Abang Jo Announces Sarawak S New Airline Airborneo

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Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg said AirBorneo is poised to create a balance between connectivity, affordable fares and economic benefits. (Bernama pic)
PETALING JAYA: Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg today announced the state will have its own airline, AirBorneo.
He made the announcement in Kuching today after the signing of a sale and purchase agreement formalising the state’s acquisition of rural airline MASwings,The Borneo Post reported.
“AirBorneo is poised to create a balance between connectivity, affordable fares and economic benefits (to Sarawak).
“Operating as a full-service carrier, AirBorneo will emphasise Sarawak’s regional prestige as a premium travel destination,” he said at the signing ceremony between the state government and Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG).

In a statement, MAG said the transfer of MASwings is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
“MAG (is) working closely with all stakeholders, including shareholder Khazanah Nasional Bhd, to ensure a seamless transition and compliance with all relevant legal and regulatory frameworks,” the company said.
According to MAG, MASwings will continue operating as usual under its purview throughout the transition period, with no disruptions to flight schedules.
When asked, Abang Johari refused to disclose the cost of acquiring MASwings from MAG, citing the need to respect the commercial deal and other players in the airline industry.
“It’s not expensive or cheap. I cannot disclose it,” he said, adding that the nature of the MASwings deal was different from Sarawak’s RM2.5 billion takeover of the Bakun hydroelectric plant from the federal government back in 2017.
“I was able to disclose (the cost of acquiring) Bakun as we were the only ones. But for MASwings, we must respect the other (aviation) players.
“There are MAS, AirAsia, Malindo and Batik Air. We must respect the commercial deal,” he said. - FMT

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