News
17 September 2008
MASwings ‘New Friend in the Sky’ - ATR 72 aircraft takes to the skies
Kota Kinabalu - MASwings brand new ATR 72 aircraft took to the skies today at Kota Kinabalu International Airport. The inaugural flight from Kota Kinabalu to Lahad Datu marked the introduction of MASwings ‘New Friend in the Sky’ for the travelling public in East Malaysia.
The inaugural flight was officiated by Sabah’s Chief Minister, YAB Datuk Musa Haji Aman at Kota Kinabalu International Airport. Also present at the ceremony were Deputy Minister Transport Malaysia, Datuk Lajim Ukin, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah, Datuk Masidi Manjun, Chairman of Malaysia Airlines, Tan Sri Dr. Munir Majid, and Managing Director of MASwings, Dr.Amin Khan.
MASwings has put in a firm order of 7 ATR 72 valued at US$128.1 million with options for an additional 3 aircraft valued at US$54.9 million.
The first ATR 72 will begin with scheduled services between Kota Kinabalu, Lahad Datu, Miri and Tawau. It will be joined by 6 other brand new ATR 72 by next year and all planes will be deployed in the 2 states of Sabah and Sarawak.
These aircrafts will be 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 a quiet, comfortable and spacious cabin and added in-flight entertainment.
The advanced technology also makes the 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 ATR 72, 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, “We are thrilled that the ATR 72 is taking to the East Malaysia skies today. These new aircrafts 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 ATR 72 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, Tan Sri Dr. Munir Majid, MAS Chairman expressed his happiness over the development. “I am confident that the introduction of ATR 72 into MASwings fleet of aircraft will further support the economic and tourism growth of the state “he said.
For further information, customers may contact the 24-hours call centre at 1-300-88-3000 or visit www.maswings.com.my
Issued by:
MASwings, Sarawak
For more information on this release, members of the media can contact:
Shao Yi