Chartered Institute Of Logistics Sabah Calls For Study On Kota Kinabalu Airport

By Jailani Hasan

LABUAN, Nov 8 (Bernama) -- The future of Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA), whether to retain, expand or relocate it, must be determined through a comprehensive assessment of its economic viability, operational capacity and long-term benefits to Sabah, said the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport Malaysia (CILTM) Sabah Section.

Its chairman Daniel Doughty said decisions on the state's principal aviation gateway should be based on reliable evidence and balanced assessments rather than predetermined positions.

He said this following a public forum "Our Airport, Our Connectivity, Our Sabah's Future", at the Sabah International Convention Centre in Kota Kinabalu yesterday. The event brought together aviation professionals, government representatives, industry players, academics and members of the public.

"Our responsibility is not to tell the public what to think, but to provide the information that will allow the public to form better judgement," he said in a statement to Bernama today.

Doughty said retaining and relocating KKIA must undergo equally rigorous evaluation, taking into account development costs, financing requirements, environmental impact and long-term economic implications.

The forum featured international aviation strategy consultant Edward Clayton and former civil aviation regulator Datuk Captain Chester Voo, who shared their perspectives on KKIA's future development.

Among the issues discussed were runway capacity, terminal expansion, airline route economics, air cargo, aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul, environmental sustainability and supporting aviation industries.

Doughty said expanding airport facilities alone would not guarantee more airlines or establish a successful aviation hub, as passenger demand, airline profitability and supporting industries were equally important.

Meanwhile, CILTM Sabah welcomed the state government's plan to undertake an integrated transport and logistics master plan study in 2027, covering air, land and maritime connectivity.

Caroline Jiungan, representing Deputy Chief Minister III and Sabah Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick, announced the study during the forum's opening.

CILTM Sabah said airport development should be assessed as part of a wider transport and logistics strategy to ensure infrastructure investments deliver tangible economic benefits.

The institute will consolidate the forum's discussions, expert views, public concerns and participant polling findings into a report for submission to the relevant government authorities.

The event also saw the soft launch of the CILTM Sabah Thought Leadership Series, a digital knowledge-sharing platform led by project leader and editor Datuk Ramli Amir, to promote professional insights and research on logistics, transport, supply chains and economic development.

Organising chairman and CILTM Sabah deputy chairman Faizal Malik said the forum provided an important platform for constructive dialogue and professional collaboration on Sabah's aviation future.

CILTM Sabah reaffirmed its commitment to supporting informed discussions on transport connectivity, logistics competitiveness and sustainable economic development in the state.

-- BERNAMA