klia2 given green light by aviation body, says Hishammuddin

A Malaysia Airlines plane on the tarmac at the new klia2, which is scheduled to open on May 2. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Najjua Zulkefli, April 24, 2014.Klia2, the world's largest purpose-built terminal for low-cost carriers, is safe for use and has received the go-ahead from the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), as it meets international standards, acting Transport Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said today.

He said the report from ICAO, a United Nations agency, was presented to the cabinet yesterday.

"Nevertheless, I will monitor the progress of the airport to make sure that everything is in order," he said.

Hishammuddin had earlier evaded questions pertaining to missing jet MH370, saying that questions should focus on the operations of klia2 as well as the handing over of the airport control tower to the Department of Civil Aviation.

The tower, which cost RM55 million to build, is the tallest control tower in the world.

Hishammuddin said that the airport not only received the go-ahead from ICAO but also other necessary certificates, including the Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC).

Acting Transport Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein (centre) inspecting the air traffic control tower. On the left is the director-general of the Department of Civil Aviation, Datuk Azharuddin Abdul Rahman, at klia2. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Najjua Zulkefli, April 24, 2014.ICAO was invited last week to evaluate safety issues at the newly built terminal to appease sceptics over the terminal's operability.

Experts from the agency were invited by Putrajaya following questions raised over the terminal's safety by certain quarters.

This was to show that the government would not compromise on safety issues at the terminal.

The airport also received the Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC) six days ago from UEMC-Bina Puri JV, the main terminal building contractor.

The issuance of the CCC not only certifies the safety of the project but also gives the green light to all relevant authorities and airlines to occupy the terminal building.

Flight operations at klia2 will begin on May 2 while the present low-cost carrier terminal is scheduled to close on May 9.

Malindo Air, Cebu Pacific Air, Tiger Airways Singapore, Lion Air, Indonesia's Mandala Airlines have announced that they will begin operations at klia2 by May 2.

On April 15, AirAsia confirmed it would operate out of klia2 by May 9.