MALAYSIA. Malaysia Airports recently unveiled the newly revamped Langkawi International Airport, which is expected to generate revenue growth of +15% in the coming year.
Earmarked as a Leisure Airport Model under the national airport operator’s five-year Business Direction plan – titled “˜Runway to Success’ – Langkawi International Airport has been enhanced by new concepts and brands, with commercial space being expanded by +5%.
Among the new international and local names now operating at the airport are Casa Impian, Gloe, Fila & Shock Proof, Marrybrown, and Plaza Premium Lounge – all specially selected to appeal to the cross section of international tourists who frequent the island resort every year. The remodelling was done in line with Tourism Malaysia’s effort of marketing the island as a premier travel destination, according to Malaysia Airports.
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Malaysia Airports Senior General Manager Operation Services Datuk Azmi Murad, Malaysia Airports Senior General Manager Commercial Services Puan Faizah Khairuddin, Malaysia Airports Chairman Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Dr. Wan Abdul Aziz Wan Abdullah, and Lembaga Pembangunan Langkawi, LADA Chief Executive Officer Tan Sri Khalid Ramli during the launch of Malaysia Airports’ Airport Commercial Model at Langkawi International Airport |
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“We have realigned our products and retailers mix [and] streamlined outlet locations to meet the leisure airport concept model“ |
Puan Faizah Khairuddin Senior General Manager Commercial Services Malaysia Airports |
The newly revamped airport was opened by Malaysia Airports Chairman Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Dr. Wan Abdul Aziz Wan Abdullah, in conjunction with the Langkawi International Maritime and Air Show (LIMA). Also present were Malaysia Airports Senior General Manager Operation Services Datuk Azmi Murad and Malaysia Airports Senior General Manager Commercial Services Puan Faizah Khairuddin.
Under the five-year strategic plan, Malaysian airports are categorised into four commercial models – Lifestyle, Leisure, Community and Corporate Responsibility. Besides Langkawi International Airport, airports in Kuching, Miri, Mulu, Labuan and Lahat Datu have also undergone similar model-specific developments. Expansion and enhancement plans are currently under way in Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Penang, Kuala Terengganu, Kota Bahru, Ipoh, Bintulu, Sibu and Tawau.
Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Dr Wan Abdul Aziz said: “As the gatekeeper of Malaysia’s aviation gateways, Malaysia Airports is responsible in ensuring that our airports can support and enhance the state and national competitiveness and aspirations.
“The adoption and implementation of the Airport Commercial Models are carried out with specific customer profiles and needs in mind as well as the locations and roles of each airport in their respective regions. It underscores Malaysia Airports’ commitment to meet and enrich the varied needs and cosmopolitan mix of travellers passing through our 39 gateways throughout the country.”
Puan Faizah Khairuddin added that the expansion of the retail experience at Langkawi International Airport goes beyond products and brands: “Working together and with the support of our business partners, we have incorporated the leisure concept in the overall design and ambience. We have realigned our products and retailers mix [and] streamlined outlet locations to meet the leisure airport concept model.
“With the completion of the Airport Commercial Model, we have increased the total retail and food & beverage space in this airport by +5%. This is expected to generate additional revenue of +15% – roughly RM7.6million (US$2.46 million) – in the coming year. I am optimistic that this target is achievable.”
Malaysia Airports is celebrating the launch of Langkawi International Airport’s new commercial model with an 11-day celebratory promotional campaign. From 24 March to 3 April, travellers passing through the gateway will get a taste of Malaysian hospitality and culture in the form of cultural dances, games and shows.
Additionally, travellers can also take part in the HappyBox Passport Challenge. For every RM50 (US$16.20) spent at Langkawi International Airport, the traveller will be given a stamp in the HappyBox Passport. Upon collecting three stamps (RM150/US$48.50), the person will be given the opportunity to try to crack the digital code to a HappyBox and win even more prizes in the form of shopping vouchers and/or products.
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Langkawi Airport has been enhanced by new concepts to cater to the leisure travel segment |
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The food & beverage offering includes Marrybrown, Starbucks, Daily Fresh and a food court | |
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Commercial space at Langkawi International Airport has increased by +5% |
