KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 2): Senai Airport Terminal Services Sdn Bhd (SATSSB), the operator of the Johor-based Senai International Airport, is now running the Kertih Airport, which is the main air base for oil and gas operations in Terengganu.

SATSSB, a member of MMC Group, has entered into a contract with Sanzbury Stead Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas), to manage the operations and maintenance services of Kertih Airport for three years effective Jan 1, 2019, it said in a statement today.

"Under the strategic partnership, SATSSB is providing professional management services and undertaking the role of airport operator of Kertih Airport, whilst Sanzbury Stead maintains its position as the asset owner," it said.

On its part, SATSSB will strategise and drive the airport operations to ensure safe, efficient and uninterrupted services in accordance with regulatory requirements enforced by Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia, Malaysian Aviation Commission and other related government agencies.

"With its extensive experience in managing one of the fastest growing airports in Malaysia, SATSSB pledges operational excellence in operating Kertih Airport through an efficient and effective asset maintenance programme that aims at optimising the cost of operations," it added.

Kertih Airport is an important artery of the oil and gas operations in Terengganu, catering primarily to helicopter flights to offshore oil platforms at the state's coast.

It is also connected by scheduled commercial flights operated by Malindo Air to Subang, to serve the demand from Petronas' petrochemicals production and crude oil refinery in Paka, a coastal town in Terengganu.

MMC Corporation Bhd managing director Datuk Seri Che Khalib Mohamad Noh, who is also the chairman of SATSSB, said: "Senai International Airport is the only privately managed commercial airport in Malaysia with expertise in airport management and operations for over 15 years.

"I am confident that with its experience and capability, we can offer value by maintaining the operations in an efficient and safe manner according to the aviation regulatory standard and customers' requirement."

In addition, the contract will also cover areas on Aerodrome Certifications, Airport Health, Safety, Security and Environment and Emergency Response Operations.

On Nov 13, 2018, Senai International Airport bagged the CAPA 'Asia Pacific Regional Airport of the Year 2018' under the less than 10 million annual passenger category, for its leading role in using new biometrics technology and its support of the LCC model.

The airport is currently connected to 18 destinations, including 11 domestic and seven international links. It welcomed its first three millionth passenger in 2017 and passenger traffic has nearly tripled over the last six years, with at least 10% growth every year since 2013.

In early 2018, Senai International Airport became the first airport in Asia to implement AirAsia's Fast Airport Clearance Experience System, a cutting-edge biometrics technology providing seamless self-service travel experience from check-in to boarding gates.