By Dom Welling,

Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) has launched a request for proposal (RFP) for local and international partners to help develop a 50-acre commercial centre boasting premium factory outlets, F&B outlets and an auto city around Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).

According to MAHB, when the outlet centre is completed in 2013 it will become a new retail destination for both the country and the region.

The RFP is the first phase of MAHB's plans to transform the airport into a multi-modal and multi-functional airport city by building on its non-aeronautical revenues known as the 'Aeropolis'.

Meanwhile KLIA 2, the airport's new terminal for low cost carriers which will be capable of handling 30mppa, is under construction and expected to be finished in 2012.

This development includes a 437,000sqft complex that will serve as a transportation hub for taxis and buses, and also boasts a 6,000 bay car park.

Those investors or developers that are interested can obtain a copy of the proposal documents from MAHB and are advised to organise a briefing session on the development with the operator. Proposals will need to be submitted by noon on Wednesday, June 1, 2011.

Interested parties are asked to contact the Land Development Department, MAHB at 03-877 77046/877 77552 or e-mail to land_development [at] malaysiaairports.com.my