Consider direct international routes, Lee tells MAG

KUCHING: Sarawak has asked the Malaysian Aviation Group (MAG) to look into the possibility of operating selected direct international routes to the state.

Alternatively it should consider having fly-through arrangements with the state, said Sarawak Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin.

He made the request when a MAG delegation called on him at his office here Monday.

Other matters discussed during the courtesy visit included rural air services, MAG’s flight services in Sarawak and potential areas of collaboration with the ministry.

The MAG delegation was led by Bryan Foong, the Group Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer and included Suresh Singam, the Chief Operating Officer of MASwings Sdn Bhd; Nita Malek, MAG Government Relations and Industry Affairs; and Alias Suut, MAG Sarawak Station Sales.

Foong briefed the Minister on the current operations and plans of Malaysia Airlines, Firefly, and MASwings in Sarawak for the year.

He also highlighted MAG’s limited aircraft issue, expressing hope this will be resolved when new aircraft arrive.

He also told Lee about MAG’s plans for additional flights and aircraft upgrades during upcoming festive seasons, subject to aircraft availability and approval, and the capped RM599 festive fares subsidy scheme for the purchase of one-way economy class flight tickets to East Malaysia, as announced last year.

Also present were Sio Yew Hua, the Ministry’s Aviation Technical Adviser; Zulkarnain Rosli, Head of Aviation; and other senior officers.