SENAI Airport Terminal Services Sdn Bhd (SATS) is spending RM180 million (SGD74 million) on development projects at the airport, including the upgrading of the passenger terminal, management complex and cargo terminal.

Currently, work to extend the runway from 3.35km to 3.8km to accommodate wide-bodied aircraft, the expansion of the passenger terminal and commercial areas is being carried out, Datuk Ahmad Zahri Jamil said yesterday.

The State Local Government, Housing, Arts, Culture and Heritage Committee chairman said the RM300 million projects were part of SATS' long-term plan to develop the airport as a cost-effective logistic air base with infrastructure of international standards.

"Work began last August. By June next year, the airport will be equipped with an expanded passenger management terminal, an underground carpark, restaurants and business centres that will suit Senai town's community lifestyle," said Zahri in reply to questions by Ng See Tiong (BN-Parit Yaani), Ng Kow Meng (DAP-Senai) and M.Munusamy (BN-Permas).

--NST