MASwings takeover to be finalised this year, says Abang Jo

 

A Twin Otter aircraft used for the rural air services in Sarawak. MASwings operates six of the aircraft. (File pic)

PETALING JAYA: The Sarawak government is expected to finalise discussions with federal authorities on the takeover of regional airline MASwings Sdn Bhd by the end of this year, says Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg.

The timeframe for the takeover appeared to have been delayed.

Abang Johari was reported in October last year as saying he expected the acquisition of MASwings to be concluded within three months so that Sarawak can fly a state-owned airline by 2024, and that he did not dismiss the possibility of Sarawak running airports in the state in the future.

In July last year, the Sarawak government agreed to take over rural air services from the federal government, paving the way for a takeover of MASwings, which is a subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines.

Abang Johari’s remarks today about the new takeover schedule were reported by the Borneo Post. However, there was no mention of an apparent delay.

He was quoted as saying the acquisition of MASwings would reduce travel costs for Sarawakians who lived in Peninsular Malaysia as flight tickets can soar up to RM1,000 during festive seasons.

“That is why the state government decided to step in to help our fellow Sarawakians, especially the students,” he was quoted as saying in Kabong, Kuching today.

Abang Johari also said the Sarawak state government is subsidising flight tickets for Sarawakian students studying in the peninsula, Sabah or Labuan.

Rural air services in Sarawak have been in existence since the early 20th century, being operated by Borneo Airways, Malaysia Airlines, FlyAsianXpress, and MASwings since 2007.

For the rural air services, MASwings operates six Twin Otter short take-off and landing aircraft which can operate from rural airfields. The airline also operates 10 ATR 72-500 turboprop aircraft on short-haul regional routes. - FMT