GTR (Ground Team Red), a joint venture between AirAsia and SATS has launched its air cargo hub at the KLIA Air Cargo Terminal 1 (KACT1). Located at the former low-cost carrier terminal in Sepang, the facility spans 9,300 sq m and was built at a cost of MYR 23 million. It adds additional storage to the existing 4,000 sq m warehouse and the combined facilities will handle 300,000 tonnes of air freight annually, strengthening Malaysia’s goal of being a regional logistic hub.
The new air cargo hub enables GTR to expand its capabilities by handling both narrow and wide-body aircraft cargo operations and has motorised material handling system that facilitates efficient handling of Unit Load Devices. The new air cargo hub also has a purpose-built 1,000 sq m cold-chain facility for specialised handling for perishable and pharmaceutical products and dedicated zones for dangerous goods, pets and valuable cargo handling. Modern security cargo scanners offer both horizontal and vertical views of cargo to enhance detection.
The Minister of Transport YB Loke Siew Fook, along with CEO of AirAsia Group Tony Fernandes, AirAsia Group President (Airlines) Bo Lingam, SATS President and CEO Alex Hungate, GTR CEO Kevin Chin, AirAsia Malaysia CEO Riad Asmat and Teleport CEO Pete Chareonwongsak officiated the opening of the new GTR air cargo hub.
Minister of transport YB Loke Siew Fook said: “I would like to congratulate GTR on the launch of their Air Cargo hub today, and their efforts to enhance airline ground handling operations in Malaysia. It is an impressive facility and will help to further elevate KLIA and klia2 as a key logistics gateway, in line with my Ministry’s National Logistics Masterplan to develop Malaysia as a logistics hub. I would also like to see GTR replicate this facility, in particular their cold-room capabilities to other airports in Malaysia to add further value to our ambition of developing Malaysia as a logistics hub.”
Ground Team Red CEO Kevin Chin said: “We expect KLIA’s air cargo to grow steadily. With global eCommerce players investing in the region, the increased capacity and digitalisation will enhance air cargo handling services. We will continue our efforts to strengthen Malaysia’s position to become a world class logistics hub in the region by adding capabilities in other parts of Malaysia.”
