Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor with members of a delegation from China's Henan Airport Group.

KUALA LUMPUR (June 10): Kedah Menteri Besar (MB) Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor has reportedly engaged in discussions with a potential strategic partner for the proposed Kulim International Airport (KXP) project.

In a Facebook post on Sunday (June 9) night, Sanusi’s press secretary Muhamad Mat Yakim said that the Kedah MB met with a delegation from China's Henan Airport Group on Sunday.

The discussions focused on various aspects of strengthening collaboration to advance the KXP project, which is planned to be developed in Sidam Kiri, Kuala Muda.

While specific details of the meeting were not disclosed, the post affirmed that efforts to realise the project will continue under KXP Airport City Holdings Sdn Bhd, despite awaiting approval from the Ministry of Transport (MOT).

KXP Airport City is a subsidiary of Kedah State Development Corp, which operates Kedah Aerotropolis.

The New Straits Times has on Monday reported that Kedah would proceed with the KXP project.

The news came a day after Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (KL:AIRPORT), or MAHB, signed a memorandum of understanding with China Henan Aviation Group Co Ltd to enhance air cargo connectivity and logistics between Malaysia and China.

MAHB stated that the agreement will improve the efficiency and reach of both airport operators by establishing new air cargo routes between Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport and Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Bernama reported.

The KXP project has been a long-awaited initiative. The concept of a new international airport in Kedah was first proposed in 2013 during the Kedah Transformation Lab.

In February last year, the MOT announced that the government had not yet granted final approval for the development of KXP, pending the completion of the National Airport Strategic Plan (NASP). The NASP study involves all 42 existing airports and also considers the proposed construction of new airports.