Analysis of information sources in references of the Wikipedia article "MASwings" in Malay language version.
MASWings from late-March 2023 plans to resume Miri – Long Banga service, after 12 years of cancellation. The carrier’s 19-seater DHC6 Twin Otter will operate this route from 30MAR23, twice weekly.
Firefly earlier this month has launched codeshare partnership with MASWings, covering various routes operated by the latter, effective from 07AUG23 (approximate).
MASWings from late-March 2023 plans to resume Miri – Long Banga service, after 12 years of cancellation. The carrier’s 19-seater DHC6 Twin Otter will operate this route from 30MAR23, twice weekly.
Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) has reported a significant financial turnaround with a full-year operating profit of MYR556m (US$125m).
"Sehubungan itu, kerajaan Sarawak telah memutuskan untuk menubuhkan syarikat penerbangannya sendiri melalui pengambilalihan MASWings," kata kenyataan itu.(dalam bahasa Bahasa Melayu)
Katanya, rundingan juga sedang dijalankan dengan Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) dan Khazanah Nasional Bhd untuk membeli saham dalam MASWings.(dalam bahasa Bahasa Melayu)
Beliau berkata, pada masa ini proses penilaian wajar terhadap syarikat itu sedang giat dijalankan oleh Kementerian Pengangkutan Sarawak serta Kementerian Pelancongan, Industri Kreatif dan Seni Persembahan bersama Kementerian Pengangkutan dan Khazanah Nasional Bhd.(dalam bahasa Bahasa Melayu)
He also expressed that Sarawak desires to establish its own airline in order to stabilise airfares, particularly during festive seasons, and as a means of investing in infrastructure.
“There is, therefore, a need for a concerted effort to establish more direct international routes to promote tourism, trade and investment,” said Lee.
The strategic advantage of having Sarawak’s airline will allow us control over route preferences in addition to enhancing the domestic aviation sector.
The acquisition of MASWings Sdn Bhd by the Sarawak government is expected to be finalised by either the second or third quarter of next year, said Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg.
MAG achieved record net profit after interest and tax of RM1.146bil in Q422. For full year 2022, the Group recorded net operating profit of RM556mil, while net loss after interest and tax for the year reduced 79% to RM344mil from RM1.65bil a year ago. Cash balance stood at RM4.6bil at end 31 Dec 2022.
Suresh added that Maswings would also be willing to consider additional flights for this route, especially during festive seasons.
Five additional flights will be added into the Kuching-Limbang sector from May 28 to June 4; five additional flights from Miri to Long Banga from May 30 to June 5; and 14 flights from Miri to Bario from May 30 and June 5.
“We are grateful for the local government’s support in authorising these additional flights, which will offer more convenient travel options for those returning to their hometown for the festive celebration”
Abang Johari said the state government would have to look into the aspect of MASwings operating routes beyond Borneo. According to him, the Sarawak government wants to have a boutique airline that offers regional routes rather than confining its services to Borneo. “What we want is to have regional routes. The idea is for us to moderate the air fares particularly within Malaysia. “At the moment, MASwings cannot fly to KL (Kuala Lumpur). We want to fly to KL as well as Singapore, so it has to be beyond the domestic routes. “But in principle, the state government agrees to take over MASwings,” he said.
“That part (on liabilities), we will leave it to the federal government to decide,” Abdul Karim said, adding that it is unlikely that the state government wants to take over liabilities from MASwings.
He said if eventually, the takeover does take place, MASwings will be incorporated into an airline that the state government will set up through the existing state-owned Hornbill Skyways Sdn Bhd.
The Sarawak government took one step closer in taking over MASWings with the setting up of a task force dedicated to ensuring a smooth acquisition process.
Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin said this was agreed upon in a fruitful meeting with his federal counterpart Anthony Loke in Putrajaya on June 30.
The MoU also is also to establish clear parameters, define the scopes, set timelines, and facilitate a smooth process of the exercise, according to a statement by Sarawak Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin.
This Sarawak-owned airline will be able to provide more guaranteed essential air services even on less profitable routes.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg expects the state’s own airlines to be up and running earliest by second quarter of next year upon the completion of MASwings takeover.
Suresh added that Maswings would also be willing to consider additional flights for this route, especially during festive seasons.
The additional flights are meant to accommodate passengers going home for the festive season from May 28 to June 5.
The Sarawak government has inked a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), the parent company of MASWings Sdn Bhd, to discuss the acquisition of the regional airline.
Sarawak aims to complete the takeover of MASWings Sdn Bhd within the next three months, says Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
I am confident that this initiative will improve our air connectivity and open more opportunities in trade, business and tourism.
Pengambilalihan bolehkan Sarawak tubuh syarikat penerbangan dengan tambang lebih berpatutan untuk rakyatnya.(dalam bahasa Bahasa Melayu)
Pembatalan itu memaksanya menunggu empat hari lagi untuk berada di Miri bagi penerbangan pulang ke kampungnya. Disebabkan cuaca tidak menentu, Gabriel memberitahu telah menaiki penerbangan awal dari padang terbang STOL Long Banga untuk melakukan pemeriksaan kesihatan rutinnya di Miri dan dijadualkan pulang pada hari tersebut.(dalam bahasa Bahasa Melayu)
