TANJUNG MANIS: The Sarawak government is planning to reconfigure seating on the new ATR 72-600 aircraft that will be operated under its state-owned airline, AirBorneo to enhance passenger comfort and support cargo operations.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the existing 72-seat configuration of the aircraft is “quite cramped,” and that modifications will be made once Sarawak takes over the operations of MASwings.
“When we take over (MASwings), we will be using new ATR aircraft, as the existing ones will be returned to the current operators. The cost is not high, as we only need to top up a small amount from the total,” he said.
He said this during the launch of the Tanjung Manis Airport Upgrading project here today (May 17).
Abang Johari said out of the seven aircraft, the state government is considering converting one into a cargo plane to support the logistics system and transportation of goods, including agricultural products, to countries like Singapore.
“All this relates to the development of Tanjung Manis Airport because we want to extend the current one so it can accommodate the ATR 72-600,” he explained.
He added as passenger numbers grow and infrastructure develops, future planning will be to extend the airport’s runway again to accommodate Airbus aircraft.
“For now, we’ll start with ATRs. Once the hotel is completed, then we’ll reassess,” he said.
MASwings, a wholly owned subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines Berhad (MAB), has been operating since 2007 and has played a key role in providing Rural Air Services (RAS) in Sabah and Sarawak using ATR 72-500 and ATR 72-600 aircraft.
However, starting next year, the airline will be taken over by the Sarawak government it will be known as AirBorneo, aiming to offer more efficient, safe, and responsive air services that meet the needs of the people.
Recently, it was reported that Sarawak has made arrangements to acquire new ATR 72-600 aircraft for its rural air services (RAS) operations.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin said the new aircraft would replace the current fleet once their lease period expires in two years.
