Malaysia Airports expects new aviation hub to increase tourist traffic

Malaysia Airports has launched its KLIA Aeropolis, which will serve as the driver in achieving its vision of becoming a global leader in creating airport cities.This is part of its five-year business plan, Runway to Success 2020, to elevate the country to developed-nation status and transport the national airport into a world-class airport city and tourist destination.According to a release sent by Malaysia Airports, KLIA’s location within the heart of ASEAN, as well as its excellent connectivity within the region, is a strategic advantage to the development of KLIA Aeropolis.  The development is expected to drive more business investments and tourist traffic to Malaysia.As a centre 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 RM30 billion with 56,000 jobs created.This is in line with the government’s agenda of becoming a high-income nation by 2020.The marketing and sourcing approach for KLIA Aeropolis will be to leverage on various governmental bodies such as the National Industry Coordinating Office (NAICO), National Logistics and Trade Facilitation Taskforce, Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), as well as Invest KL, Invest Selangor and the Selangor state government.The KLIA Aeropolis development is centred on three key clusters, namely Air Cargo & Logistics, Aerospace & Aviation, and MICE & Leisure. Malaysia Airports will have five strategic partnership agreements with DRB Hicom, Raya Airways, AirAsia, Vanderlande and RUAG Aviation Malaysia.Tan Sri Dato’ Dr Wan Abdul Aziz Wan Abdullah, the Chairman of Malaysia Airports had said: “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.”Malaysia Airports currently caters to more than 50 million passengers a year with over 60 airlines serving  than 130 direct destinations.