MASwings complete takeover in 3 months, flights by 2024, says Abang Jo

 

Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg said the state’s focus for now is on the acquisition of MASwings. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg expects the acquisition of MASwings Sdn Bhd to be concluded within three months so that the state-owned airline can take off by 2024.

He said the timeline takes into consideration detailed discussions between the state and federal transport ministries.

“I give them about three months. If possible, we want to start flying by next year,” he told reporters after the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Hornbill Skyways Sdn Bhd and Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) in Kuching, reported the Borneo Post.

When asked whether Sarawak is considering taking over the airports in the state or building its own hub, Abang Johari said the state’s focus for now was on the acquisition of MASwings.

He, however, did not dismiss the possibility of Sarawak running the airports in the future.

“Let’s not move too fast. We take this step by step. My friends and I in the Cabinet will make decisions in stages, because we want to consider our capacity as well,” he said.

In June, Sarawak agreed in principle to the federal government’s proposal for the state to take over rural carrier MASwings, as a Sarawak-based boutique airline.

In July, the Sarawak government inked an MoU with MAG, which is MASwings’ parent company, to set out the scope, timelines and facilitate a smooth acquisition process. - FMT