Two bits of news recently have made me very worried about the prospects for non-Klang Valley residents in their air transportation needs.
The first was the news of AirAsia taking over the major part of the domestic flight operations from MAS. That by itself, is probably welcome news, if more efficient and cheaper air service is the end result. However, with an end to competition, prices will go up inevitably, and AirAsia’s punctuality record is deteriorating.
The second was the news on the soon-to-be opened Low Cost Carrier Terminal, of which there was sketchy information before and certainly no public consultation nor user opinion sought. I was shocked to learn that it is sited several kilometres away from KLIA! A free shuttle bus service is supposed to connect the two terminals, but the details again are sketchy.
My concern is the connectivity between the two terminals and airlines. Other than journeys that start or end in KLIA, travelers will need to transit or transfer at KLIA. This is going to be particularly so when MAS rationalise their routings, and stop point-to-point routes through secondary hubs like Kuching, and adopt a hub-and-spoke system.
MAS is efficient enough to allow one hour transfers currently, and even if the transfer is long, it means more leisure time to enjoy the facilities at KLIA.
If AirAsia were to proceed with the takeover of domestic services, and then operate out of a separate terminal, I foresee much difficulties with the transfer process. The time required will increase significantly, and more hassle for the unfortunate traveler rushing to connect his flight.
A one-shot through check-in will not be possible, as it is practiced now (baggage checked through to the final destination, and respective boarding passes issued from departure point). Imagine arriving at the LCCT, wait half an hour for your bags, lug them to the shuttle service bus stop, wait some more, take a bus journey of some 15-20 minutes, and then lug you bags for a re-check-in.
In an era of increasing convenience and seamless transfers for air passengers, it looks like we are taking a giant step backwards towards more obstacles and hassles. The move from Subang with its three terminals to the centralised KLIA was a great improvement in flight transfer connectivity.
I used to laugh at Australian airports with their separate international and domestic terminals, separated by one or two kilometres. They have since made much progress in merging their international and domestic services, making the connection as painless as possible. We have, meanwhile, attempted to emulate their errors.
I hope common sense will prevail this time, but based on our past track record, I am not going to hold my breath. My final word for this rushed LCCT is simple - we were forced into making a wrong decision by our southern neighbour.
No. 48, Jalan Kemuja, Bangsar Utama 59000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Tel: 03-2284 3367 (Advertising/Tech/Subscription) | 03-2283 5567 (Editorial) Malaysiakini.com is not responsible for the content of external internet sites
