Sarawak’s Very Own Boutique Airline to Take Flight Soon as State Govt Signs MoU to Acquire MASWings

Back in April, we shared how Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has given the green light for Sarawak to set up its own state-owned boutique airline.

Now, it looks like the plan is getting a step closer to becoming a reality after the Sarawak State Government through Hornbill Skyways Sdn Bhd signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) on Friday (27 October) to acquire MASWings Sdn Bhd.

According to Dayak Daily, the MoU follows an initial MoU with the Federal Government on 20 July 2023 regarding the takeover of the management of Rural Air Service (RAS) in Sarawak and Sabah.

Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari in a speech after the signing ceremony said that he is confident that Srawak’s good relationship with the Federal Government and MAG will enable it to conclude negotiations and finalise the takeover soon. 

Abang Johari further stressed that establishing a state-owned airline is crucial as air connectivity remains a vital enabler for the mobilisation of the Sarawak people, economic activities, tourism and support for investors and business communities. 

He added that the state-owned boutique airline will focus on serving the people rather than pursuing profits. In fact, the ultimate goal of the airline is to offer affordable airfares.

Abang Johari further mooted that the state-owned airline will be a small boutique-sized carrier that caters to regional routes with a range of 6 to 7 hours, reaching far into the East, ASEAN and domestic routes.

So, what do you guys think of a Sarawak state-owned boutique airline taking off soon? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.

Also read: Sarawak’s Proposed State-Owned Boutique Airline to Take Off Soon After Getting PM Anwar’s Approval