THE government has approved plans to convert Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (LTSAAS) into a city airport and aerospace hub.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke said this will be implemented according to a regeneration plan provided by Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd.

“On February 2, I presented the plan to the cabinet and the proposed development was approved after careful consideration,” he told a press conference in Subang today.

“The development of LTSAAS will focus on an aerospace ecosystem, general aviation and as a business, urban and additional airport.”

Loke said the ecosystem that will be developed involves seven components.

They are an aerospace industry centre, a maintenance, repair and overhaul centre, a research and development centre, general aviation operations, business aviation operations, urban air mobility and regional commercial aviation operations.

“The redevelopment of the airport is a national revival project supported by the guiding principles of Malaysia Madani,” he said.

“Economically, this will speed up post-Covid economic recovery by attracting investment from inside and outside the country.”

Loke also said with the regeneration plan, the target is to get eight million passengers a year.

He said the target market is business or premium class passengers, taking advantage of the airport’s strategic location of being closer to the country’s capital.

The plan will also generate job opportunities, he said.

Loke said the government has given Malaysia Airports two months to draw up the plan and submit it to the cabinet, along with the proposed cost.

Malaysia Airports managing director Iskandar Mizal Mahmood said an engagement session on the regeneration plan will be held with all stakeholders. – February 6, 2023.