GLOBAL TRANSIT HUB STRATEGY
MAHB to facilitate growth at local airports which will connect with KLIA
MALAYSIA Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) is committed to positioning the country as a global transit hub by connecting local airports with Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) through the huband-spoke model.
The model enables travellers to change planes to reach an airport not served by a direct flight.
“We are forging ahead to position Malaysia as a destination in the global environment, mustering contributory strength of small airports in building a global hub,” said MAHB acting group chief executive officer Raja Azmi Raja Nazuddin at the ACI AsiaPacific Small and Emerging Airports Seminar 2018 here.
He said MAHB will continue to facilitate growth at its airports, particularly in Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Langkawi and Penang.
These airports will serve as a direct destination and feeder airport to KLIA.
For example, the latest expansion at the Langkawi International Airport will position Malaysia as an Asean destination for business and leisure.
“The hub-and-spoke model helps bring global traffic to smaller airports and traffic from smaller airports to worldwide destinations,” said Raja Azmi.
He said smaller airports generally do not have the passenger volume for profitable operations.
“Hence, it is best for passengers take a flight to KLIA and connect to a regular domestic flight to Langkawi.”
Raja Azmi said the hub-andspoke model offers tourists flexibility.
“Accumulation of traffic through a hub, such as KLIA, makes it viable for regular and increased frequencies to Langkawi from KLIA.
“By consolidation of traffic at KLIA, airlines are able to increase their frequencies,” he said, adding that the hub-and-spoke philosophy is inevitable for the survival of small airports.
Raja Azmi said every airport grows its traffic mainly through the KLIA connectivity.
He also said MAHB is playing a significant role in facilitating inbound tourism.
“We consistently put in place various strategies to woo airlines to operate from our airports. Our marketing division focuses on growth sectors such as China, India and Asean.”
Raja Azmi said Langkawi will welcome two new airlines from the United Kingdom and Kazakhstan that will operate chartered flights.
“TUI fly and Sunday Airlines are expected to bring in more than 8,000 passengers to Langkawi in their first phase of operation, as part of MAHB’s efforts to increase its connectivity.”
He said MAHB also provides opportunities to local entrepreneurs at its network of airports.
“We give back to society and the community. For example, we introduced the ‘Push Cart’ initiative for small and medium enterprises late last year.”