MASwings eyes jet operations by 2013

KOTA KINABALU: Regional carrier MASwings is looking at venturing into jet operations by 2013 if expansion of its operations remains on track.

The Malaysia Airlines (MAS) subsidiary that currently operates 10 ATR-72 turboprop aircraft is eyeing the southern Philippine city of Davao as well as Manado and Ujung Pandang in the Indonesian province of Sulawesi as among its future destinations.

For this, the airline would be requiring jets such as Boeing 737-400, currently being used by MAS.

MASwings chief executive officer Datuk Capt Mohd Nawawi Awang said the company was looking at acquiring one more ATR aircraft, possibly from MAS’ subsidiary Firefly.

He said MASwings was optimistic about the prospects of its latest services between the city and Puerto Princessa in the southern Philippine island of Palawan and Kuching, and Balikpapan in Indonesia from October.

Nawawi said this optimism was based on the average load factor of 65% for MASwings flights to regional destinations of Tarakan, Pontianak and Bandar Seri Begawan since early this year.

He said MASwings was also working with tourism authorities in Malaysia, Indonesia and the Phi­lippines for a special package for divers to Sabah, southern Philippines and Sulawesi.