MASwings soars BIMP-EAGA way this coming Feb 1

MIRI: MASwings will spread it wings into Brunei, Pontianak, and Tarakan effective February 1 next year.

Its chief executive officer Datuk Capt Mohd Nawawi Awang said these new routes formed the initial phase of its expansion plans to penetrate the BIMP-EAGA region.

The Kota Kinabalu-Brunei and Kuching-Brunei sector will commence on February 1, to be followed by Kuching-Pontianak on February 6, and Kota Kinabalu-Tawau-Tarakan on February 16.

Speaking at the close of Golf Escapade Final Round at the Eastwood Valley Golf and Country Club (EVGCC) here on Sunday, Nawawi believed that the availability of these flights would increase the mobility of people in Brunei, West and East Kalimantan, Sabah, and Sarawak.

“I believe there is a considerably big number of golfers in Brunei and Kalimantan who will travel to Sabah and Sarawak once we introduce the flights.

“Similarly, I am confident that some Sabahan and Sarawakians golfers will take the opportunity to travel to Brunei and Kalimantan to discover what they could offer to us.”

In view of that, he said MASwings planned to capitalise on the increasing popularity of golf in the region, especially in Sabah and Sarawak.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: MASwings soars BIMP-EAGA way this coming Feb 1

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MASwings can benefit from ‘link-ups’ with private sector

KUCHING: MASwings Sdn Bhd (MASwings) should explore ‘link-up’ opportunities with the private sector in the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-the Philippines East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) region.

Industry sources observed that the recent annoucements that MASWings was gearing itself to venture into the BIMP-EAGA routes as early as February 2012 would be far more successful if the rural service airline paid attention to further ‘tie-ups’ with third parties.

They explained that for long-term sustainability, a common package among the destinations in the regions should be established, and that required the involvement of the private sector in all fields such as travel agencies, hotel associations and so on.

“When common packages are in place, only then can joint promotion and marketing strategies be explored between the region. In order to retain viable routes, study as well as research should be done within the private sector too,” BIMP-EAGA Tourism Council Malaysia chairman Datuk Wee Hong Seng told The Borneo Post.

He further pointed out that tourism is a private sector driven initiative. “The private sector plays a vital role in contributing to the country’s economy and also helps to maintain the sustainability of the airline industry.”

“Within the BIMP-EAGA region, there is a massive population base of more than 60 million, covering an area of 1.56 million square kilometres. Considering the vast tracks of unexplored routes, it augurs well for the region to ?et cracking?and connect the dots,” he stressed.

Within the region, there existed a memorandum of understanding on ‘Expansion of Air Linkages’ between the governments of BIMP-EAGA, which was signed back in January 2007. It granted the Fifth Freedom Traffic Right (FFTR) airports in the EAGA countries to cater for EAGA carriers.

The FFTR arrangements allowed an air carrier of one EAGA member country to pick up traffic in the territory of the other EAGA member country and carry it to a third EAGA member country as part of the service to/from the home country of the operating carrier.

“Technically the MoU should propel BIMP-EAGA air services into a whole new scenario – an ‘open sky’ era, however that has not yet materialised. With the support given from the region, MASwings should be able to create a niche in the hotly contested air routes competition provided it takes into account other private sector participation startegies,” said Wee.

Currently, MASwings owns 10 ATR 72-500s and four DHC-6 Twin Otters. It was required to acquire at least four jetliners in order to fulfill the requirement of being a regional airline. Speculations were rife that MASwings may be acquiring the 737-800s aircraft from one of its sister companies Firefly under MAS.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: MASwings can benefit from ‘link-ups’ with private sector

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Sabah And Sarawak Will Have Domestic Flights

SIBU -- Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Abdul Rahim Bakri said the people of Sabah and Sarawak had no cause to worry as they would still have domestic flight services despite Firefly's termination, at the beginning of this month.

He said MasWing, a subsidiary of Malaysia Airline System (MAS) would take over the service.

"The government will not allow the people to face unnecessary inconvenience and there will be no reduction in the frequency of flights.

I believe MAS will eventually take over from Firefly," he said during a press conference after a briefing on the progress of the Sibu Airport redevelopment project.

He said MAS and AirAsia were still in the midst of a high level discussion to come up with a comprehensive framework in order to solve the matter.

"MAS has to do a study as to whether there will be significant demand for flights between the two states and to Kuala Lumpur. It will rise to the occasion as MAS is there for business," he said.

Rahim said FireFly Flight Sdn Bhd discontinued its services due to escalating operation costs.

Meanwhile, commenting on the Sibu Airport redevelopment work costing RM136.888 million, he said it was ahead of schedule to meet the September 12, 2012 completion date.

Continue reading at: Sabah And Sarawak Will Have Domestic Flights
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MASwings to begin flying within BIMP-EAGA in February 2012

KUCHING: MASwings has been given the green light to fly within the BIMP-EAGA region early next year.

Transport Deputy Minister Datuk Abdul Rahim Bakri said the Cabinet had approved MASwings’ application to expand its service to Brunei, Pontianak in Kalimantan, Indonesia and Davao in Southern Philippines.

“The flights will start in February. I was told that they are planning to fly from Kuching to Pontianak, Kuching to Brunei, and Kuching to Kota Kinabalu, Tawau and Davao,” he told a press conference at Kuching International Airport yesterday.

Following the latest greenlight, MASwings, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines (MAS), is expected to fly the Bandar Seri Begawan-Davao City-Tarakan-Balikpapan (both in Kalimantan) sector from Kota Kinabalu and Kuching.

Abdul Rahim believed MASwings’ flights within BIMP-EAGA region would enhance commerce, trade and tourism for Sabah and Sarawak.

“MASwings ATR 72-500, which can accommodate about 70 passengers, are more suitable and efficient to serve this (BIMP-EAGA) region than if the sector is operated by bigger aircraft,” he added.

He said the Federal Government was fully committed to Sabah and Sarawak, especially in providing air connectivity.

He noted that the Government was paying RM150mil to MASwings in subsidy for the airline to operate the rural air services in Sabah and Sarawak.

“We subsidise MASwings’ flights to remote areas even if there is no passenger,” he said.

The recent share swap between MAS and AirAsia had created a lot uncertainty and anxiety among the state’s tourism players.

Continue reading at: MASwings to begin flying within BIMP-EAGA in February 2012

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KK and Kuching airports to emerge as transport hub for BIMP-EAGA

KOTA KINABALU: The federal government’s decision to allow MASwings to launch its first phase of operations into the Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines-East Asia Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) is a forward looking move long awaited by the people of Sabah and Sarawak, says Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Abdul Rahim Bakri.

He said the move by the airline, which serviced Sabah and Sarawak, would transform the Kota Kinabalu and Kuching international airports as transporation hubs and regional entry point for international destinations.

Abdul Rahim said MASwings’ foray into the growth areas would also propel tourism in the states.

“With the extension of services and business, MASwings will remain committed to provide the best service domestically especially in rural areas.

“This is in line with MASwings’s objective to provide subsidised air service in the interiors of Sabah and Sarawak which are not accessible by road,” he told Bernama yesterday.

Continue reading at: KK and Kuching airports to emerge as transport hub for BIMP-EAGA

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MASwings to pick up from where MAS, AirAsia left off

KUCHING: The Federal Government has agreed to a state proposal to make MASwings a regional airline operating within the BIMP-EAGA region.

This was revealed by Tourism Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg.

However, he said the details of the operation would be communicated later as it would involve technical formalities.

He said he would meet his counterparts in Sabah to discuss the airline’s organisation structure and routes to enhance commerce, trade and tourism in Sabah and Sarawak, connections with neighbouring Kalimantan, Brunei and the Philippines and extensions to Australia.

Continue reading at: MASwings to pick up from where MAS, AirAsia left off

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MASwings records hike in passenger load, cargo volume

KUCHING: MASwings recorded encouraging increases in passenger load and cargo volume in both Sarawak and Sabah in the first nine months of this year, said a statement from the Transport Ministry.

