Mr. Johan Fadli
Associate Leader
Mr. Johan Fadli specialises in first-hand airport management whilst working as a Flight Dispatcher in Changi Airport Terminal 4.
As such, the contributions include, but not limited to:
Page ‘HOME’
Brief Introduction and Evolution of Airport
Comparison of Flight Information
Evaluation of passengers, similarities and differences of both PARs
Page ‘TEAM’
Formatting and Summarising of Survey
Quality control of content and images throughout the portfolio
Individual Report
1.0 Introduction to Airport Access
Airport Access serves as a critical element that determines if an airport is able to operate efficiently. Without passengers and workers, the airport serves no purpose as there is practically no one that is able to run the airport. So, why do Airports view Airport Access as an important element?
Limited or poor Airport Access to airports can inhibit economic growth. Not only that, allowing passengers and workers to choose sub-optimal modes of transport to and from the airport makes any travel experience incredibly affected and this could lead to greater environmental problems and congestions. If not for the current pandemic in 2020, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) showed that the growth of passenger air travel has been constantly increasing and is predicted to be up to a staggering 7.2 billion passengers by 2035. The increase in demand for air travel makes airports invest countless resources and time to combat any issues in accessibility and convenience for passengers and airports workers in commuting to and from the airport.
Airport Access is a scope so big that managing it could prove to be difficult. It comprises of varying factors placed together – Access Users, Access Modes, Access Considerations, Parking Facilities. Access Users refers to the people and stakeholders the airport would be serving which includes all passengers. Access Modes refers to the varying transportation modes made available from road access vehicles to rail and even to bizarre access modes via water and air. Access Considerations acts as key performing indicators which evaluates such Access Modes. Parking Facilities refers to the varying type or parking’s available that cater to the different needs and interests of passengers and stakeholders.
The destination airport of Flight SQ117 is Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). Kuala Lumpur serves as the capital of Malaysia. Some might say that KLIA is the gateway to the rest of Malaysia. Malaysia is coupled with 13 official states which spans an area of 329,847km in total. This enormous area is the reason why KLIA views Airport Access as a vital component. Without investing into the importance of Airport Access, KLIA would be lacking lots of efficient connections and accessibility from its capital to its other parts in Malaysia. This can be viewed as better airport access plays the central role of boosting KLIA to the overall economy of Malaysia. Direct benefits of good airport access include reduced costs and time-savings which allows passengers, businesses and airport workers to be more productive when they commute efficiently to and from the airport.
Hence, improving airport access to KLIA – a hub of international connectivity would evidently prove to go a long way for improving Malaysia’s overall economy.
2.0 Access Modes at Kuala Lumpur International Airport
Although Kuala Lumpur International Airport does not have access to transportation modes such as helicopter rides by air or ferry rides via the sea, it offers a wide variety of transportation modes ranging from the many types of road access vehicles to varying rail transports.
2.1 Road Access
Road Access is a very common access mode in many airports, especially in Kuala Lumpur International Airport. According to a survey by IATA conducted of 38 airports reveals that on average, 82% of passengers uses road vehicles to commute to and from the airport. Despite Malaysia Airports (Airport Operator of KLIA) having no control over the routes connecting the airport to other parts of Malaysia, it is vital that it is the responsibility of Malaysia Airports to integrate their own airport roads into the highways controlled by the government. In Kuala Lumpur International Airport the varying Road Access Modes consist of Taxis, Trains, Buses, Automobiles (inclusive of Rental Services).
First, access modes for Private Automobiles
Passengers and airport workers may choose to commute to and from the airport via their personal private automobiles. Malaysia has up to 7 expressways connecting to the airport roads of KLIA. This huge number of expressways makes commute to KLIA much more convenient due to the multiple choices passengers and workers could take to reach KLIA efficiently.
Second, access modes for Rented Automobiles
There are multiple options of Rental Automobiles that passengers could choose from in KLIA and KLIA2.
