11MP A Malaysian aviation commission will be incorporated in July 2015 to provide for a more structured and systematic aviation industry, according to the 11th Malaysia Plan (11MP).

The plan, unveiled by Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak today, says the responsibilities of the independent regulatory body include economic regulation and consumer protection in the industry.

It will also undertake policy and planning functions to manage capacity and competition via licensing, route allocation and streamlining airports according to the hierarchy.

The 11MP, covering the period 2016 to 2020, says the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) will continue to serve as the technical, safety and security authority.

“The possibility of corporatising DCA will be assessed during the 11MP,” according to the 11MP document, which also alludes to efforts to upgrade air navigation and airport infrastructure.

On the cards is a new Kuala Lumpur Air Traffic Control Centre at the KL International Airport (KLIA) to replace the National Control Centre in Subang, to improve aircraft movement capacity.

In addition, the communication, navigation and surveillance as well as the air traffic management systems will be upgraded to improve efficiency of air navigation services.

“This will increase aircraft movement from 68 to 108 per hour to strengthen KLIA as the main gateway,” according to the document.

Under the 11MP, the Langkawi International Airport and Sultan Ismail Petra Airport in Kelantan will be upgraded to cater for the expected increase in passenger numbers.

Attention will also be given to expanding the capacity of ports and address congestion issues.

In this connection, the National Port Policy will be implemented to foster systematic development and growth of ports and jetties by introducing comprehensive strategy and policy measures.

- Bernama