KUCHING: Sarawak’s airline, AirBorneo, is expected to operate using new ATR 600 aircraft after the current aircraft lease period ends.
Transport Minister, Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin, said no decision has been made yet as the current aircraft lease still has about two more years remaining.
“The transition to ATR 600 will take place after the current lease period ends.
“Since the existing aircraft are still under lease, arrangements for acquiring the new ATR 600 will be made once the lease expires.
“The ATR 600 is already in our agreement, but we need to wait.
“Right now, we are still in the process of obtaining approval for the name change,” he said during a press conference at Baitul Makmur I Building here today.
He added that there is no rush to acquire the new aircraft as the existing planes taken over from MASwings are still in good condition.
“The current aircraft are not too old. We will only replace them with new ATRs once the lease period ends.
“After that, property management arrangements will also need to be made to facilitate the acquisition of the new ATR 600 aircraft,” he said.
Meanwhile, Lee also said that all MASwings staff, including pilots and engineers, will be retained when the transition to AirBorneo is completed, except for those who choose not to continue their services.
“We are fully aware of this matter and will retain all existing staff, including pilots and engineers, except for those who do not wish to continue,” he said.
