Maswings Ownership Transfer To Sarawak On Track Says Loke

---

 
Transport minister Loke Siew Fook at the launch of Menzies Aviation Malaysia in Sepang.
SEPANG: Transport minister Loke Siew Fook says the transition of MASwings to Sarawak’s ownership is progressing as expected and he does not foresee any hurdles.
Loke said the company is going through its change of ownership with the Malaysian Aviation Commission.
“This is a normal process,” he told reporters after the launch of Menzies Aviation Malaysia here tonight.
He said the commercial transaction is between Malaysia Aviation Group and the Sarawak government.
“I witnessed the signing of the sales and purchase agreement, and everything is in place. They have agreed on the commercial terms, including the pricing. I do not foresee any major issues,” he said.
Loke said Putrajaya would support Sarawak’s ambition to expand MASwings, or its successor, AirBorneo, into an international airline, and that it will have access to Malaysia’s existing air service agreements.
“We will treat them like any other Malaysian airline. They are free to fly anywhere because our air service agreements apply to all Malaysian carriers.
“Under the Asean Open Skies Policy, they can fly from Kuching to destinations like Hanoi, Bangkok, Manila or Jakarta without restrictions,” he said.
Loke said the Sarawak government would need to lease more aircraft to expand operations, and the transport ministry would provide support where necessary.
He dismissed concerns that MASwings’ expansion would disrupt the domestic aviation sector, as its primary focus would be regional connectivity for Borneo.
“I do not see this as a zero-sum game. Their hub will be in Kuching and their goal is to improve connectivity in Borneo,” he said, contrasting the state government-backed airline against commercial airlines that operate based on profit-driven considerations.
“Running an airline requires a lot of capital, and the Sarawak government is backing this initiative. Of course, we hope that it will be commercially successful,” he said. - FMT

---