Latest news with #MASwings
Borneo Post
7 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
AirBorneo set to take flight by end-2025 following MASwings acquisition
Lee speaking during a press conference held in the State Legislative Assembly building today. – Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (May 26): Sarawak's very own airline, AirBorneo, is on track to officially take to the skies by the end of 2025, following the full acquisition of MASwings Sdn Bhd from Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), said Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin. According to him, the Share Purchase Agreement between the Sarawak Government and MAG was signed on Feb 12 this year, with the legal and beneficial ownership of MASwings expected to be transferred to AirBorneo Holdings Sdn Bhd by Dec 31, 2025. 'All stakeholders are actively working to fulfil the necessary regulatory, operational and legal requirements during this transition period to ensure a seamless handover. 'AirBorneo will also focus on enhancing regional and international air connectivity, while continuing to serve rural areas under the Rural Air Services (RAS),' he added in his ministerial winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today. A key initiative during the rebranding process is the AirBorneo Logo and Livery Design Competition, which launched on March 5 and attracted nearly 1,000 entries. He said the winning design will reflect Sarawak's rich cultural heritage and forward-looking vision. 'AirBorneo is poised to strike a balance between improved connectivity, affordable fares, and economic benefits. This positions Sarawak as a key player in the regional aviation industry,' he said. Apart from that, he said to ensure service continuity, all MASwings staff will be retained post-acquisition, leveraging their experience to maintain reliability. He also assured that the schedule, frequency and routes under the RAS network will remain unchanged during and after the transition. As of the first quarter of 2025, MASwings recorded 191,837 passengers and 26.6 tonnes of cargo across its RAS routes, with 8,670 aircraft movements, underscoring the importance of rural connectivity in Sarawak. Meanwhile in his speech, Lee also highlighted a strong rebound in Sarawak's air traffic, with 30,980 aircraft movements and 2.5 million passengers recorded in the first quarter of 2025, which is an eight per cent increase compared to the same period last year. 'Air cargo movements also surged by 23.3 per cent to 14,438 tonnes, driven by rising demand for electronics, oil and gas equipment, e-commerce goods, perishables and general cargo. 'Internationally, Sarawak currently sees 37 international flights per week, while domestic routes from other Malaysian states contribute an average of 427 weekly flights. Kuching International Airport remains the busiest hub with 216 weekly flights, followed by Miri (99), Sibu (55), and Bintulu (45),' he said. In a related development, Lee announced that Batik Air will launch a new Subang–Kuching route starting July 28, 2025. On intra-state connectivity, Sarawak recorded an average of 620 domestic flights weekly in the first quarter, linking urban centres with rural settlements. 'Miri leads with 181 flights per week, followed by Kuching (142), Sibu (66), and Bintulu (40). These routes are served by AirAsia, Firefly, and MASwings,' he said. Lee also said that with AirBorneo and robust air connectivity growth, Sarawak is laying a strong foundation for inclusive, sustainable development and a thriving aerospace industry. AirBorneo DUN sitting lead Lee Kim Shin MASWings Sdn Bhd
New Straits Times
7 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
MASwings takeover: All staff to be retained
KUCHING: Sarawak's Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin today gave his assurance that the entire MASwings workforce would be retained to ensure operational continuity following the handover to AirBorneo Holdings Berhad. He said that the employees' experience and expertise were essential in maintaining service quality and reliability during the transition. "The full handover of MASwings Sdn Bhd is expected to be completed by Dec 31, 2025, upon the transfer of legal and beneficial ownership to AirBorneo Holdings Sdn Bhd," he said during his winding-up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly. The Sarawak government and Malaysia Aviation Group, MASwings' parent company, signed a share purchase agreement on Feb 12, 2025, enabling Sarawak to take ownership of the regional airline. Lee said that AirBorneo, which is currently operating under the MASwings brand, would continue to use the existing Air Service Licence (ASL) and Air Operator Certificate (AOC) throughout the interim period. Following rebranding, AirBorneo will take on a transformative role in strengthening Sarawak's regional and international air connectivity. "AirBorneo will continue to prioritise Rural Air Services while progressively expanding to regional destinations," he said, adding that the airline aims to strike a balance between connectivity, affordability, and economic benefit. Lee said that by enhancing air connectivity and investing in airline capabilities, the Sarawak government was laying the groundwork for inclusive and sustainable development across various sectors, positioning the state as a key player in the regional aviation industry. In the first quarter of this year, MASwings recorded 191,837 passengers and transported 26.6 tonnes of cargo across its Rural Air Services (RAS) network, with 8,670 aircraft movements — a clear indication of the vital role RAS plays in linking rural and remote communities. Lee added that his ministry, in collaboration with the Federal Transport Ministry, the Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom), and MASwings, was committed to ensuring a smooth and seamless transition of RAS operations to AirBorneo. He assured that the schedule, frequency, and network of RAS flights would remain unchanged throughout and beyond the transition period.
