9 hours Ago By Sharen Kaur
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) says Langkawi International Airport (LGK) is poised to further expand its global connectivity by leveraging the extensive global presence of the company's new shareholders."This enhanced network potential positions LGK to attract new airline partners and unlock additional travel markets, ultimately reinforcing the island's status as a premier travel destination," said MAHB managing director, Datuk Mohd Izani Ghani.MAHB, one of the largest airport operators worldwide by passenger volume, was delisted from Bursa Malaysia on February 25 after a 25-year tenure as a public-listed company, following its acquisition by Gateway Development Alliance Sdn Bhd (GDA), led by sovereign wealth fund Khazanah Nasional Bhd.
The GDA consortium's privatisation offer of RM11 per share resulted in MAHB becoming fully owned by GDA.The new shareholders — Khazanah (through its wholly-owned infrastructure arm UEM Group), the Employees Provident Fund (EPF), and New York-based Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) — now jointly oversee MAHB's operations and the development of the country's aviation sector. GIP and the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority together hold a 30 per cent joint-controlling stake in MAHB, while Khazanah and EPF own 40 per cent and 30 per cent, respectively.
MAHB currently manages 39 airports across Malaysia and one international airport in Istanbul, Türkiye. Its flagship airport, Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) in Sepang, is among the region's leading aviation hubs.In 2023, MAHB's Malaysian operations recorded a 15 per cent increase in passenger numbers and welcomed 12 new airlines, with existing carriers adding 75 new routes.
Malaysia is now connected to 124 international destinations through KLIA and four other international airports in Langkawi, Kuching, Penang, and Kota Kinabalu.Mohd Izani said in a statement that MAHB remains committed to investing in infrastructure upgrades, digital innovation, and strategic collaborations to enhance service excellence and reinforce Malaysia's position in the global aviation landscape.This commitment was underscored by LGK's recent recognition as the Best Airport in Asia Pacific (2-5 Million Passengers) at the 2024 Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Awards by Airports Council International (ACI), marking its fourth consecutive win.
The ASQ Awards, based on real-time passenger feedback, evaluate essential aspects of the airport experience, including efficiency, cleanliness, comfort, and service quality. LGK's consistent recognition underscores MAHB's dedication to optimising passenger experience, embracing digital transformation, and maintaining world-class standards.Mohd Izani credited the award to MAHB's ongoing commitment to continuous improvement.
In 2024, LGK reported a total of 2.5 million passenger movements, marking a 1.8 per cent rise from the previous year.
This growth was primarily fuelled by a 27.9 per cent surge in international passenger traffic, reaching 280,601 passengers. Currently, LGK accommodates eight airlines operating 198 scheduled flights per week.
"This award reaffirms our commitment to creating exceptional airport experiences at key gateways such as LGK, which plays a vital role in driving Malaysia's tourism and economic growth," Mohd Izani said.ACI World director general Justin Erbacci also praised LGK's outstanding commitment to passenger satisfaction."Your airport is one of the best airports globally for customer experience—as chosen by passengers themselves.
Keep raising the standards!"© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd.
