In a statement, MAHB said the latest incident was particularly disappointing given that the aerotrain system had undergone a stringent testing, commissioning and certification process prior to its launch.
“This process involved independent consultants, safety professionals and regulatory authorities to ensure compliance with all safety and performance standards.
“In view of this development, we will be taking an additional step to appoint an independent assessor to conduct a comprehensive review of the power supply design and the quality of installation works,” it said.
The aerotrain service at KLIA Terminal 1 was disrupted at 8.30pm yesterday after both train units experienced a temporary power trip.
Alternative transport arrangements were immediately activated to ensure continuous passenger movement between the terminal and satellite building.
By 9.27pm the same evening, one train was safely restored to service. Following multiple rounds of safety and operational testing, both trains are currently operating normally.
MAHB said the incident occurred within the defect liability period of the aerotrain system.
It also called an urgent technical meeting with the senior management team from the project contractors, including Alstom and the IJM-Pestech Joint Venture, who are also responsible for the power distribution system’s design and installation.
“The root cause of the disruption is still under investigation. The contractor will be issuing a separate statement to provide a detailed technical explanation,” MAHB said.
In the meantime, MAHB said it had deployed additional measures, including thermographic scanning and other relevant diagnostic tests, to verify the integrity and safety of the system.
“We will also continue to closely monitor the rectification works undertaken by the contractor,” it added.
This is the second power-related disruption to the aerotrain service in recent months, following a similar incident on Sept 4 that affected one of the trains.
Earlier today, transport minister Loke Siew Fook warned that the ministry, through the Land Public Transport Agency, could take action against MAHB if the aerotrain system fails to meet the required level of operational availability.