Sarawak Premier Confident in MASwings Acquisition by End of 2024

Sarawak State Premier Abang Johari Openg remains optimistic about the acquisition of regional airline MASwings, with expectations to finalize the deal by the end of 2024. A preliminary agreement has already been reached between the Sarawak government, Malaysia’s federal transport ministry, the Malaysian Aviation Commission (MAVCOM), and Malaysia Aviation Group, the current owner of MASwings.

Premier Openg told the New Straits Times, “I expect it to be concluded by August or, at the latest, by year-end. We will have our own airline by 2025.” He emphasized that the current discussions are centered on the technical details of the acquisition, signaling a shift towards finalizing the takeover.

The initiative to acquire MASwings stems from Premier Openg’s ambition to enhance air service availability in Sarawak. His initial idea to start a new airline using resources from local general aviation operator Hornbill Skyways evolved into the strategic acquisition of MASwings, which already has a substantial operational footprint in the region.

Owned by the Malaysian government through the Khazanah Nasional sovereign wealth fund, Malaysia Aviation Group also manages other entities like Firefly and Malaysia Airlines. Premier Openg is actively engaged in discussions with Khazanah Nasional and Malaysia Aviation Group to secure funding and agree on the terms for purchasing shares in a Sarawak-based MASwings.

Further, Premier Openg hinted at a forthcoming rebranding of MASwings, indicating that a new name for the airline has been decided, although it has not yet been publicly disclosed. This acquisition and subsequent rebranding are part of a broader effort to meet the specific travel needs of Sarawak’s residents and enhance the state’s connectivity.