SEPANG, Dec 12 — Flight passengers arriving in Malaysia through the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) can now expect a shortened arrival time next year onwards, following a new air traffic waypoint system set for implementation in May 2023.
Transport minister Anthony Loke announced today that the new SIDs (Standard Instrument Departures) and STARs (Standard Terminal Arrival Routes) system set for implementation next year would allow the existing air traffic control in KLIA to be further optimised for aircraft take-off and landing.
Loke said KLIA would be able to accommodate 108 flights (take-off and landing) hourly when fully optimised, as compared to 50 flights at present.
“With this new system, air traffic movement would be more straightforward and that would mean a shortened landing and queue time for arriving flights.
“This would also mean a reduction in aviation fuel cost and operation cost for airline operators, we are projecting this new system would allow savings of some RM500 million annually for those operating from KLIA.
“This is a huge saving for aviation companies and I hope this will benefit the aviation sector,” he told reporters after a working visit to the Kuala Lumpur Air Traffic Control Centre Complex (KLATCC) here.
Loke also said the initiative would contribute to the government’s pledge to reduce carbon footprint and passengers would see their flight landing time shortened (about 18-22 minutes during low peak) if implemented properly.
Asked why the system would only be implemented only next year, Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) chief executive Datuk Captain Chester Voo Chee Soon explained the time is needed for air traffic controller training and system overhaul for complete familiarisation.
Voo also said aviation pilots would also need to be briefed on the new system to ensure the safety of the aircraft.
