considered economically and socially sensible,” he said.
Prof Zakariah added that with the new approach, Subang Airport is expected to attract more airlines and investments, which could potentially transform the airport into a regional aviation hub.
“Since many airlines have shown interest in using the airport more fixed capital investments are expected to come, which will subsequently turn it into a regional aviation hub.
“Certainly, this will benefit Selangor in particular and Malaysia in general in their strategic plans to promote aerospace industry and skilled workers,” he said.
Enhancing businesses in Selangor
Echoing Zakariah’s views, economist Baayah Baba stressed the convenience of air travel for those in the Klang Valley, subsequently encouraging the growth of related businesses.
“It helps to enhance businesses in Selangor and attract foreign businesses. Additionally, it makes air travel more convenient compared to travelling to KLIA.
“International travellers will be more likely to visit Malaysia, particularly Kuala Lumpur, as it offers additional landing options,” she said.
Loke said flight operations will be from 6am to 10pm, with no midnight flights as the airport is located in a residential area.
On the airline’s approval to commence narrow-body operations, he said priorities were given to local airlines. Many airlines have requested to come to LTSAAS but the airport could not accommodate all requests.
LTSAAS will be transformed into a regional aviation hub with a maximum capacity of eight million annual passengers, in addition to generating thousands of high-value job opportunities for Malaysians.
