Expert Urges Full Reset For KLIA Aerotrain To Fix Recurring Issues

KLIA’s aerotrain system may require a full reset to ensure long-term reliability, according to transport expert Assoc Prof Dr Law Teik Hua from Universiti Putra Malaysia.

For the month-long action plan by Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) to truly succeed, Law said, the airport operator should focus on resetting the system rather than patching existing components. 

Otherwise, KLIA risks becoming technologically advanced but operationally sub-standard, he stressed. 

“The aerotrain operators have already invested in a large-scale replacement programme of the system worth RM456 million, involving the adoption of Alstom Innovia APM trains and a communications-based train control (CBTC) system,” Law said in a The Star report. 

The transport expert also noted that similar Innovia systems have been used successfully at Dubai, Heathrow, and Jeddah airports, where proper installation, integration, and maintenance have resulted in highly reliable operations. 

But recurring disruptions at KLIA suggest deeper, systemic problems.

“People-mover systems tend to be complex and could experience catastrophic failures if issues related to signalling, power distribution, vehicles, software, and sensor alignment are not perfected,” he explained.

Law further mentioned that world-class systems like Frankfurt’s SkyLine, Changi Airport’s Skytrain, and Hong Kong’s APM demonstrate that technology can perform at high levels with uptimes exceeding 99% if managed and maintained properly.

“KLIA’s global ranking will ultimately depend on performance and maintenance. If the action plan is implemented successfully, KLIA can reach the level of reputable airports and people movers,” he added.

KLIA’s Aerotrain will be out of service nightly from 9PM to 7AM starting Nov 15 for about a month as Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) carries out a major upgrade to fix recurring disruptions.

The move comes after four separate service interruptions since the system resumed in July. Chief airports officer Bryan John Thompson said the issues were “standard failures” that happened during real-world operations.