Malaysia Airports has launched KLIA Aeropolis, an airport city development project that will form one of the strategic pillars in Malaysia Airports’ five-year business plan, Runway to Success 2020 (RtS2020).
The KLIA Aeropolis, which will have Kuala Lumpur International Airport (pictured) at its core, will be a world-class airport city and a tourist destination in its own right, and its success will allow Malaysia Airports to transform from an infrastructure provider to a key economic enabler by contributing greatly to national GDP and job creation.
Minister of Transport YB Dato’ Sri Liow Tiong Lai applauded Malaysia Airports’ latest initiative: “On behalf of the Government of Malaysia I would like to commend Malaysia Airports for initiating a project that will not only spur Malaysia’s economic development but will also enhance Malaysia’s reputation in the eyes of the world as a vibrant hub for aviation business and connectivity, as well as for trade.”
The Malaysian government has set aside 38 square miles for the development of KLIA Aeropolis, with 13,000 acres designated for airport and aeronautical use.
The development is expected to drive more business investments and tourist traffic to Malaysia. As a center for urban growth and development it will spur an increase in employment opportunities, thus stimulating the local economy. Based on an economic impact analysis conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers on the KLIA Aeropolis development plans – excluding airport terminal operations and expansion – the total estimated impact over a 15-year period would be a GDP contribution of about RM30bn (US$7.2bn) with 56,000 jobs created. This is in line with the government’s agenda of becoming a high-income nation by 2020.
The KLIA Aeropolis development is centered on three key clusters: air cargo and logistics; aerospace and aviation; and MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions) and leisure. Datuk Badlisham Ghazali, managing director of Malaysia Airports, said, “We are very clear in our KLIA Aeropolis development strategy. The clusters identified are synergistic to the larger airport system and will serve to benefit not only the airport operator but also the aviation supply chain as a whole. These clusters were also identified in view of its strong alignment with the national agenda as well as the strong demand available today and over the longer term.”
Tan Sri Dato’ Dr Wan Abdul Aziz Wan Abdullah, chairman of Malaysia Airports, commented, “I envision KLIA Aeropolis to be a truly remarkable airport city development with top-class tourism and business attractions. It marks a promise of sustainability and growth for companies who will call it their home.”