KUCHING: Sarawak-owned company Hornbill Skyways Sdn Bhd and the Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) have inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to expedite the shares acquisition in MASWings Sdn Bhd for the management of rural air services.
Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the MoU will pave the way for detailed discussions between both parties to ensure that the State acquires the majority stake in MASWings.
“So, now detailed discussions (will be held) between the State Government, the Federal Government and particularly Khazanah Nasional Bhd. We want a majority stake, and MAG may likely want a stake, but the majority should be Sarawak-owned.
“In terms of timeline, I will give them three months (to complete the takeover process). If possible, we can fully operate and start flying next year,” he said when met by reporters after the MoU signing ceremony, here, Friday.
Hornbill Skyways, which has been operating air charter services in Sarawak since 1977, was mandated to take over the ownership of MASWings and operate rural air services in Sarawak and Sabah.
Abang Johari said the State Government aims to make Kuching the airline’s main hub and expand the carrier’s routes to regional destinations about six to seven hours away, including Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, South Korea and India.
However, he said MASWings would not be profit-oriented as the aim of the expansion is to serve the people.
“That is our terms in taking over MASWings. The model is different from other airlines, as we don’t need to use that many aircraft, so long as they keep on moving and flying, otherwise depreciation cost will occur,” he added.
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