KOTA KINABALU: Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun has called on MASwings to use jet planes so that it could conduct international flights.
The Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment told reporters here in a press conference after the launching of the MASwings’ Like Never Before promotion and 8.8 million passenger celebration at Suria Sabah shopping mall here yesterday that international flights were key in the development of MASwings.
He said this after he was asked if the Sabah State Government was keen on seeing MASwings operating jet aircraft.
He added that jet aircraft such as the Boeing 737 or the Airbus A320 would be good for further international flight efforts.
This included flights to Vietnam, South China, and even to Fiji Islands, though it would take some time to develop the market.
Masidi explained that he was very proud to see tourists from other countries appraising the friendliness of the cabin crew of MASwings.
“There has been nothing but positive feedback about the cabin crew and their friendliness to passengers,” he said.
During his speech earlier at the launch, Masidi congratulated Captain Ritzerwan Rashid, the new CEO of MASwings for taking the bold effort of introducing the RM88 promotional fares for all of its destinations which is considered “value for money” to all of MASwings’ customers.
He added that whenever people travel with this new promotional fare, it would be a positive impact on domestic tourism, airlines, hotels and other parties involved in the industry.
“After being in operation for close to seven years, MASwings has become part and parcel of the daily lives of Sabahans,” said Masidi.
MASwings has become a household name in Sabah and Sarawak, he added, lauding the management and the staff of MASwings for achieving such a terrific number of passengers within less than seven years operation.
It was also highlighted in his speech that MASwings is a competitive airline which has the capability to compete with other airline companies established in Sabah and Sarawak.
“I note that MASwings has a very extensive network; not only confined to major towns in Sabah and Sarawak, but smaller destinations with low market potential,” he added.
This means that MASwings has fulfilled its duty to promote social integration as part of its social responsibility as an airline appointed by the Government of Malaysia to provide Rural Air Services (RAS).