Dr Wee launches SKS Airways – new kid on the aviation block offering flights to island getaways

Dr Wee (left) launching the SKS Airways with its director Datuk Rohman Ahmad (right) at the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Subang on Tuesday. — AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star

SUBANG JAYA: Island-hopping will be made easier with the addition of the newest commercial airline in Malaysia as domestic air travel is expected to pick up following a lower Covid-19 exposure risk.

SKS Airways is the new kid on the block offering short-haul routes to three popular island destinations in Malaysian - Pulau Pangkor, Pulau Redang and Pulau Tioman with the Subang-Pulau Pangkor route getting the headstart on Wednesday (Jan 26).

Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, who launched the airline company at the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport here on Tuesday (Jan 25), said SKS Airways has charted history in the Malaysian aviation industry, as it is not easy to obtain an air service licence (ASL) from the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM).

He said the routes served by SKS Airways were different from Malaysia Airlines, hence there is no competition.

''The island destinations have been some of the preferred tourist destinations for locals and foreigners alike.

''The routes offered by SKS Airways will promote these destinations as well as domestic air travel, which is good following the Covid-19 pandemic that has badly affected the aviation and tourism industries,'' he said.

Also present were Deputy Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Santhara Kumar and Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) executive chairman Datuk Seri Saripuddin Kassim.

Dr Wee also sent off the maiden flight KI6357 that departed at 1.15pm to Pulau Pangkor.

SKS Airways director Datuk Rohman Ahmad said that with hubs in Subang and Senai, the airline plans to connect Malaysia and beyond to destinations in Asean and southern China.

''After three years of preparations, there have been setbacks and delays due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

''This inaugural flight is meaningful as it marks our beginning as a commercial airline offering passenger, cargo and charter services,'' he said.

Daily flights between Subang and Pulau Pangkor begin tomorrow (Jan 26), Subang-Pulau Redang (Jan 31) while Subang-Pulau Tioman flights will commence in the second quarter this year.

The all-in fares start from RM160 one way, where passengers can choose their preferred fare system.

Operating on the 19-passenger Twin Otter aircraft, the airline expects to appeal to the IT-savvy Gen-Y and Gen-Z individuals, young families and island lovers who prefer a short weekend getaway.