KXP AirportCity Holdings Sdn Bhd has appointed Aeroport de Paris Ingenierie (ADPI) to draw up a development masterplan for the Kulim International Airport (KXP) Aerotropolis.
Kedah Menteri Besar Mukhriz Mahathir said an open tender was called in the last four months for international aerotropolis masterplan consultants to submit their proposals for the project.
"After a two-step selection process, six out of 28 companies that submitted their proposals were shortlisted, of which the eventual consultant ADPI was finally selected," he said after the KXP Airportcity-ADPI signing ceremony at Wisma Darul Aman in Alor Setar today.
He said KXP Airportcity has also appointed a number of competent consultants for several mandatory studies, assessments and evaluation for the project.
"All relevant agencies will closely assist and cooperate with the consultants," he added.
Mukhriz also announced that the land for KXP Aerotropolis and development covering 3,982 hectares had been gazetted for public purpose under the Land Acquisition Act 1960.
He said the gazette was to ensure that development studies for KXP Aerotropolis could begin on the demarcated land parcels.
The menteri besar said a land caveat lodged in October 2019 was approved on Jan 30 this year, following which at least 40 teams of surveyors conducted topographical and geospatial survey works at the site.
"Other entities, such as the Valuation Department, the Land Office, and consultants will also enter the site this week. This gazette will ensure that the whole area will be exclusively used for the aerotropolis development," he said.
He said the federal government had also agreed to provide a sizeable loan facility to the state government for the purpose of funding the KXP Aerotropolis land acquisition.
"This loan will enable the state government to expedite land acquisition, without having to wait for a private investor to come in first.
"The development of the KXP Aerotropolis project is set to become the most strategic and vibrant development in the northern region. We now await the groundbreaking ceremony in November 2020, and the first airplane landing in January 2024," he said.
Meanwhile, ADPI deputy chief executive officer Oliver Guichard said the company was proud to be allowed to contribute to the mega economic development project.
"It is our duty to bring all the experiences of our works in over 750 projects around the world and deliver the best and only the best," he said.
ADPI is a French engineering company that carries out architectural and engineering activities worldwide dealing with the design of new airports or existing airports development.
- Bernama