It noted this was made possible following an increase of 6.4 per cent in MASwings aircraft movement, with 71,513 movements recorded from January till September compared to 67,213 movements in the corresponding period last year.

At 12,144, Miri Airport recorded the highest number of MASwings aircraft movements.

The development projects in Tanjung Manis were stated as among the factors which led to the increase. The other factors were the increase in flight frequency, the use of ATR-72 aircrafts, Internet promotions and people going for Kaamatan, Gawai and Aidilfitri celebrations.

On passenger load, it said MASwings handled 2,279,849 (almost 2.3 million) passengers for the first nine months, an increase of 13.56 per cent compared to last year’s corresponding period.

The highest number of passengers handled was at Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) – 498,821 passengers. Apart from KKIA, eight other airports and seven airfields also recorded increases of between 1.33 per cent and 33.75 per cent.

However, one airport and five airfields recorded decline in passengers handled by MASwings – between 0.48 per cent and 19.51 per cent.

Continue reading at: MASwings records hike in passenger load, cargo volume

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MASwings a vital rural airliner for Sabah and Sarawak

KOTA KINABALU: MASwings, the east Malaysia-based airline, has shown steady progress, transforming from being the operator of Fokker 50 planes to acquiring new and sophisticated aircraft such as the ATR 72-500.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said the flight frequencies have also increased several folds and hoped the airline would continue to grow.

“I was informed MASwings currently operates more than 950 flights per week, ferrying more than 1.2 million passengers each year.

“After witnessing the progress of MASwings over the past four years, I have no doubt that this airline will develop further and chart new paths in offering services that appeal to customers.

“This is necessary as airlines always need to be in tune with needs of consumers and markets,” he said at MASwings 4th anniversary dinner here last night.

The text of his speech was delivered, on his behalf, by State Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Masidi Manjun.

Musa also expressed confidence that MASwings would continue to contribute towards the development of tourism in Sabah and Sarawak.

“Indeed, for tourism to flourish, air travel including to smaller towns is very much needed. There are diverse tourism and heritage products in areas that are closer to Sandakan, Tawau and Lahad Datu, and for travellers to access these sites, reliable air travel is vital.

Continue reading at: MASwings a vital rural airliner for Sabah and Sarawak

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MASwings expects to go international next year

KOTA KINABALU: MASwings might begin its international flights next year if everything goes as planned, according to its chief executive officer Datuk Captain Mohd Nawawi Awang.

Expecting a positive result next week, Nawawi said they were planning to expand their services to the Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines – East Asia Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).

He said they were kicking off with two routes via the state capital, namely Kota Kinabalu-Bandar Seri Begawan (Brunei) and Kota Kinabalu-Tawau-Tarakan (South Kalimantan), and two from Sarawak, Kuching-Pontianak (West Kalimantan) and Kuching-Bandar Seri Begawan.

He said they were awaiting approval for the four routes, adding that currently, it has been tabled in the Cabinet meetings of both states.

“We are expecting positive answers since we believe the expansion will help us to widen MASwings’ operations in promoting accessibility to these locations, and also to help promote Sabah and Sarawak.

“MASwings sees that both Sabah and Sarawak have great potential, especially when tourism and nature is concerned, and believe a lot of people come here for either education or its health services,” he said.

If everything goes well, MASwings is also planning to expand its services to Balikpapan and Banjarmasin in Indonesia, apart from several locations in the Philippines and Irian.

Since its inception in 2007, MASwings has flown to over 20 destinations in East Malaysia with some 940 flights weekly compared to 450 flights when it first started.

“Last year we flew in some 1.2 million passengers, and for 2011, we have targeted to increase the numbers to 1.3 million. To date, the figure has surpassed 1.2 million,” he said.

Earlier in his speech, Nawawi said although MASwings is just a subsidiary company to the national carrier, it has shown encouraging growth.

“MASwings recognises the support from the people, therefore to make us as the brand name here, we will strive to offer the best services to our passengers.

