Khazanah: Firefly could be new national carrier

The comments by Datuk Shahril Ridza Ridzuan (pic) to Berita Harian yesterday are Khazanah's first public statements since it emerged that Malaysia Airlines’ parent company has warned that the flagship airline could be wound up if lessors did not agree to steep discounts.

KUALA LUMPUR: Khazanah Nasional Bhd has the option to channel funds to low-cost carrier Firefly which could become the country’s national airline if Malaysia Airlines was shut down, accoridng to the head of the sovereign wealth fund.

The comments by Datuk Shahril Ridza Ridzuan (pic) to Berita Harian yesterday are the fund’s first public statements since it emerged that Malaysia Airlines’ parent company has warned that the flagship airline could be wound up if lessors did not agree to steep discounts.

Firefly, which operates a fleet of 12 twin turboprops, mainly within the country, is a fully owned subsidiary of Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG).