INDEPENDENT ASSESSMENT CONFIRMS KLIA AEROTRAIN SYSTEM FUNCTIONING AS INTENDED

SEPANG – Independent railway assessors appointed to review the KL International Airport (KLIA) Aerotrain have concluded that the system is functioning as intended, and that the service disruptions observed since commissioning are commonly encountered during the early operational phase of complex rail systems. The assessors further noted that, with structured engineering controls and continuous monitoring in place, these issues do not constitute a safety hazard and can be effectively managed through disciplined engineering and maintenance practices.

During the implementation of the Comprehensive Action Plan (CAP), which commenced on 15 November 2025, Aerotrain operations have remained stable, recording an Operational Service Availability of 100% in December 2025, up from 98.67% in July 2025, reflecting high system availability while inspection, testing and validation activities were carried out.

The independent assessment identified two critical systems with a direct influence on train reliability, service availability and recovery performance, namely the power supply system and the rolling stock. For the power supply system, while the overall design and protection systems were found to be adequate and generally operating as intended, areas such as installation quality, power rail condition monitoring, and clarity of operational roles were identified for continued focus to strengthen long term reliability. For the rolling stock, particular attention was placed on the current collector device, which influences traction continuity and service stability due to their close interaction with the power rail.

The CAP has been implemented through coordinated workstreams covering inspection and rectification, system testing and validation, and trial operations. Inspection and rectification activities across the Aerotrain system have been completed, with the programme now at the final milestone to close out remaining rectification actions identified during system wide inspections.

Selected key testing on critical systems, including communications and SCADA as well as power systems, was carried out to verify performance following rectification. Trial operations were conducted between 16 and 24 December 2025, covering eighteen planned test cases related to power supply, vehicle and signalling interfaces, and fire alarm systems. Findings from these activities have been documented, with targeted improvement actions currently being implemented.

During the CAP period, engineering hours were initially planned from 9.00 PM to 7.00 AM, but were subsequently shortened to 11.00 PM to 7.00 AM to accommodate the festive and school holiday peak periods. Following improvements in work sequencing and resource deployment, the reduced engineering hours have been maintained while CAP activities continue.

Malaysia Airports will continue to implement the remaining CAP measures in a coordinated and proportionate manner, supported by ongoing monitoring and independent oversight, to further strengthen system reliability and sustain consistent Aerotrain operations at KLIA.