“We (MASwings) should be the brand for Sabahans and Sarawakians. Our staff should be proud of themselves for being able to provide the best services to the people,” he said.

Continue reading at: MASwings expects to go international next year
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Sarawak mulls making MASwings regional airline

KUCHING: The Sarawak government has no intention of establishing its own airline but is considering positioning rural air services operator MASwings as a regional airline, the State Legislative Assembly was told today.

Assistant Tourism Minister Datuk Talib Zulpilip said MASwings can serve Sarawak, Sabah and the BIMP-EAGA, the East Asean Growth Area covering parts of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines.

A special delegation led by the state’s tourism minister will engage with the relevant federal ministries to convey the state’s intention, he said when replying to a question from Wong Ho Leng (DAP-Bukit Assek).

“The state government has also initiated dialogue and meeting sessions to seek opportunities for foreign airlines to operate into Sarawak,” he said.

Talib said it cannot be denied that the lack of public information on the plans following the recent share-swap deal between national carrier Malaysia Airlines (MAS) and budget airline AirAsia has created anxiety among tourism industry players in Sarawak.

Continue reading at: Sarawak mulls making MASwings regional airline

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MasWings eyes Brunei

Malaysia Airlines (MAS) subsidiary MasWings is in the midst of expanding its network of routes and destinations, with plans to introduce Brunei as a central "eastern hub" for international visitors in the BIMP-EAGA region being mooted for implementation next year.

The move could dramatically provide a significant impact on the frequency of visitors arriving at the Brunei International Airport.

The proposal to secure Brunei as the latest route could signal major progress and development because it will provide the new city code (BWN) more flexibility in terms of passengers' alternative routes and will offer visitors more opportunities to fly to Brunei which could subsequently further improve the country's tourism prospects.

However, accessibility and flexibility will not be the only benefits to be enjoyed by frequent and new visitors to Brunei, as travellers from nearby cities in both Sabah and Sarawak would have the added option of stopping over in Brunei before continuing their final leg of the journey towards other cities via Malaysia Airlines.

MasWings' proposed flights include daily flights to Kota Kinabalu and Brunei Darussalam-Kuching routes - and vice versa - three times a week, said Munirah Omar, MAS Executive, MasWings Division.

"We would definitely obtain our services once we receive approval from the Brunei Government. We will offer afternoon (around 1pm) and evening flights for Kota Kinabalu. The (flight) times are yet to be advised," she said in an interview with the Weekend Bulletin yesterday.

According to Munirah, Brunei will be a favourable destination given the fact that other major airlines in the region regularly fly in and out of the country. "By having these services in Brunei, we hope that it would attract easier international connections out of Kota Kinabalu," she said.

MasWings is currently waiting for approval from the government after having submitted the proposal to begin its operations in the Sultanate as the latest to join a host of destinations in the BIMP-EAGA region.

MasWings, which travels to 22 destinations mainly in Sabah and Sarawak, aims to ensure greater accessibility by establishing closer links for connecting flights to continental or global cities.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin Weekend
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MASwings ‘clears the air’ on rural route, flight frequency issue in Sarawak

KUCHING: East Malaysian community airline MASwings Sdn Bhd (MASwings) has taken a stand to clarify certain issues pertaining to its serviced rural routes and flight frequencies.

The call was made in response to a media report quoting the Bintulu Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry as saying ‘current services are not up to expectation and that businesses in need of easy connectivity are feeling the effects of cancelled routes and reduced flight frequency’.

The association also claimed that in Bintulu, MASwings had cut down its flights to-and-from Kuching to only one daily, of which the return flight from the state capital was at 4.25pm with a transit in Sibu.

“We haven’t cancelled or revised any flight on our Kuching-Bintulu route. The fact about the one-per-day flight is not correct,” affirmed MASwings’ managing director Datuk Mohd Nawawi Awang in a telephone interview with The Borneo Post yesteday.

He added that since March last year, MASwings had been providing twice-daily return flights for its Kuching-Bintulu route. The additional flight, which flies between Kuching and Bintulu via Sibu, became fully operational in March this year.

