A fleet of BMW i7 vehicles will be deployed to serve departing passengers with the pick-up point located at Gate G1 of the Main Terminal Building. – BMW Group Malaysia.
THE suspension of service of the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Aerotrain in March last year has caused a minor disruption for travellers who have to shuttle between the airport’s Main Terminal Building and the Satellite Building of KLIA Terminal 1.
Although Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd
(MAHB) has put in place bus transfers, many travellers are eagerly awaiting the resumption of service of the new Aerotrain in January 2025.
Despite the inconvenience caused by the suspension of the Aerotrain and its replacement exercise, some car brands have found a novel way to help alleviate and also to help expand their brand presence.
Earlier this year, both BMW and Kia stepped up during the period to launch a new private terminal transfer service to shuttle passengers to their flights.
Transferring in style
In June, Batik Air announced the launch of a new private terminal transfer service designed exclusively for its Business Class passengers.
The service is in partnership with Kia through their sole distributor, Dinamikjaya Motors Sdn Bhd, which saw passengers chauffeured in the all-electric Kia EV9 and the latest model of Kia Carnival.
This premium service transports passengers between the pick-up point at Gate G1 of the Main Terminal Building and the Satellite Building.
Passengers can look forward to a bespoke experience with this terminal transfer service, which ensures individualised transportation without the hassle of sharing rides.
This service is an exclusive offering for Batik Air Business Class passengers, supplementing the existing bus transfer provided by MAHB.
“We are delighted to join forces with Kia, a leader in sustainable automotive solutions, to offer this exceptional service to our Business Class passengers,” said Datuk Chandran Rama Muthy, chief executive officer of Batik Air, at the launch of the service.
“Utilising the all-electric Kia EV9 highlights our commitment to sustainability and delivering premium services to our passengers.”
A similar collaboration was inked between Malaysia Airlines and BMW Group Malaysia, through dealer partner, Ingress Auto Sdn Bhd.
Beginning Feb 1, 2024, Enrich Platinum, Business Suite and Business Class passengers flying with Malaysia Airlines get to experience a heightened level of luxury being chauffeured in the premium all-electric BMW i7.
Luxury gate-to-gate transfers aren’t an entirely new concept in the world of travel.
Over the years, airlines such as Delta and United Airlines in the United States have leveraged off successful partnerships with automotive giants such as Porsche and Jaguar.
The exercise not only enhances the flying experience for passengers but also provides a “taster” of sorts for premium customers, which carmakers are keen to leverage on.
For BMW Group Malaysia, the 24-hour service not only offers a sustainable and premium travel option exclusively for Malaysia Airlines’ passengers, but it also aims to create awareness around electrified mobility.
“We have long been a proponent for responsible mobility and embedding these values beyond the automotive sphere,” explained Sashi Ambihaipahan, director of corporate communications and sustainability of BMW Group Malaysia.
Sashi elaborated that with the temporary suspension of the Aerotrain at KLIA, the group saw an opportunity to introduce a premium transfer service in partnership with Ingress Auto.
“The service not only offers unparalleled comfort, but also reflects sustainable practices through the all-electric BMW i7,” he added.
“We are glad to find a partner in Malaysia Airlines, which shares our ambition for elevating customer journeys with meaningful enhancements for their customers.”
Driving a message
With the completion of the arrival lounge at the Satellite Building, additional BMW i7 units have been deployed to broaden the service’s coverage, reveals Sashi.
“This expansion allows us to accommodate more passengers while maintaining the high standards of luxury and sustainability that define the experience.”
For BMW Group Malaysia, the collaboration with Malaysia Airlines for this gate-to-gate transfer aims to highlight sustainable mobility solutions from the brand that goes beyond the daily commute.
“By showcasing our premium electric vehicles in elevating customer experiences, we aim to highlight the advantages of electric mobility – not just within the aviation industry but across all sectors,” said Sashi.
Thus far, both BMW Group Malaysia and Ingress Auto are thrilled with the engagement and positive feedback received.
“Beyond meeting the expectations for premium comfort and personalised service, this collaboration has offered a unique opportunity to introduce customers to the possibilities of electrified mobility,” added Sashi.
For many passengers, experiencing the BMW i7 for the first time provides an exciting glimpse into the future of sustainable travel – bridging the gap between luxury and responsible innovation in a way that enhances their journey.
With the new Aerotrain resuming service in early 2025, BMW Group Malaysia will look to continue this exceptional service with Malaysia Airlines.
Sashi also teased that there could be potentially more avenues where electrified mobility can be at the forefront to enhance customer experiences.
