MASwings should renew or boost fleet — Masidi

KOTA KINABALU: MASwings should consider renewing its current fleet or add more ATR aircraft to improve its services.

Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun, said this to reporters after launching the Negaraku livery on MASwings ATR aircraft yesterday at the Kota Kinabalu International Airport.

“The government has been very satisfied with their service in Sabah but they need to improve on some points.

“I think they need to have more aircraft because once in a while we hear about flights being cancelled.

“I was made to understand the reason is when one aircraft breaks down, it is difficult for another relief aircraft to take over the flight because they only have around 10 aircraft here to serve Sabah and Sarawak,” he said.

Earlier in the event, Masidi delivered the launching speech of Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman.

Musa said that the presence of MASwings had boosted business, tourism and other sectors of the economy in the state that depends on reliable and safe air connectivity.

“Having been in operation for almost a decade, I trust MASwings now has the experience it needs to take its operations to the next level. MASwings has been aggressively promoting its products and services throughout Sabah and Sarawak despite the difficulties and challenges you face both in terms of commercial and operational considerations.

“Despite some setbacks, you have shown to be committed in delivering safe and reliable air transportation. On our part, the Sabah state government will continue to ensure that we will be able to better facilitate air travel requirements in consultation with the related authorities,” he said.

Musa added the Negaraku livery will help install the spirit of nationalism, carrying with it the essence of the unique Malaysian values across this region.