“So, we actually have two-plus-one flights between Kuching and Bintulu – not just one as claimed.”

In the said media report, the Bintulu Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s president Datuk Sia Hiong Ngie stated that the chamber had received many complaints – both from the business community and public – about the increasingly poor air services, to which he added that the situation could get worse because of Malaysia Airlines – or MAS, MASwings’ parent holding – and AirAsia Bhd’s flight rationalisation exercise.

Sia even suggested a joint venture (JV) involving MASwings and other local aviation companies to handle routes in the state as well as to Brunei.

In response to this, Nawawi commented, “To reiterate, MASwings is a subsidiary of MAS and subject to governance under the ministry. Any decision to form a JV has to gain a ‘go-ahead’ approval from our top management, as well as from Ministry of Transport since we have the rural air services agreement with the government.

“We are striving towards meeting the needs of the community and submitting any operational proposals – including the formation of a JV as well as to mount additional flights – but it has to go through MAS as well as the government,” he explained.

Continue reading at: MASwings ‘clears the air’ on rural route, flight frequency issue in Sarawak

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MASwings eyeing to become household name in Sabah and Sarawak

KUCHING: MASwings aspires to be a household brand for the people of Sabah and Sarawak.

The community airline had held many activities in the past five months to position MASwings as an airline that serves the need of the people in Sabah and Sarawak.

“Being a community airline, I realise the importance of MASwings to the people of Sabah and Sarawak. Therefore, I tell MASwings employees that they really need to perform to serve the people in Sabah and Sarawak,” said the managing director of MASwing Datuk Capt Mohd Nawawi Awang during MAS and MASwings Raya open house at Hilton Kuching Hotel yesterday.

He revealed that 85 per cent of Maswings staff from Sabah and Sarawak. Out of 1,300, some 1,100 employees are from both states.

Capt Mohd Nawawi said he understood the difficulties faced by the people in rural places such as Bario and Ba Kelalan in getting from one place to another.

With MASwings as the lifeline for the people in the interior, he said the community airline looks forward to playing its role in serving the interior communities in Sabah and Sarawak, even with the limited equipment it has — 10 ATR aircrafts and four Twin Otters.

Besides serving the people of Sabah and Sarawak, Capt Mohd Nawawi said MASwings also aspires to expand beyond the shores of Sabah and Sarawak to position itself for the future.

“When I came in to lead the company five months ago, I realised I’m in the privileged position to take the airline into the future. When I came on board in April, my first task was to expand into BIMP-Eaga.

“Initially, our target was to start our operations in July and I thought three months down the road I could start our first operation into BIMP Eaga,” he said.

Continue reading at: MASwings eyeing to become household name in Sabah and Sarawak

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Support for MASwings’ Sarawak-Brunei initiative

KUCHING: BIMP-EAGA Malaysia Tourism Council is keen to see MASwings ply the Sarawak-Brunei route because the oil-rich sultanate could serve as another gateway into the state.

Its chairman Datuk Wee Hong Seng said the council would write to the Ministry of Transport to urge it to give MASwings the green light to start this service.

“I do not see any reason for not approving it since MASwings wants to fly the route,” he told reporters after opening the celebration of Pa Sien Kung’s birthday at King’s Centre here on Saturday.

The former president of Sarawak Tourism Federation asserted that any connectivity to the state “is a plus point” for the tourism market.

“If MASwings is willing to fly, why hold it back? It is not difficult for the Ministry of Transport to sort things out if the issue is for MASwings (to only) operate rural air services.

“I do not think it has something to do with the open sky policy. What matters is that over 100 seats can be easily filled if MASwings serves the route.”

Wee said the council supported MASwings to fly not only Kuching-Brunei but also Kuching-Jakarta and Kota Kinabalu-Brunei.

If this materialised, it would certainly enhance connectivity in the BIMP-EAGA region.

Responding to the possibility of Firefly terminating services in Sarawak and Sabah, he said the swapping of shares between Malaysia Airlines (MAS) and AirAsia should not result in a monopoly.

