Airport MD Speaks
Recently appointed President of Airports Council International Asia-Pacific, Tan Sri Bashir Ahmad is one of the few airport bosses in the world who has worked in practically every aspect of the aviation industry. His decades with the national flag-carrier exposed him to numerous aspects of airline operations and management, while his stint as civilservant at the top levels of government provided invaluable insights into the requirements of national and international administration. He explains here the innovation behind the Next Generation Hub.
“In the five decades or so since commercial aviation took off, airports have undergone a major paradigm shift from being rudimentary transport terminals to becoming comprehensive destinations in their own right – complete with every conceivable convenience one would expect in a self-contained minimetropolis that never sleeps.
“Now, Malaysia Airports has taken the bold step of taking the airport industry to a third level – a new phase which we believe will pave the way for a global change in the way airports are viewed – and utilised. This is the concept of the Next Generation Hub: an exciting innovation which integrates the changing requirements of this millennium’s air-travellers with the latest innovations in aircraft design, Internet development, airline management and airport operations; all in one exciting, practical package.
“At World Routes last year, we launched KL International Airport (KLIA) as the world’s first Next Generation Hub, a premier airport that will enable passengers to connect seamlessly amongst all types of carriers including full service airlines and low-cost carriers, and maximise the use of IT technology. We launched the web portal www.flyklia.com, which provides an itinerary builder that integrates all airlines schedules and fares, including full service carriers and low-cost carriers.
“Currently, there are 55 airlines in KLIA featured in the website, and more will be added as they come online at KLIA. The Flight Planner, which is free-to- use, searches more than 660 airlines worldwide for the best flights and connections available. The search results include links to airlines and other travel portals where air-travellers can book flights directly. Besides flight booking options, the website also features information such as operating airlines at KLIA (on Malaysia), facilities available and environmental efforts at KLIA.
“The portal would be continually enhanced and for the next phase of development, Malaysia Airports is already looking at including a hotel booking engine which will compare prices for properties in and outside Malaysia. Malaysia Airports also plans to add an Airport Frequent Connector Loyalty programme, which is aimed at rewarding frequent travellers.
“We want to come out with facilities that enhance airlines’ productivity, efficiency and cost-effectiveness. We want to be the airport that sets world-standards in meeting customers’ expectations, and to do this we constantly innovate and initiate fresh uses for new technology, while also implementing practical measures like our Airline Recovery Programme which won us the IATA Eagle Award for Best Airport in the World.
“People have a misconception that the airport of the future will simply focus on megajumbo aircraft and futuristic technology alone. It is much more complex and holistic than that! Malaysia Airports has introduced the Next Generation Hub to the world – where an airport sets world-standards in airline-productivity, customer-convenience, connectivity, environmental responsibility and optimum use of technology in one integrated facility. To all airline-delegates at World Routes, I would invite you to talk to us – and discover how you can benefit from the exciting advantages at the Next Generation Hub!”
KLIA – The World’s First Next-Generation Hub!
- Optimum E-Connectivity
- Optimum Use of Technology
- Optimum Customer Convenience
- Optimum Enjoyable Travel Experience
- Optimum Environmental Responsibility
- Optimum Cost-efficiency for Airlines and Passengers
