KUALA LUMPUR: The aerotrain project at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) in Sepang is progressing smoothly and remains on target for completion by March next year.
Alstom managing director (Malaysia and Singapore) Yann Maixandeau said the company was working with all stakeholders to complete the project before the deadline while maintaining high standards of quality and reliability.
He said despite the unforeseen delays, Alstom, in collaboration with Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB), IJM Construction Sdn Bhd (IJMC) and Pestech Technology Sdn Bhd, remained dedicated to ensuring timely delivery of the project.
"Our team is dedicated to overcoming obstacles, ensuring prompt delivery and improving the travel experience at KLIA.
"We believe that by working together, embracing innovation and prioritising safety and reliability, we can assist Malaysia in enhancing its aerotrain service and providing passengers with a superior travel experience."
Over 23 years, the existing aerotrains at KLIA have ferried over 300 million passengers between the satellite and main terminal buildings. However, in recent years, the ageing aerotrain system has encountered frequent service disruptions, leading to operational inefficiencies.
Thus, MAHB signed an agreement with Alstom Transport Systems (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd and a joint venture comprising IJMC and Pestech to steer the aerotrain replacement project back on track.
Under the agreement, Alstom, as the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of the new aerotrains, will lead project coordination efforts and oversee the restart of the project, with the aim of delivering three new trains and two tracks by the first quarter of next year.
In making the decision, the MAHB board reportedly considered two key focus areas, which were keeping to the agreed, fit-for-purpose technology, and ensuring the project could meet the original timeline for the operations of both lines.
MAHB had said to ensure project continuity and adherence to the original timeline, the new contract with Alstom, excluding operation and maintenance, was expected to incur a cost increase that would be capped at 15 per cent, bringing the project cost to RM456.1 million.
Acting group chief executive officer Mohamed Rastam Shahrom previously was reported as saying this was an acceptable variance for the aerotrain project and would allow it to get back on track.
Meanwhile, Maixandeau said he noted Malaysia's interest to leverage technology to enhance rail transportation, citing advancements in signalling systems, connectivity solutions, and artificial intelligence (AI).
He said initiatives like the Mastria AI Solution enhanced passenger flow management while utilising machine learning (ML) algorithms to anticipate demand and adjust train numbers accordingly.
He added that Alstom employed predictive maintenance and a complete signalling system via ML to ensure safety and efficiency across diverse networks.
"We integrate advanced technologies into our solutions to ensure safe and reliable transportation. These apply not only to our trains but also cover our signalling and maintenance solutions.
"For instance, through AI-powered cameras, Alstom's solutions ensure track conditions can be monitored and abnormalities brought to operators' attention.
"We also leverage predictive capabilities to address maintenance challenges and optimise equipment operation."
Maixandeau said Alstom's signalling system also ensured collision avoidance and seamless operations across diverse networks.
He said these features ensured autonomous mobility, leading to increased capacity, greater flexibility, lower costs, and enhanced passenger experience.