Wide range of choices makes accessibility options for passengers more convenient as they would not have to worry about how to get around Malaysia if they really require a car as soon as possible.
Evaluation for Automobiles (Private and Rented)
Length of Access Time
In calculating the length and duration required, we would take Kuala Lumpur’s City Centre, KL Sentral as the reference point.
In normal traffic, any automobile would take approximately 50 minutes to travel from the city centre to KLIA. However, it must be noted that during peak hours and busy periods, such automobiles may contribute to the great congestion of the Malaysian roads leading up to the airport roads of KLIA. This may delay travel time to up to 2-3 hours.
Hence, although 50 minutes is the estimated time to reach KLIA from the city centre, automobile users must always plan forward to anticipate any congestion and traffic jams during peak periods.
Reliability of Access Mode
The benefit of using automobiles is that the Malaysian Government and Malaysia Airports (airport operator of KLIA) has worked together in establishing varying highways and expressways that connect different parts of Malaysia to the airport roads of KLIA.
As of today, passengers and workers can choose from 7 different types of highways to reach KLIA. This reliability is indeed high as if 1 highway is fully congested or is under maintenance, the remaining 6 highways can still be in operation – maximising the efficiency to commute to KLIA.
The varying expressways:
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North-South Expressway (PLUS)
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Lebuhraya Damansara-Puchong (LDP)
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KESAS Highway
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South Klang Valley Expressway (SKVE)
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Maju Expressway (MEX)
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Guthrie Corridor Expressway (GCE)
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New Klang Valley Expressway (NKVE)
Malaysia Airports even integrated an extended KLIA Extension Highway – a KLIA airport road in the attempt to reduce congestion during peak hours.
Check-In Requirements
The benefit of using your own automobiles is that you get to do everything according to your convenience – own time own target. For our flight Singapore Airlines SQ119, Singapore Airlines offers early check-in via mobile and internet for its passengers.
Hence, this proves to be beneficial for both passengers and workers.
For passengers, this means that they are able to check-in early by up to 48 hours prior to their flight.
For airport workers, they would not have to worry about reaching the airport early to check-in the passengers.
This saves the hassle for increase planning and anticipation of traffic congestions when commuting to the airport
Overall, automobiles could prove to be a double-edged mode of transport for passengers and workers. Although traffic jams and congestions during peak hours might hinder their travel time to the KLIA to be longer, it is solely up to the individual to anticipate and plan their travel journey in the best way for them to efficiently travel to the airport.
Third, access modes for Taxis and Private Hire
Metered Taxis (KLIA and KLIA2)
This service is offered in both terminals. Charges are based on the distance/time with the inclusive of a flag fall charge. This service is standard if compared internationally.
Airport Taxi (KLIA)
Passengers and workers who wish to use this service have to purchase a coupon at the respective counters. Prices begin from MYR37. This service introduces a wide fleet of family sedans to luxurious vehicles that cater to the needs and comfort of passengers wishing to travel to and from KLIA.
Couponed Taxi Service (KLIA2)
This service operates similar to the Airport Taxi in KLIA. Prices begin from MYR32. It also includes varying services that cater to the needs and comfort of passengers – budget, premiere, and family.
Private Hire
Grab, MyCar and Riding Pink include some of the alternatives to taxis. These companies charge passengers according to the time and level of demand of the day. If there’s high demand, charges are higher, and vice versa.
Riding Pink is also a company that dedicates to only women drivers and passengers which increases the safety level of woman traveling in Private Hires.
Evaluation for Taxis and Private Hire
Length of Access Time
Taxis and Private Hires uses similar roads and expressways to get to KLIA. In normal traffic, a commute from the KL City Centre to KLIA takes roughly 50 minutes and during peak periods, taxis and private hires also contributes to the increased congestion, lengthening travel time to as much as 2-3 hours.
