Just months after opening Asia’s first airport terminal specifically for use by low-cost carriers at the capital Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia is building a similar facility at Kota Kinabalu airport in the east of the country.
Work began recently on the project at Kota Kinabalu and the standalone low-cost carrier terminal is due to open early next year. It will be able to handle up to 4 million passengers annually, with six aircraft parking positions and no airbridges to allow for quick turnarounds.
Construction has begun as fast-growing AirAsia is preparing to boost operations at Kota Kinabalu and several other Malaysian cities as part of its deal to take over most of the domestic routes of troubled national carrier Malaysia Airlines. AirAsia operates out of a dedicated low-cost carrier terminal that opened recently at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, which was the first of its kind in Malaysia.
At Singapore Changi airport, meanwhile, where a low-cost terminal known as the Budget Terminal also opened recently, a new terminal at the other end of the spectrum is being built to cater to VIP passengers. Named JetQuay, this facility will offer separate dedicated check-in, customs, immigration and security counters, VIP rooms, a business centre, gym and other amenities. It will enable those willing to pay for the privilege to “largely bypass the main terminal buildings and enjoy expedited luggage handling”, say its backers.
Airport operator the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore says part of its aim is to “provide the widest range of services from budget to the most exclusive treatment at Changi airport”. In addition to the recently opened Budget Terminal, there are two main passenger terminals at Changi. A third is due to open in 2008. ■
Source: Airline Business
