Hi Academia,
The relocation of airport operations from Husen Sastra Negara Airport to Kertajati Airport in Indonesia marks a significant shift in the country’s aviation landscape. This change not only affects the passengers but also the transportation operators who must adapt to the new setup.
The relocation’s immediate impact is a change in geographical dynamics. Kertajati Airport, located approximately 68km east of Bandung, is significantly farther than Husen Sastra Negara Airport. This shift will affect airlines’ operations, logistic companies, and the commuting patterns of the airport staff and passengers. The relocation also has economic implications. Kertajati Airport is designed to accommodate larger aircraft, suggesting an increase in international flights, which could boost tourism and economic activity in the region. However, the increased distance may also lead to higher transportation costs for travelers and airlines, which could negatively affect passenger numbers and airlines’ profitability.
To successfully navigate this relocation, transportation operators should be quickly adabtable for some action plans such as offering reliable and affordable transportation services between Bandung and Kertajati Airport to ensure passenger convenience. Operator should also collaborate with airlines to provide seamless travel experiences, such as integrated ticketing systems. Operators and travel and transportation association should actively engage with stakeholders, including local communities and governments, to address potential issues and leverage opportunities that may arise from the relocation.
Many relocations have been proven to scale up and give positive impact in aviation industries. The closest example is relocation of low-cost carriers terminal LCCT Malaysia that was initially not that popular due to its further distance to Main terminal KLIA.( the writer was Air Asia’s management team who commuted so often to Malaysia and could measure and see the real positive impact of this shift).
Malaysia’s Low-Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT), opened in 2006, has played a significant role in transforming the country’s aviation industry. The terminal, originally designed to cater to the needs of low-cost airlines, has seen tremendous growth since its inception.
Before the LCCT’s introduction, Malaysia’s aviation sector was largely dominated by full-service airlines. The main airport, Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), catered primarily to these airlines, with limited infrastructure for low-cost carriers.
The LCCT, primarily serving AirAsia, allowed the airline to offer more competitive fares, resulting in an exponential increase in passenger numbers. In its first year, the LCCT facilitated 6.7 million passenger movements, a figure that grew to over 24 million by 2012, just six years later. This growth not only demonstrated the growing demand for low-cost travel but also highlighted the LCCT’s role as a catalyst for this new market segment.
In 2014, the LCCT was replaced by the Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (KLIA2), a larger and more modern terminal built to accommodate the growing number of low-cost carrier passengers. KLIA2 has significantly improved the passenger experience with more spacious facilities, increased dining and shopping options, and better transportation links to the city.
The LCCT and its successor, KLIA2, have had significant impacts on Malaysia’s aviation industry. Firstly, they have democratized air travel by making it more accessible and affordable, leading to a significant increase in domestic and international travel. Secondly, they have fostered competition among airlines, resulting in better services and lower fares for passengers. Lastly, they have contributed to economic growth by boosting tourism and creating jobs.
A successful other example of airport relocation is the transition from Stapleton International Airport to Denver International Airport in the United States in 1995. Despite initial criticisms regarding its remote location and high cost, Denver International Airport has grown into the largest airport in North America by land area and the second largest in the world. The airport has significantly boosted Colorado’s economy, creating jobs and increasing tourism.
Similarly, the relocation of Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Airport to Chek Lap Kok in 1998 has been highly successful, albeit not without challenges. The new airport, designed to cater to the increasing demand for air travel, has become a global aviation hub, contributing significantly to Hong Kong’s economy. This success was achieved through careful planning, robust infrastructure, and collaboration between airlines, transportation operators, and government authorities.
To recap all above the relocation of Husen Sastra Negara Airport to Kertajati Airport presents both challenges and opportunities. While the change in location will incur costs and require adaptation, it also holds the potential for economic growth and improved services. Drawing lessons from successful relocations such as LCCT Malaysia, Denver and Hong Kong, transportation operators can play a crucial role in ensuring a smooth transition and capitalizing on the opportunities presented by the new Kertajati Airport.
All the BEST and SUCCESS KERTAJATI Airport.
And Welcome Domestics and Foreign Travellers to Kertajati West Java Indonesia
Salam Sehat Semangat Sukses
Bambang Purnomo , SS-BA, CSCA, CAVM Solution Consultant