If you’ve boarded a plane from within the Klang Valley region then chances are, the names Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and klia2 will no doubt ring a bell. After all, they are among some of the most recognisable international points of entry into Malaysia, witnessing innumerable departures as well as arrivals from all corners of the globe.
KLIA and klia2 to be rebranded
But their familiar namesakes will see a slight change moving forwards as incumbent Transport Minister YB Anthony Loke as just announced that both KLIA and klia2 will officially be rebranded to KLIA Terminal 1 and KLIA Terminal 2 respectively. As reported by local newspaper The New Straits Times, Loke confirmed earlier today (February 9th, 2023) that the Cabinet has already approved on the changes.
The reason for the name change was said to enhance the marketability of both airports while improving their effectiveness, in addition to ensuring their continued competitiveness with other airports within the region.
“The proposal to rebrand KLIA and KLIA2 are important for the commercial sustainability of KLIA and also the growth of airports throughout the country.” Loke said, according to Malay Mail.
Rebrand will not take place immediately
However, the rebrand will not take place immediately, and is meant to form a part of the new Operating Agreement (OA 2023) established between the government and Malaysian Airports Holding Berhad (MAHB). The agreement, in addition to other related Lease Agreements, is expected to be finalised and signed off by both parties before the end of Q1 2023.
Upon the signing of the agreement, Loke explains that MAHB can decide when they would like to implement the rebranding process.
Opened to the public in 1998, KLIA has served as the flagship airport for Malaysia and was meant to replace the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport due to the latter’s limited capacity.
On the other hand, klia2 was launched in 2014 as the new replacement for the previous Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) that has since been shuttered.
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