KOTA KINABALU: MASwings, regional rural air services provider, has set two records in the Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) through its services in Sabah and Sarawak over the past 10 years.
The records are; longest rural air services operation, and most number of passengers through rural air services in Malaysia.
MASwings, a subsidiary airline of Malaysia Airlines Berhad, logged in about 106,000 hours for rural air services in Sabah and Sarawak since January 2008 until June this year. It also recorded a total of 1.3 million of passengers during the same period.
The certificates for both records were presented by MBOR deputy general manager Mohd Alex Edward Jamuh Abdullah to MASwings chief executive officer Aminuddin Zakaria at the airline's office at Kota Kinabalu International Airport here.
Also present was Transport Ministry deputy secretary general Mohd Khairul Adib Abd Rahman.
MASwings, which started its operation in 2007, is the only airline that offers services at rural areas in east Malaysia which covers Ba’Kelalan, Long Lellang, Bario, Long Banga and Lawas in Sarawak and Kudat di Sabah.
Most of the services, using Twin Otter or Viking with six of its aircrafts, are still operating now.
Meanwhile, 10 of its ATR aircrafts are for services between towns in Sabah and Sarawak.
Mohd Alex added that MASwings’ achievement deserves recognition which is in line with its commitment to provide rural air services although they are not many people or passengers.
"Although at a time there would only be one or two passengers, MASwings is still operating and give their best hospitality to their clients despites all challenges.”
Meanwhile, Aminuddin said MASwings will continue its rural services in both states and look into having another new route including to Semporna as there is an existing airport in the district.
“We are ready to provide services if there are demands. If it is being implemented, the service to the district will use Twin Otter, which it is now being used for Kudat and Sandakan destinations.” he added.