Why terminal was built at KLIA

09 April 2009

THE move to build the new Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) was based on several reasons, said Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Lajim Ukim.

In reply to a question by Senator Datuk Yip Kum Fook, he said the reasons were:

- The need for low-cost carriers to achieve a 20-minute turnaround, which would be difficult to do at the main KLIA terminal;

- LCCT operation does not require full-service carrier facilities such as aero-bridges and airline lounges that are provided at the KLIA main terminals;

- To overcome overcrowding at the KLIA main terminal check-in counters, departure lounge and parking areas, particularly in the mornings; and,
- Increasing number of low-cost flights since AirAsia began operations and the number of such flights will continue to increase.

Lajim said apart from AirAsia, other low-cost airlines operating from the LCCT include AirAsia X, AirAsia Thailand, AirAsia Indonesia, Cebu Pacific and Tiger Airways.