KUCHING – The Sarawak government is still conducting due diligence on the takeover of MASwings, said state Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin.
Lee said it is premature to discuss the number of aircraft to be purchased for the state’s intention to set up a boutique airline until the takeover process of MASwings has been completed.
“We are still conducting due diligence on taking over MASwings, and once we have completed the process, we will have a more concrete plan, so it is premature for us to discuss the number of aircraft needed at this time.”
He was speaking to the press at the VIP terminal of Kuching International Airport after welcoming a maiden flight by Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China’s ARJ21-700 aircraft to Kuching here today.
The minister said the ARJ21-700 aircraft was well-suited to serve the regional routes throughout Borneo Island, and it can travel up to 2,000 nautical miles within two and a half hours.
The plane can accommodate 78 seats with a business class section and 97 seats without the business class.
Lee added that the ARJ21-700 was among the aircraft models being considered by the state government but comprehensive technical studies and evaluations have to be completed before a final decision can be made.
Among the matters the state government has to consider, he said, is whether airports with shorter runways, particularly those located in rural areas, are suitable for the operation of aircraft larger than turboprop and Twin Otter aircraft.
He also said that Indonesia has placed an order for another 60 of these ARJ21-700 aircraft, with two currently being operated by TransNusa Airline.
Lee also stated that his officer had recently attended the Singapore Airshow before arranging for a demo flight of the ARJ21-700 aircraft to Kuching today.
Another model, the C919, manufactured by the same company, is still on display in Kuala Lumpur.
Among those in attendance were the Chinese Consul General in Kuching, Xing Weiping, and Sarawak Deputy State Secretary Datuk Mohamad Abdullah Zaidel. – March 13, 2024