By Farah Wahida:
In a bid to boost the aviation industry of southern Johor and Singapore, the planning authority of Iskandar Malaysia is looking to propose a twin-airport concept to the city-state, reported Star Property.
According to Datuk Ismail Ibrahim, CEO of Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA), the proposal will complement the recent announcement of two major transportation projects – the High-Speed Rail (HSR) and Rapid Transit System link between Singapore and Malaysia. With both projects on the drawing board, it would seem logical to look at ways of improving air travel within the two countries.
“We should capitalise on each other’s strengths and capabilities to make the twin-airport project a reality for mutual benefit.”
Ismail noted that for commercial aviation, Malaysia has to accept that Singapore’s Changi Airport is one of the world’s major hubs for long-haul flights, adding that the city-state is years ahead in terms of running an airport.
“While Changi is serving the long-haul flight segment, it is creating a gap which is growing wider and wider – that of the regional and medium-haul services segment.”
Despite Singapore’s desire to develop its short- and medium-haul flight segment out of Changi, the airport lacks space.
“This is where Senai Airport comes in – it would serve as the airport for the regional and the medium-haul services segment, while Changi continues to reaffirm its position in the long-haul flight segment,” Ismail said.
He added that regional flights refer to three to four hours in travelling time, where the same plane can fly to its destination and return home that same day.
This translates to lower operating costs as the airline will not have to pay airport charges and the flight crew won’t need to stay overnight.
“If Singapore does not start thinking about the twin-airport project and capitalise on it, then Changi might lose its position as a leading regional aviation hub,” said Ismail.
Farah Wahida, Editor of PropertyGuru Malaysia, wrote this story. To contact her about this or other stories email farahwahida@propertyguru.com.my
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