A Jamie Oliver restaurant, faster internet speed, more vending machines and massage chairs? YAS, please! These are some of the new facilities Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) are adding to their list of upgrades! Do you remember the last time you were at the airport and the connected WiFi can barely load a YouTube video? Maybe that won’t be a problem anymore at KLIA when the travel restrictions due to Covid-19 are lifted!
What’s New At KLIA?
Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) group CEO Mohd Shukrie Mohd Salleh told FMT some new upgrades include air ventilators installed at restrooms to improve air circulation and reduce humidity, and new carpets laid out at boarding gates for a “cosier” feel. All to improve travellers’ experience at KLIA.
Faster Internet Speeds
No, for real though. When was the last time you had a smooth sailing “internet loading” at the airport? Well, lucky you! Mohd Shukrie said major upgrades were made to the airport’s core network, ensuring that systems are compatible with the latest technology. This benefits not only airlines and the airport community, but travellers can now enjoy much faster internet speeds.
First Jamie Oliver Restaurant In Malaysia
You’ve probably heard of the name or even picked up one of his books when you’re trying your hand in the kitchen! James Trevor Oliver, better known as Jamie Oliver, is a British chef and restaurateur who’s known for his relatable recipes and humor in TV shows. The report states that its first ever Jamie Oliver restaurant in Malaysia will open in KLIA! This is part of the commercial reset exercise which establishes MAHB’s airports from a transport hub to a lifestyle destination.
Social Distancing Measures Enhanced
“Covid-19 will remain a threat until a vaccine is developed, so whatever measures we put in place when the outbreak first began last year will be enhanced,” Mohd Shukrie said. He added that the team wants travellers and visitors to feel safe and comfortable at the airport. Other than holding regular sanitation exercises at all facilities, MAHB said it had also installed thermal scanners, social distancing markers and hand sanitiser dispensers.
The Calm Room
Another amenity worth mentioning at the KLIA airport is the Calm Room! The Calm Room is a safe space that provides a sense of calm and comfort to individuals within the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), to help regulate their emotions. Located at Level 5 on the Main Terminal Building, the facility is part of the Butterfly Effect services created to cater specially to passengers with hidden disabilities such as autism.
The program was created when they realised that navigating through the airport can sometimes be a daunting experience, especially for those with autism. The Butterfly Effect is a theory depicting how a small change in one state can make a big difference at a later state. Interested guests will need to preregister to enjoy this facility. Interactive sensory walls (pic) can also be found throughout the airport to keep passengers’ minds off the stress of travelling.
Will The Upgrade Get KLIA Back Up On The World’s Top 100 Airports List?
In 2019, KLIA ranked 54 on the Skytrax World’s Top 100 Airport list while in 2018, it was ranked at 44. The highest ranking KLIA ever achieved was back in 2001, when it took the second spot on the list. What are your thoughts after reading about the upgrades? Will it bring KLIA back up on the Skytrax World’s Top 100 list? Let us know your thoughts down in the comments below!
Also Read: Malaysians Returning Home From Overseas Starting From 1 June To Pay Half Of Hotel Quarantine Fees
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