MAHB Prioritises Sustainability In Airport Expansion, Operations

From Karina Imran

PERTH, March 26 (Bernama) -- Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) is committed to balancing business growth with sustainability as it expands its airport network and attracts new airlines.

MAHB senior general manager, strategy, Megat Ardian Wira Mohd Aminuddin said that the company manages 39 airports, including five international airports, 17 domestic airports and 17 short take-off and landing airports, with a strong focus on optimising terminal efficiency.

“It was part of the master plan we developed when COVID-19 hit in 2020. Since then, projections have shifted, leading us to revise them and review our expansion plans,” he said during a panel session at Routes Asia 2025 in Perth, Australia.

He noted that each airport, particularly Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), has its own master plan.

"For KLIA, we are focusing on optimisation. We aim to determine the best way to streamline passenger processing at various touchpoints, which will help unlock capacity. This allows us to delay major brick-and-mortar expansions while prioritising asset replacements,” he said.

Megat Ardian shared that MAHB has also launched several initiatives to decarbonise airport operations, including replacing outdated assets with energy-efficient alternatives and transitioning to electric vehicles for ground handling operations.

Additionally, MAHB is implementing targeted carbon reduction plans for each airport, focusing on waste management, rainwater harvesting, solar panel installations, and the electrification of airport ground services.

“Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, each airport will have tailored sustainability targets. This ensures meaningful carbon reductions across our entire network,” he added.

Routes Asia is a premier aviation event that brings together over 110 airlines and 160 airports from the Asia Pacific route development community.

Held from March 25 to 27 at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre, the event has attracted more than 900 delegates, including representatives from airports, airlines, tourism authorities, and key aviation stakeholders.

Routes Asia 2025 served as a vital platform for decision-makers to engage in over 3,000 face-to-face meetings, exchange best practices, and explore new air service opportunities. It also features insightful conference sessions led by international experts in aviation and tourism.

-- BERNAMA