Express Rail Link Breaks 20 Million Passengers Mark

Kuala Lumpur, 12 December 2007: Express Rail Link (ERL), the operator of the KLIA Ekspres, clocked another historic milestone when its “20 millionth passenger” walked through one of its ticket gates today amidst pomp and splendor of the welcome party.

Passengers on the lucky 10.00am train that departed KLIA and arrived at KL Sentral at 10.28am were earlier notified that one of them would be the lucky “20 millionth passenger” who would walk away with surprises when the train arrived in Kuala Lumpur City Air Terminal (KL CAT).

Amidst loud countdown by the guests, air horn blasts and confetti showers over the balloon arch, the lucky winner Mr Vellayatham Sockalingam walked through the ticket gate and clinched the 20 millionth passenger “title”.

Mr Sockalingam age 71, hailed from Cheras, was immediately ushered on stage and “crowned” as the historic 20 millionth passenger.   He was returning from India after visiting relatives & friends.  His win included a return economy class ticket to Dubai by Emirates Airlines, a limited edition copy of Express Rail Link’s commemorative coffee table book and complimentary tickets on the KLIA Ekspres.

Mr Alban Lee, the country manager of Emirates Airlines, presented the flight ticket to the winner.  He said, “We are delighted to be part of this historic record.  Emirates has just commenced our city-check in facility in KL CAT last month, and we look forward to forging a dynamic partnership with ERL.”

Speaking to media at the press conference after the event, Dr Aminuddin Adnan, CEO of ERL, said “We have much to celebrate.  We began the high-speed train link to KLIA in 2002.  And today, a mere five years on, we have surpassed the 20 millionth mark!  It is a humble achievement but one we are proud of.  For us, today is a day of renewal and a day not just for recounting the experiences of the past but a day for looking forward at our expectations for the years still to come.”

He added, “In conjunction with this 20 millionth passenger celebration and to reward our loyal KLIA Ekspres customers, we will shortly be launching a three-month campaign partnering a brand name electronics giant and an esteemed airline.  There will be prizes galore, with one handphone given away daily, one flight ticket given away fortnightly, and one large screen LCD TV given away monthly.  It is a good time to travel on KLIA Ekspres instead of using other modes of transport.”

Check out our gallery: http://www.kliaekspres.com

Note: www.KLIAekspres.com

ERL is a founding member of IARO (International Air-Rail Organization). When it started its high-speed train operation, in April 2002, connecting KLIA to KL city center, it joined the league of elite airport express operators in the world such as London’s Heathrow Express, Stockholm’s Arlanda Express, Hong Kong’s Airport Express, Oslo’s Airport Express and Milan’s Malpensa Express etc providing seamless connectivity for air travelers between the airport and city center. It clocked its 10 millionth passenger carriage in September 2005.

Issued by Marketing Department