Melaka airport to be developed into an aerospace and business aviation hub, says CM

The Melaka International Airport (LTAM) at Batu Berendam is set to be developed as a preferred aerospace and business aviation hub, says Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh. The Melaka Chief Minister said he is taking steps to ensure LTAM continues to be a regional aviation hub by introducing more aerospace ecosystems. "Currently, we are discussing with Indonesian carriers for air connectivity between cities in that country and LTAM. The state government is also in the midst of discussions with seven airlines to operate commercial flights at LTAM," he said Saturday. Ab Rauf said he also scheduled to talk with an Italian helicopter manufacturing conglomerate next month to discuss the prospect of turning LTAM into a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) centre. Meanwhile, he said the decision by the two airlines to cease operations at LTAM is purely a commercial decision made by the service providers. "The state government has nothing to do with the decisions made by these airlines," he said.<br/>