Free Malaysia Today
21-05-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Sarawak's acquisition of MASwings on track, says deputy minister
The sale and purchase agreement between AirBorneo Holdings Sdn Bhd and Malaysia Aviation Group was signed on Feb 12, with the takeover of MASwings expected to be completed by the end of the year. (Bernama pic) KUCHING : Sarawak is on track to acquiring MASwings Sdn Bhd by Dec 31 this year, marking a significant milestone in the state's efforts to strengthen regional air connectivity through its airline, AirBorneo. Sarawak deputy transport minister Jerip Susil said AirBorneo Holdings Sdn Bhd and Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) had signed the sale and purchase agreement (SPA) last February and were currently working to fulfil the agreed conditions precedent. 'This includes securing regulatory approval from key aviation authorities such as the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia, the Malaysian Aviation Commission, the International Civil Aviation Organisation, and the International Air Transport Association. 'The process also involves the transfer of operating assets from MAG to AirBorneo and preparations for a seamless transition of operations,' he said during the question-and-answer session at the state assembly sitting today. The SPA was signed on Feb 12, with the transfer of MASwings expected to be completed by the end of the year. Jerip was responding to a question from Wong Soon Koh (GPS-Bawang Assan) on whether the acquisition process of buying over MASwings had been completed and if the change in ownership would disrupt the operation of the Rural Air Services (RAS). The deputy minister said that despite the change in ownership, the RAS network for remote and underserved areas in Sarawak and Sabah was expected to maintain its current schedule, frequency, and coverage. 'MASwings's entire workforce will be retained, and their experience will be instrumental in maintaining operational stability and service continuity during and after the transition,' he said. Jerip added that the interim RAS agreement between the federal government and MASwings Sdn Bhd, signed on Dec 19, 2024, would remain in force until its expiry on Dec 31. Sarawak transport minister Lee Kim Shin said the state, together with AirBorneo, was engaging with the federal transport ministry, agencies, and other key stakeholders to work out the terms and conditions of a new RAS agreement. He said this was to ensure continued and uninterrupted air connectivity to rural and remote communities in Sarawak and Sabah. 'This agreement includes that the federal government continues to subsidise RAS because there will be new terms and conditions with AirBorneo,' he said when met by reporters on the sidelines of the sitting.
Malay Mail
21-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Sarawak to finalise MASwings acquisition by Dec 31, paving way for AirBorneo expansion
KUCHING, May 21 — Sarawak is on track to finalise the full acquisition of MASwings Sdn Bhd by Dec 31 this year, marking a significant milestone in the state's efforts to strengthen regional air connectivity through its airline, AirBorneo. Sarawak Deputy Minister for Transport, Datuk Dr Jerip Susil, said following the signing of the Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) between AirBorneo Holdings Sdn Bhd and Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) last February, both parties are currently working to fulfil the necessary conditions precedent before the transaction can be completed. 'This includes securing regulatory approvals from key aviation authorities such as the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM), the Malaysian Aviation Commission (MAVCOM), the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA). 'The process also involves the transfer of operating assets from MAG to AirBorneo and preparations for a seamless transition of operations,' he said during the question-and-answer session at the State Assembly sitting today. Dr Jerip was responding to a question from Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh (GPS-Bawang Assan) whether the acquisition process of buying over MASwings has been completed and would the change in ownership disrupt the operation of the Rural Air Services (RAS). The deputy minister said, despite the change in ownership, the RAS network which serves remote and underserved areas in Sarawak and Sabah, is expected to maintain its current schedule, frequency and coverage. 'MASwings' entire workforce will be retained, and their experience will be instrumental in maintaining operational stability and service continuity during and after the transition,' he said. Responding to Wong's supplementary question, Dr Jerip said the current interim RAS agreement between the federal government and MASwings Sdn Bhd that was signed on Dec 19, 2024, will remain in force until its expiry this Dec 31. Meanwhile, Sarawak Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin said the state, together with AirBorneo, is engaging with the Malaysia's Transport Ministry, relevant federal agencies and other key stakeholders to work out on the terms and conditions of a new RAS agreement. He said this is to ensure a continued and uninterrupted air connectivity to the rural and remote communities in Sarawak and Sabah. 'This agreement includes that the Federal government continues to subsidise RAS because there will be new terms and conditions with AirBorneo,' he said when met by reporters at the sidelines of the sitting. — Bernama
Borneo Post
17-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Tanjung Manis Airport RM327 mln expansion to enhance connectivity, promote eco-tourism, says Premier
Abang Johari speaks during the launching of the Tanjung Manis Airport upgrading works today. – Sarawak Public Communications Unit photo TANJUNG MANIS (May 17): The Sarawak government has allocated RM327 million to expand the Tanjung Manis Airport, aiming to boost the region's connectivity and economic growth, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. He said the upgraded airport will be capable of handling ATR72 aircraft and is designed with provisions for future runway extensions to accommodate larger planes like the Airbus, positioning Tanjung Manis as a vital hub for both passenger and cargo flights. He emphasised the importance of revitalising Tanjung Manis in a way that aligns with modern environmental and economic priorities, while highlighting the shift towards sustainable development guided by Environmental, Social and Good Governance (ESG) principles amid changing global economic conditions influenced by climate change. 'The world economy has changed due to climate change. While the late Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud envisioned Tanjung Manis as a downstream timber hub, today we must continue his legacy in a more sustainable way,' he said during the launch of Tanjung Manis Airport upgrading works today. Abang Johari also highlighted Tanjung Manis's natural appeal, identifying tourism as a key sector for growth. 'Tanjung Manis has its own charm. It's central in Sarawak and has huge potential for weekend ecotourism. Activities like fishing, outdoor recreation, and even golf can flourish here,' he said. He pointed out that the nearby Mukah area is already attracting weekend tourists from Singapore, who come for fishing trips and often rent boats and stay overnight on the water. Abang Johari added that MASwings has ordered seven new ATR aircraft, with plans to reconfigure their interiors for greater comfort. One of these aircraft will be converted into a freighter to handle cargo services, including routes to Singapore – a flight expected to take just 1 hour and 20 minutes. abang johari ecotourism expand Tanjung Manis Airport upgrade