However, there is no need to worry as passengers and workers can always book their rides early and adjust their rides according to their liking. Many taxi and private hire apps also have functions to predict when is the best time to commute to avoid congestion and traffic jams.
Reliability of Access Mode
The availability of taxis and private hire in Malaysia is so abundant that many passengers and workers can easily go to the nearest road and hail a particular taxi/private hire. This is largely due to the presence of many taxi companies in Malaysia such as Sunlight Radio Taxi and Comfort Radio Taxi as well as the presence of many Private Hires.
The benefit to workers and passengers is that with so much competition, prices for rides to commute to and from KLIA would definitely reduce in the company’s attempt to attract more riders.
Varying information taxi counters for passengers and airport workers to choose from. The dependability and validity of legal taxi coupons can be bought from the varying authorized ticket counters.
Frequency of available taxis for passengers to commute is ever ready
Check-In Requirements
Similar to automobiles, passengers taking taxis and private hires may choose to check-in early for their flight via mobile or web check-ins. The direct benefit of using taxis and private hires are that passengers may choose to book any allocated time slot for them to be picked up to be transported to the airport.
Overall, the flexibility of being able to book private hires and taxis at the convenience of passengers and workers makes the planning phase of commuting to KLIA less stressful. It is also advised that passengers and workers practice extra caution in looking out for legal taxi companies that practice metered rides. As such, it is no doubt that with proper planning, passengers can still enjoy the wonders of Malaysia without being late for their flight at KLIA.
Fourth, access modes for Buses
An alternative road access mode is Buses. Buses and Coach assist in minimizing congestion and traffic given the fact that they have the capacity and ability to carry more passengers as compared to an ordinary car. Hence, they’re able to serve more passengers per commute to and from KLIA. There are four categories when it comes to the types of buses – Public Buses, Dedicated Airport Coaches, Shuttle Service, Intercity Coach Lines.
Public Buses
Dedicated Airport Coaches
Shuttle Service
Intercity Coach Lines
Evaluation for Buses
Length of Access Time
Buses generally take a longer time to commute to and from KLIA.
However, a direct benefit of buses is that it decreases traffic and congestion as more passengers can be transported per journey.
This makes bus rides more efficient given the large volume of passengers that can be taken at one go.
Some might say that the slightly longer bus ride goes a long way in contributing to less congestion and saving the lungs of the environment.
Reliability of Access Mode
There are up to 20 different bus companies that are dedicated to serving both KLIA and KLIA2. Thus, this gives passengers and airport workers many options to choose from. These buses not only serve destinations in Kuala Lumpur itself, but also destinations to other states of Malaysia and even outside of Malaysia too – Singapore!
The presence of many bus counters in KLIA proves that buses come frequently which makes the need to setup a counter an essential asset. The counter’s is vital to assist commuters with queries frequency of buses
However, the dependability of these buses can be questioned as there were times that these buses broke down and had hindered the travel journey of many passengers.
AeroBus broke down early last year when en-route from KLIA2 to KL Sentral. The bus broke down a total of 3 times – 1 at the toll booth, 1 when going uphill and 1 along the expressway. All three breakdowns were the result of an engine stall. These resulted in the delay of the travel time to be up to 1.5 hours! Unfortunately, the passenger who wrote about this on railtravelstation.com missed their connecting bus route to Sentul.
Check-In Requirements
With many airlines (including Singapore Airlines as our chosen airline) offering early check-in via mobile or websites, passengers can choose to check-in anytime according to their liking. They may choose to check-in before they board the bus to KLIA or even on the bus while en-route to KLIA. The dedicated airport coaches also have presence of bus attendants that would be able to assist you with early check-in when you are at the bus terminals.
Overall, the usage of buses may lengthen the travelling time to and from the airport. The trade-in is however is that it contributes to a more-environmentally sustainable environment! One bus can easily carry the capacity of 10-20 cars combined! Moreover, there is no need for bus breakdown worries as there are many different bus companies that serve the same/similar routes!
