KL plans to bolster airport

KL plans to bolster airport

KUALA LUMPUR (AP): Malaysia is looking for ways to turn its main airport into a regional aviation hub, including strategies to increase flight frequencies and improving operational and service standards, a government-appointed economic body said Monday.

The National Economic Action Council said the government has appointed a private consultant to conduct a comprehensive study to turn the 10 billion ringgit (US$2.63 million) Kuala Lumpur International Airport into a successful regional hub.

The study will be completed within the next few months and will include medium- and long-term strategies to increase flight frequencies at the airport, the council said in a statement.

The council, which is a consultative body to Cabinet, said Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad's government will pursue bilateral agreements to acquire additional landing rights, either by increasing flight frequencies or opening up new destinations.

The airport now serves 41 international airlines. But four carriers - All Nippon Airways, British Airways, Qantas and Lufthansa - have reduced or suspended flights over the past two years.