Continue reading at: Support for MASwings’ Sarawak-Brunei initiative
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MASwings’ Kota Kinabalu-Bandar Seri Begawan route takes off on Oct 1

KOTA KINABALU: MASwings’ expansion into the international scene is on track with the airline starting its Kota Kinabalu-Bandar Seri Begawan route on Oct 1.



MASwings regional vice-president (Sabah) Shauqi Ahmad said everything was progressing well, adding that the airline would fly the Kuching-Pontianak and Kuching-Bandar Seri Begawan routes thereafter.



“We are ready and will go international by Oct 1,” he said.



He said that after gauging the response to the new flights, which was expected to be encouraging, the wholly-owned subsidiary of national carrier Malaysia Airlines (MAS) will consider flying throughout Borneo and the Philippines.



“We will start with Tarakan (in East Kalimantan) and then the rest of Borneo,” he said after a prize presentation to MASwings’ and MAS’ self check-in kiosk promotion winners here yesterday.



Continue reading at: MASwings’ Kota Kinabalu-Bandar Seri Begawan route takes off on Oct 1

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MASwings fare discount a treat for East Malaysian travellers

KUCHING: In conjunction with the coming Ramadan month prior to Hari Raya Aidilfitri festive celebrations, MASwings is offering its Ramadan Special Treats with best deals and discounts up to 90 per cent off the normal full fares throughout East Malaysia.

The two-day minimum advance purchase is available from July 25 to 31 only and valid for travel during the period from Aug 1 to 24.

During this period passengers travelling from Kota Kinabalu will enjoy fares to Lahad Datu, Sandakan, Labuan, Tawau and Miri at RM16 one way; to Bintulu and Mulu at RM21 and to Sibu at only RM26 one way.

MASwing is also offering RM11 for one-way travel from Sandakan to Tawau or vice versa.

From Miri, MASwings is offering RM11 fares to Bintulu, Mulu, Limbang and Labuan; to Sibu at RM16 one way whereas passengers from Kuching to Sibu will enjoy fares at RM16, to Bintulu and Miri at RM21 and to Mulu at RM26 one way.

“Being a wholly owned subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines, MASwings is continuously duty-bound to offer these promotional fares to encourage its customers to plan ahead their intended travel,” said MASwings Head of Commercial Azlan Tanjong.

Continue reading at: MASwings fare discount a treat for East Malaysian travellers

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MASwings plans BIMP-EAGA services from October

KOTA KINABALU: If everything goes to plan, MASwings may start introducing its Kota Kinabalu-Bandar Seri Begawan (Brunei) route and Kuching-Pontianak (Indonesia) services in October.

This move will mark the airline’s foray into international operations, in particular the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) region.

MASwings chairman Tengku Datuk Seri Azmil Zahruddin said the airline was currently awaiting approval from the Transport Ministry.

“The expansion to this region will position MASwings as a truly community airline not only for the people of Sabah and Sarawak, but for the entire community of Borneo and BIMP-EAGA,” he said during the launch of MASwings-Enrich Frequent Flyer partnership programme here today.

MASwings, a fully-owned subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines, currently flies to 22 destinations within Sabah and Sarawak with a total fleet of 10 ATR 72-500 aircraft and four Twin Otter aircraft. It has over 1,300 staff.

Tengku Azmil who is also Malaysia Airlines Managing Director, said the latest move into BIMP-EAGA would transform MASwings into an international player competing with the rest of the other airlines in the same league.

“We are extremely confident of the prospect of our expansion plan to this region with a population close to 60 million and due to the rapid business development there,” he added.

MASwings started in October 2007 with 450 flights per week. Presently, it operates close to 940 flights per week, representing a growth of more than 100 per cent over a three-and-a-half-year period.

“Our current on-time performance is 93.4 per cent, compared to the average on-time performance of 92.9 per cent in 2009 and 93 per cent in 2010.