2.2 Rail Access
Tired of the road? Wish you could past through the heavy traffic and congestion? Well, that is where rail access comes into consideration. For many years, airports have work alongside governing authorities to incorporate the nation’s railway system into airports.
In Malaysia, Malaysia Airports (airport operator of KLIA) has worked hand in hand with the government and Express Rail Link into the formation of KLIA express and KLIA transit– an airport rail link that connects Kuala Lumpur International Airport with the Kuala Lumpur Sentral transportation hub.
Dedicated Airport Link
In rail access, the three common options are urban or regional transits, intercity networks, and finally, dedicated airport link. Both KLIA express and KLIA transit are part of the dedicated airport link serving between Kuala Lumpur International Airport and the city centre, KL Sentral. The purpose of such dedicated airport links is to cater to the needs of passengers rather than airport workers. These dedicated airport links are equipped with dedicated storage space for luggage and usually travel directly to the city centre with few to none stops.
Interior of the KLIA express and KLIA transit train. As seen, there are comfortable seats, room for luggage storage, and even a mini pop-up television for in-train entertainment.
The KLIA express train serves KLIA2 and KLIA before transporting the passengers directly into KL Sentral without any stops.
The KLIA transit train serves KLIA2 and KLIA before transporting the passengers into KL Sentral – terminating at 3 stations (Salak Tinggi, Putrajaya & Cyberjaya, Bandar Tasik Selatan)
Evaluation for Trains
Length of Access Time
It is without a single doubt that commuting by rail means that passengers get to skip all the traffic and congestion on the road. Hence traveling time is deeply shortened.
At KLIA,
KLIA express brings passengers between KLIA and KL Sentral in under 28 minutes!
KLIA transit brings passengers between KLIA and KL Sentral via the 3 stations in under 35 minutes!
At KLIA2,
KLIA express brings passengers between KLIA2 and KL Sentral in under 33 minutes!
(1 minute-stop at KLIA)
KLIA transit brings passengers between KLIA2 and KL Sentral via the 3 stations in under 39 minutes!
(1 minute stop at KLIA)
Reliability of Access Mode
Both KLIA express and KLIA transit trains are readily available to be taken from either KLIA or KLIA2. The images depicts the train timings for the first and last trains, as well as the frequency of these trains.
KLIA Express Train
KLIA Transit Train
The frequency of these trains are fast and consistent. Moreover, the timings for the first and last trains of the day fits nicely into the schedule of many passengers as most often than not, most of the flights in KLIA and KLIA2 takes place between the timings of 6am – 1am (the next day).
The dependability of these Dedicated KLIA trains is rather positive as there has been very rare breakdowns or disruptions in the operation of these trains.
“Passengers were left stranded for about an hour after the KLIA Transit train heading to KL Sentral experienced a door malfunction at the Putrajaya/Cyberjaya ERL station” – The Star (2018)
Check-In Requirements
All KLIA express and KLIA transit passengers are entitled to early check-in at KL Sentral. When passengers check-in at KL Sentral, passengers can collect their boarding passes immediately and their check-in bags would tagged and automatically transferred to their flights.
This is useful for passengers to skip the hassle of waiting in the long check-in queues at KLIA. More benefits include being able to do any last minute shopping hassle-free! (all luggage has been checked-in!)
Overall, rail access can prove to be very convenient and seamless for passengers and airport workers serving Kuala Lumpur International Airport. The benefits to reap are endless and if you’re someone that cares for the environment, trains are environmentally friendlier as compared to road transportation modes.
3.0 Parking Facilities at Kuala Lumpur International Airport
Kuala Lumpur International Airport is a major international airport serving countless international and domestic flights. The need for varying types of parking facilities is vital to accommodate not only the countless airport workers supporting such flights but also the passengers flying domestically and internationally.
