PETALING JAYA: The increased efficiency of airspace management by the Kuala Lumpur Air Traffic Control Centre (KLATCC) will help the aviation industry save an estimated RM1bil annually, says Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

       The efficiency gain comes from the more sophisticated equipment used for airspace management at the new KLATCC at Sepang, which allows air traffic control operators to provide more accurate and optimal approach paths when landing in Malaysian airspace.

       Dr Wee had earlier said that in terms of landings, KLATCC could now handle up to 108 aircraft movements per hour by using all three runways (at KLIA and KLIA2) at once, up from 78 before.

       “The cost savings from shortening the time taken to land can save an estimated RM1bil annually, which is a huge amount and this new trend can only be done through KLATCC,” he told a press conference after the official launch of KLATCC yesterday.

       In his speech, Dr Wee said the new KLATCC was part of the ongoing efforts made by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAAM) to standardise and simplify the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards in the airspace design of the Kuala Lumpur Flight Information Region (KL FIR).

       Dr Wee added that the relocation of KLATCC’s operations to Sepang from Subang saw the restructuring of the country’s airspace from six to 14 sectors to allow more aircraft movements.

       “And if we were to compare with the Subang-based KLATCC before KLIA was completed, the air traffic control could only manage a maximum of 38 aircraft movements per hour at the Subang Airport

       “With the improvements in terms of aircraft movement capacity, the local aviation sector will have an added advantage and become one of the main economic contributors to the country,” he said.

       Wee added that it is CAAM’s aim for KLATCC to be the top centre in the Asia Pacific Region by providing the best services.

       In a Facebook posting last night, Dr Wee conveyed his appreciation to the Prime Minister for launching the centre.

       “Congratulations and well done as well to the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) for successfully organising the launch of this significant event for the aviation sector of the country.

       “This comprehensive and sophisticated complex is one of CAAM’s transformational initiatives to level up Malaysia’s aviation sector with world-class standards and capabilities as part of the ministry’s goals and aspirations,” he said.