Continue reading at: MASwings plans BIMP-EAGA services from October

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Sarawak Wants MASWings To Fly To Selected BIMB-EAGA Destinations

KUCHING -- Sarawak wants the federal government to allow MASWings to fly to selected destinations in Indonesia, the Philippines and Brunei on its Sarawak routes under the BIMP-EAGA air connectivity expansion initiative, state Tourism and Heritage Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg said.

He was optimistic that the positive trend in tourist arrivals would continue this year with improved connectivity coupled with joint strategic marketing and promotional plans.

Following the promotional tourism rebranding as "Equator Asia" the BIMP-EAGA Joint Tourism Development (JTD) Cluster successfully launched an "Equator Asia" website, which hyper-links its tourism packages under its logo as part of the strategic initiatives being taken, he said in his winding-up speech at the state legislative assembly sitting here.

He said the BIMP-EAGA Tourism Centre for Development also successfully supported and strengthened sub-regional cooperation in tourism development by building knowledge and information through joint tourism research activites.

The ministry would also focus on chartered operations during peak demand in selected markets like North Asia and Western Europe besides engaging with other carriers on the possibility of opening up new routes from Europe, Australia and New Zealand, he said.

Abang Johari said the total visitor arrivals to Sarawak had shown a positive growth of 15.6 per cent recording 1,158,994 arrivals in the first four months of this year, including 62.3 per cent foreigners and 37.7 per cent domestic tourists.

Continue reading at: Sarawak Wants MASWings To Fly To Selected BIMB-EAGA Destinations

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Firefly starts Johor-Sabah flights

Firefly Sdn Bhd, the community airline, has commenced twice daily return flights between Johor Baru and Kota Kinabalu from yesterday.

The budget airline said Kota Kinabalu was the second capital city in Sabah and Sarawak that Firefly was serving from its southern hub in Johor Baru.

The airline launched four daily services between Johor Baru and Kuching on May 19

Managing director Datuk Eddy Leong said the Johor Baru-Kota Kinabalu route signifies an improvement in connectivity between Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak and from Johor to North Asia, connecting through Kota Kinabalu.

“Additionally, our strong network and code sharing with Malaysia Airlines (MAS) and MASwings will further provide seamless travel to our guests and help stimulate economic growth through the tourism industry for Sabah and Johor,” he said in a statement yesterday.

Continue reading at: Firefly starts Johor-Sabah flights

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Top three winners of Unduk Ngadau stand to become MASwings cabin crew

KOTA KINABALU: The top three winners of the upcoming State-level Kaamatan Festival Unduk Ngadau pageant stand a chance of being recruited to work as a cabin crew for MASwings.

“If they wish to join as cabin crew, 50 per cent is already considered acceptable while the other qualities will be looked into during the interview. They will also become our icons in billboards to reflect our identity,” said MASwings managing director, Dato’ Capt Mohd Nawawi Awang.

He said this at the presentation of sponsorship to the State-level Kaamatan Festival, organising committee chairperson, Jornah Mozihim, in a form of a business class fare for the champion and an economy class fare for the first and second runner-up at a hotel yesterday.

The sponsorship tickets covers air travel to any destinations in Sarawak and Sabah served by MASwings, as well as the BIMP-EAGA region such as Brunei and Kalimantan, which the airline is still awaiting for approval from the respective governments.

Nawawi said they are eyeing to start operations in July to provide services to and from Kota Kinabalu to Bandar Seri Begawan and Kuching to Pontianak. Then, in October, the service from Kuching-Mulu-Bandar Seri Begawan and Kota Kinabalu-Tawau-Tarakan is expected to be launched.

These are all viable routes which are under ‘MASwings International’ programme and also within the operating capacity of the aircraft which is one hour, he said.

On their sponsorship for the Kaamatan Festival, he said it is under their newly launched programme called ‘Wings of Love’.

“Since we are serving here, in future we want Sabah and Sarawak to consider that this airline belongs to them. Furthermore, 90 per cent of our staff come from these two states and we also want to position MASwings as the icon for Sabah and Sarawak,” he stated.

Continue reading at: Top three winners of Unduk Ngadau stand to become MASwings cabin crew
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