News
12 September 2008
MASwings Introduces New Friend in the Sky with ATR72 aircraft
Kuching – MASwings today introduced the brand new ATR72 into its fleet of aircraft, launching New Friend in the Sky for the travelling public in East Malaysia.
The first ATR72 aircraft was received by YAB Pehin Sri Haji Abdul Taib Mahmud at Kuching International Airport. Also present at the ceremony were Minister of Urban Development and Tourism Datuk Michael Manyin, Chairman of MASwings and MD of MAS Dato’ Sri Idris Jala and the MD of MASwings Dr.Amin Khan.
MASwings has put in a firm order of 7 ATR 72-500 valued at US$128.1 million with options for an additional 3 aircraft valued at US$54.9 million.
The other 6 aircraft will be delivered next year and all the planes will be deployed in the 2 states of Sabah and Sarawak in Borneo.
These aircraft are the first ATRs to operate in East Malaysia.
With the introduction of the ATR-72 aircraft, MASwings will deliver a new level of on-board comfort and services to the traveling public with quiet, comfortable, spacious cabin and added in-flight entertainment.
The advance technology also made ATR-72 an environmentally friendly aircraft with minimal gaseous emissions. Passengers can also look forward to the new fully biodegradable and compostable meal box.
In conjunction with the launch of ATR72, MASwings introduced new look to its cabin crew. The elegant new look for the cabin crew and ground uniform staff features a theme inspired by nature.
MASwings Managing Director, Dr. Amin Khan said, “These new aircraft will enable us to expand our capacity by 150%, meeting the future demand in air travel within Sabah and Sarawak, and connect more customers worldwide to the two states which are ideal destinations for business and tourism.”
“The new aircraft will have a business class as well as an economy class cabin, giving a total of 68 seats. This is 40% more than what we have in the Fokker. ”
“The ATR72 is environmentally friendly – a “green aircraft”. This is important as MASwings supports the eco-tourism initiatives of the State and we want to help sustain the environment.” he added.
Also speaking at the occasion, Dato Sri Idris Jala, MASwings Chairman and MAS MD Dato Sri Idris Jala expressed his happiness over the development. “I am confident that the introduction of ATR72 into MASwings fleet of aircraft will further support the economic and tourism growth of the state “he said.
The ATR –500 series:
With its ATR 42-500 and ATR 72-500, ATR supplies state-of-the-art aircraft with the highest standards of comfort. The advanced six-blade propeller provides remarkably low noise levels. All ATR models are compliant with noise regulations and have a large margin with regard to Chapter IV (ICAO) noise regulations, effective 1st January 2006. The ‘-500 series’ feature the lowest fuel consumption per passenger and CO2 emissions of the regional aviation, thus contributing to make ATR the “Green Player” of the regional aviation.
About ATR:
Toulouse, Southern France-based regional aircraft manufacturer ATR is the world leader in the 50 to 74-seat turboprop market. ATR is an equal partnership between Alenia Aeronautica (Finmeccanica group) and EADS.
Issued by:
MASwings, Sarawak
For more information on this release, members of the media can contact:
Shao Yi