MASwings, Malaysia ‘s first commuter airline was officially launched on 1 October 2007. File Photo
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is all for the MASwings 2017 overhaul commitment of becoming a better and more dependable airline for East Malaysia.
Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Pang Nyuk Ming said MASwings ‘Fleet Improvement Program’ commitment, which will lead the initiatives for greater reliability and quality customer-centric travel experience, is essential for the state’s tourism industry.
“This movement is essential to the tourism industry, especially when the ministry and other travel and tourism players are aiming to receive more tourists through the events that will be happening all across Malaysia,” stated Pang at the MASwings Rock N Roll Annual Dinner and 9th Anniversary Celebration here on Saturday.
“What better way to encourage local travels and interested foreigners into our beautiful homes than by providing them an unforgettable journey right at the beginning – from their flights,” he added.
The minister urged MASwings to continue with their aggressive promotions during major festivals, which supports homegrown products such as last year’s Sunset Music Festival at the Tip of Borneo Sabah and the upcoming Miri Country Music Festival at the end of February.
“I would also like to take this chance and emphasize that we as the locals should take pride in our homegrown offers and take initiatives to discover our own backyard,” said Pang.
“I believe it is high time we become real Malaysians, especially as Sabahans and Sarawakians by appreciating our beautiful land.
“I believe we as the industry players should also play a part to support the airline to achieve its target,” added Pang.
According to MASwings chief executive officer Aminuddin Zakaria, to date, the airline had carried close to 12 million people and made revenues of RM2 billion since October 2007.
“In recent years, the airline and travel industry has been a challenging journey for most of us, not only for MASwings but also our fellow friends under the Malaysia Airlines Group,” said Aminuddin.
“It is my firm belief that each of us across the travel industry should work together and with each other for the betterment of our customers, especially the people in Sabah and Sarawak who rely on our services.
“We plan to overcome our current technical challenges and win back our customer’s trust and confidence through quality services at every touch point by aligning our products and services to suit our motto: Young, Fresh and Speed,” he added.
Sabah Tourism Board chairman Datuk Joniston Lumai Bangkuai, Transport Ministry (Planning) deputy secretary general Datuk Ruhaizah Mohamed Rashid, Malaysia Airport Sdn Bhd senior airport manager Sunif Naiman and Malaysia Airlines Berhad Chief Commercial Officer Arved Von Zur Muehlen were amongst the dignitaries present at the event.