PETALING JAYA: A partnership between Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) and Maxis Bhd will see the latter managing the WiFi and 5G-related network services and solutions at both terminals of the nation’s flagship airport: the KL International Airport (KLIA).

       “Maxis will co-develop a digital transformation roadmap for Smart Airport operations.

       “MAHB’s aim is to leverage Maxis as the single telco operator to manage its connectivity services,” both companies said in a statement.

       Maxis would also be developing 5G-enabled digital solutions for Malaysia Airports’ airport tenants and passengers, it added.

       “5G will be the catalyst for connecting us to new business and economic opportunities. The deployment of 5G will strengthen the foundation for enabling new technologies and digitalisation of our airport operations.

       “It will also help us to create a new, smart travel experience for the passengers,” said MAHB’s group chief executive officer (CEO) Datuk Mohd Shukrie Mohd Salleh.

       “With this partnership, both parties will co-create 5G use cases and solutions for Smart Travel and Tourism, as well as for Smart Retail and Smart Security,” he added.

       Maxis’ CEO Gokhan Ogut (pic below) said that airports have evolved from a transit hub to a destination for an end-to-end travel experience.

       Maxis CEO Gokhan Ogut

       “There is no doubt that 5G will unlock immense potential and possibilities for an elevated customer experience, and we are committed to play our part to offer the best 5G innovation to benefit the people and businesses in the country with our expertise and resources,” Ogut added.

       Malaysia Airports and Maxis will jointly be developing Smart Retail as well as Smart Travel and Tourism solutions that will provide an unmatched personalised experience for passengers, according to the statement.

       This would also include plans to build a “Tourist Hub” platform for passengers to have centralised access to travel guides, promotions and offers, it said.

       The long-term goal is to create a converged digital ecosystem of MAHB’s existing solutions and new ones developed by Maxis to transform the airports with a “passenger first” experience, according to the companies.