Proposal to turn MASwings into Sabah, S'wak regional airline
Published on: Monday, February 02, 2015
Kuching: Sarawak Housing and Tourism Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Abang Openg has proposed the establishment of a regional airline to be operated by MASwings, with Sabah and Sarawak state governments as joint shareholders.Although the proposed regional airline is still under Malaysia Airlines as the parent company, he said with such set-up, MASwings would be more autonomous, allowing it to make its own decisions particularly on expansion plans."Personally, I believe MASwings has the capability to continue as a competitive carrier and to compete with other airlines that have established themselves in the Sabah and Sarawak markets.
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"As we all know, MASwings has a very extensive network covering not only major cities in Sarawak and Sabah but also other smaller destinations."In other words, MASwings is fulfilling its obligation to promote social integration as part of its corporate responsibility as an airline appointed by the Government to provide Rural Air Services (RAS) through reliable connectivity," he said at the launching of a MASwings programme dubbed "The New Beginning", here, last Saturday. Johari said Sarawak was becoming increasingly competitive with many more airlines expressing their interest to link the State with international routes as well as increasing the frequencies within the State itself. "This booming market will be very beneficial to the people of Sarawak as we will have more options to travel as and when we plan to do so.
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"The increased choices mean that airlines must provide above and beyond the usual price and travel packages. "And this is exactly what MASwings is extending to the people of Sarawak and Sabah with the launch of tonight's list of new initiatives," he said.
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Johari believes MASwings can rise to the occasion and take up the challenge to become the preferred airline in the states of Borneo. "You have all the required resources such as trained technical and cabin crews, experienced customer service employees, new aircraft and extensive offices to serve your clients," he said, in concurring with the call by his Sabah counterpart Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun.Masidi had earlier reiterated that MASwings should consider extending its reach beyond Sabah and Sarawak and target the BIMP-EAGA market of 600 million people.He also commended MASwings for aggressively promoting their products and services across Sabah and Sarawak, especially with their recent roadshow, which brought their promotion at most selected cities across Borneo. "I know for a fact that a lot of people, especially those far from the major cities of Sabah and Sarawak, have greatly benefited from the connectivity provided by MASwings. It is their commitment to delivering a safe and reliable air transportation that ensures the social integration among and between both the states of Sabah and Sarawak," he said.Therefore, he said it was a moment of pride to witness MASwings rolling out a list of initiatives to concentrate on a more customer service focused journey by providing a better service and product in near future.Welcoming both Tourism Ministers from Sabah and Sarawak, Malaysia Airlines CEO Ahmad Jauhari Yahya, in his speech delivered by MASwings Chief Executive Officer Captain Ritzerwan Rashid, said The New Beginning was to mark appreciation for the people of Sarawak and Sabah for their continuous support. "What better way to start the new year but with an affirmed commitment to deliver only the best for the people we serve," he said.He said MASwings has been an integral part of Sarawak and Sabah through connecting the community with safe and reliable air-transport services. "We have grown tremendously since 2007 by offering affordable fares, convenient schedules and extensive connections across the states of Borneo. "Today, the airline flies an average of 4,500 passengers daily to some 25 destinations," he said.It currently operates with 10 64-seater ATR 72-500 and four 68-seater ATR 72-600, an advanced turboprop aircraft which connects Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Miri and Labuan International Airports to major towns and cities in East Malaysia. MASwings also offers frequent flights to neighbouring Tarakan and Pontianak, Indonesia. In addition to the new turbo-props, MASwings' operates six 19-seater Viking Air DHC6 400 Series Twin-Otter, operating out of Miri. "These aircraft provide the important Rural Air Services (RAS), deemed a vital lifeline to some of the remotest rural communities in Sarawak – many of which are inaccessible by road," he said.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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