Location of carparks of Sama-Sama Hotel and Block A,B,C,D at KLIA.
Short Term Parking Facility
Short term parking facilities are dedicated mainly to visitors with no intention of flying. These facilities are generally situated nearer to the airport terminal for convenience. These visitors may include those whom are sending off or welcoming family and friends back home from flights.
Long Term Parking Facilities
Such parking facilities are dedicated to serving mainly departing passengers and workers. These passengers may include business passengers and airline personnel where they park and fly to their destination, only to come home to KLIA in a span of 3-7 days on average. Long Term Parking Facilities are usually located further from terminals but have much more affordable rates than short-term parking facilities.
Long Term Remote Parking Facility
These parking facilities usually bear lower parking rates. They are dedicated to serving passengers and airline personnel whom have extended stays away. Often, these facilities require the usage of a shuttle to get to.
Other Parking Facilities
KLIA offers valet parking as well as preferred parking rates for its passengers to choose from. Preferred parking rates refer to parking spaces that give nearer access to the main terminals. Valet parking also include higher charging rates.
3.1 Evaluation of Parking Facilities
Short-Term Parking Facility
KLIA is an international airport serving up to 60 airlines daily. As a result, many visitors wanting to send off their family/friends put a constrain on all short-term parking facilities. There is only so many that these parking facilities can handle. In addidition, short-term parking passengers might pay more if flights delay and they have parked for more than a day. (RM46.00 + hourly charges)
Long-Term Parking Facility
If flights of passengers or airline personnel gets cancelled within the same day, they still have to bear the cost of paying for a whole day, rather than paying cheaper hourly fees if parked in short-term parking facilities.
Long-Term Remote Parking Facility
Such facilities are located far from KLIA – requiring the need for shuttles. KLIA shuttles might break down occasionally. As a result, it directly impacts passengers if they have to rush to the terminal/rush home after parking the car/arriving into KLIA. Not to mention if shuttles break down, they have to walk the whole way with heavy luggage!
Other Parking Facility
Such facilities have higher parking rates than normal short term parking rates. If family/friends of visitors have delayed arrival/departing flights, visitors have to bear the extra costs. In addition, valet parking could increase the risk of cars to get damaged, switched, or even in the mishandling of car keys. Yes, valet parking comes as a luxurious asset but can prove to be an asset of high risks too
References
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Parking. (n.d.). Retrieved June 18, 2020, from https://airports.malaysiaairports.com.my/getting-around/transport/parking
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Bhd, E. (n.d.). Flight Check-In at KL Sentral. Retrieved June 18, 2020, from https://www.kliaekspres.com/travel-with-us/flight-check-in-at-kl-sentral/
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Driving guide to klia2 airport. (n.d.). Retrieved June 18, 2020, from https://www.klia2.info/tools/driving-guide-to-klia2/
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RailTravel Station. (2019, January 24). AeroBus/SkyBus (AeroSky Ventures): Bus Breakdown from klia2 to KL Sentral. Retrieved June 18, 2020, from https://railtravelstation.com/aerobus-skybus-aerosky-ventures-bus-breakdown-from-klia2-to-kl-sentral/
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Mauricios810. (2018, November 06). One more claim of Starmart Express - Malaysia Forum. Retrieved June 18, 2020, from https://www.tripadvisor.com.sg/ShowTopic-g293951-i7006-k12087888-One_more_claim_of_Starmart_Express-Malaysia.html
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The Star Online. (1969, December 31). KLIA Transit train passengers stranded for an hour after door malfunction. Retrieved June 18, 2020, from https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2018/03/16/klia-transit-train-passengers-stranded-for-an-hour-after-door-malfunction
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Azman, K. (2019, April 03). 5 Alternative Ride-Hailing Apps You Can Use In Malaysia Instead Of Grab. Retrieved June 18, 2020, from https://says.com/my/tech/here-are-six-alternatives-to-grab-in-malaysia