An artist’s impression of the shape of things to come at the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport.

The overall goal is to transform the airport, and maximise on its assets through design innovation so that it will grow to become a vibrant destination for travellers.

"Changes in social conventions and the higher dictates of discerning travellers have provided the new dimensions for SkyPark Subang Terminal which is being remade at RM40 million and is set to be completed by next month," Subang SkyPark Sdn Bhd CEO Janardhanan Gopala Krishnan said.

"The refurbishment is geared to cater to the initial 2.5 million passenger traffic anticipated in 2009. We are working closely with Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd to meet passenger expectations and delights," he said.

He said Subang is not a big airport compared to KLIA or the LCCT, but the RM40 million investment is geared towards improving passenger comfort and experience and for the convenience of the community around Subang.

The new Skypark Subang Terminal has been conceived as part of the complete refurbishment and repositioning of Subang airport as both a regional hub for executive jets and the home to community airlines such as Berjaya Air and FireFly.

The scheme is to revive the original airport by a complete redevelopment of the interior architecture, creating new mezzanine levels and providing substantial additional space for retail and F&B outlets.

New banking facilities, commercial offices, check-in and satellite departure facilities will also be incorporated.

"Many new retail outlets such as CIMB, Maybank, Pos Malaysia, Big Apple Donut, KFC, Starbucks and 7-11, as well as local outlets including Kopi Tiam, juice bars, and an ice-cream station shall be represented.

"The new mezzanine levels will provide for office tenants such as VistaJet, Malaysia Airlines ticketing, Hawker Pacific and other aviation industry tenants," Janardhanan said.

The themed and innovative design feature will extend from the interior towards the exterior with the aim of creating a commercial-like environment.

Also situated in the present Terminal 3 is the SkyPark Fixed Based Operation (FBO) Lounge that has been housed in a full-scale fit-out to sustain the previous design.

The main entrance of SkyPark FBO Malaysia will also boast of a grand-scale canopy that will lead to the reception area. The overall design concept will embrace contemporary local features using the combined effects of marine and wall structures. The reception area will also have a luggage area and a business centre complete with discussion and meeting rooms.

"The adopted modern tropical theme fits seamlessly into this industrial-like building where a previous double volume hanger is transformed into a multi-purpose area," Arcradius Sdn Bhd project director Kamal Hussin Abdul Hamid said.

"Enhanced comfort to cater for future airport volume has been considered through the provision of upgraded ventilation and electrical systems," he added.

Customer experience in airline travel commences from the moment one arrives at the terminal building, HL Design Group director Martin Haeger said.