MORE PICS –LCCT At SABAH Kota Kinabalu Int Airport Terminal 2 READY; Cost RM60 Mln;26 Check-In COUNTERS; Caters to AirAsia, Fly Asia and Transmile

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Travellers give thumbs-up to new low-cost carrier terminal

02 Jan 2007; Roy Goh; NST

Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Chong Kah Kiat and several other officials in a briefing by Tan Sri Ting Pek Khiing, the adviser to the developer, Global Upline Sdn Bhd.

KOTA KINABALU: It’s all systems go at the country’s latest low-cost carrier terminal (LCCT) which started operations yesterday. After a one-day trial run on Sunday, the Kota Kinabalu International Airport Terminal Two greeted the New Year with a promising take-off. Thus far, 60 per cent of the new terminal’s facilities are in place pending demolition of the old complex but already passengers are giving it the thumbs-up for comfort and service flow.

ABOVE & BELOW: The new LCCT Terminal at Sabah Terminal Two

James Rudy, who flew back to Kuala Lumpur yesterday, said when he returned home to spend his holiday here three weeks ago, he had seen piles of rubble, dusty roads and congested halls. "When I stepped out of my brother’s car here this morning, I thought I was in the wrong place.

ABOVE & BELOW: Futher views of the new impressive LCCT at Kota Kinabalu International Airport Terminal 2

You can still see some work going on but it’s definitely better now," he said. Another passenger, Hana Harun, who returned from Kuala Lumpur, said the airport was impressive compared to the congestion before this. "It’s much better now as it looks bigger and even the road is better." Deputy state Tourism Board chairman Datuk Sari Suhut said the terminal’s completion was timely, especially with the country ushering in Visit Malaysia Year 2007. "With such a facility, things can only get better as far as tourism is concerned," he added. On Sunday, Sari had joined Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Chong Kah Kiat and several other officials in a briefing by Tan Sri Ting Pek Khiing, the adviser to the developer, Global Upline Sdn Bhd. The only complaint yesterday was the lack of toilets and it was acknowledged by Malaysia Airports Bhd general manager Abdul Rahman Karim, who was on hand to monitor the operations. He said the matter was being addressed together with the setting up of certain facilities which would be in place when the old complex was demolished. "As for now, the handling of passengers and their luggage is running smoothly and hopefully everything will be ready when it is officially opened," said Abdul Rahman.

ABOVE & BELOW: Air Asia staff manning heir counters at the new LCCT Terminal

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is expected to officially open the RM60 million terminal, which caters to AirAsia, Fly Asian Express and Transmile flights, on Jan 15. The terminal was completed in seven months — 29 months ahead of schedule — and could cater up to 2.5 million passengers annually, a five-fold increase compared to the old terminal. There are 26 check-in counters compared with four at the old building and 13 immigration counters. There are also six aircraft parking bays, seven luggage X-ray machines, 176 vehicle parking bays, 750 public seats and 500 luggage trolleys.

ABOVE & BELOW: Passengers waiting & siting at some of the 750 public seats available

Smooth takeoff for KK’s Terminal 2, Nation, STAR Jan 01 07

KOTA KINABALU: Operations at the new RM60mil Terminal 2 complex of the international airport here had a smooth start on New Year's Day, which also marked the beginning of Visit Malaysia 2007. It was a hassle-free check-in and clearance for passengers at the complex which went fully operational at 6am yesterday. Those arriving here had a pleasant surprise when Malaysia Airports Bhd general manager Abdul Rahman Karim presented them an MAB souvenir each. “It has been very smooth. There has been no delay as far as operations are concerned,” Abdul Rahman said at the omplex, which was completed by contractors Global Upline in a record seven months. He said operations were also hitch-free at the Immigration counters and all equipment, including baggage conveyor belts, X-rays and other machines, were working smoothly.

ABOVE: Another inside view of the terminal and BELOW: The 26 Check-In Counters available to the public and 13 immigration counters beyond

“Frequent travellers are pleased with the facilities at the airport,” he said, adding that by Jan 15, all nine aircraft bays would be ready. Within this fortnight, the contractors are expected to put the finishing touches to the Terminal 2 complex, dedicated for budget airlines, which was built under the RM1.3bil Kota Kinabalu International Airport upgrade. The upgrading and renovation of the Terminal 1 complex that caters for international traffic, which is being carried out by a different contractor, is expected to be completed by mid-2009. Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Chong Kah Kiat announced on Sunday plans for two new flyovers and two four-lane coastal highways for better access to the airport.

Global Upline advisor Tan Sri Ting Pek Kiing, who suggested the idea of the flyovers to overcome traffic congestion, said the models would be presented to the state government in two weeks and work would start soon. The project is expected to be completed in a year. At the international arrival hall at Terminal 1 yesterday, visitors from Taipei, Singapore and Bandar Seri Begawan were greeted with a traditional Murut dance in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2007.