Sarawak Government Considers ARJ21-700 Aircraft for Revamped MASwings Fleet

The Sarawak state government in Malaysia is contemplating the addition of the ARJ21-700 aircraft to the fleet of MASwings, a move aligning with its aspirations to acquire and transform MASwings into a carrier predominantly based in Sarawak. This development surfaced following a regional roadshow by COMAC, the manufacturer of the ARJ21, which included a stopover in Kuching on March 13, showcasing the aircraft’s capabilities.

Seri Lee Kim Shin, Sarawak’s Minister of Transport, expressed the government’s interest in the ARJ21-700 during the event, highlighting its suitability for offering cost-effective regional flights. Lee emphasized the aircraft’s comfort and flexibility in configuration to support various business models, indicating a strategic alignment with the government’s vision for enhancing air connectivity for its citizens.

The demonstration in Kuching was attended by notable figures, including Xing Wei Ping, the Chinese Consul General in Kuching, Liu Yan, COMAC’s Vice President for Marketing, Sherman Hooi Foat, CEO of HEE Group, along with several state politicians. Their presence underscores the significance of the potential partnership and the keen interest in improving regional air transport.

Sarawak’s push to establish a local passenger airline stems from the perception that current service providers in Kuching, such as AirAsia, Batik Air Malaysia, and Malaysia Airlines, among others, do not fully meet the local population’s needs. The government initially considered utilizing Hornbill Skyways for the proposed startup before shifting its focus to MASwings. The plan involves convincing the Malaysian federal government to transfer MASwings’ ownership to Sarawak and secure financial backing from the Khazanah Nasional sovereign wealth fund for the acquisition and launch expenses.

However, the Sarawak government is proceeding with caution. Minister Lee emphasized the importance of conducting thorough evaluations and studies before finalizing any decisions regarding the fleet composition. This prudent approach reflects the government’s commitment to making informed decisions that will benefit the region’s air travel infrastructure in the long term.

COMAC’s efforts to penetrate the Southeast Asian market, evidenced by its presence at the Singapore Air Show and demonstration flights in the region, including stops in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Malaysia, highlight the ARJ21’s emerging role in regional aviation. The Sarawak government’s interest in the ARJ21-700 for MASwings signifies a potential milestone for both the state’s aviation sector and COMAC’s ambitions in Southeast Asia. As discussions and evaluations continue, the aviation community eagerly awaits the outcome of Sarawak’s strategic deliberations on enhancing its regional air connectivity through the potential integration of the ARJ21-700 into the MASwings fleet.