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2nd July, 2009
KOTA KINABALU: MASwings and Sabah Tourism Board (STB) forged collaboration to promote Sabah as an ultimate tourist destination with the launching of the in-flight entertainment (IFE) channel, beginning yesterday.
This is in line with MASwings objective to revitalise the local economy and tourism industry, and delivering its promise to connect the world to Sabah and Sarawak, MASwings regional head for Sabah, Shauqi Ahmad said.
“This is also in line with our interest and involvement in providing the highest standards of comfort and convenience to our passengers,” he added.
He said since the induction of the ATR 72 into MASwings’ fleet in September last year, their turboprop aircrafts were more comfortable with spacious cabin, fitted with leather seats and equipped with 20-inch LCD coloured screens spread throughout the cabin.
The screens are placed every two-seat rows, along both sides of the cabin. They operate on a drop down mechanism that does not require earphones as the audio comes from the overhead speakers.
Shauqi said the IFE channel would feature Sabah and Sarawak tourism board destinations footage as well as other useful information to travelling public, be they local or international tourists.
“Beginning today, both the Sabah and Sarawak tourism footages will be aired in MASwings ATR 72 aircrafts. Currently, we have four ATR in operations and will receive our fifth similar aircraft in September. By the end of 2009, MASwings will operate with seven ATRs.
“MASwings network covers 22 destinations within the two states, which among others include Kota Kinabalu, Lahad Datu, Tawau, Sandakan, Labuan, Kuching, Sibu, Bintulu, Miri and Mulu.
“We operate 700 flights a week and uplift an average of 62,000 passengers a month. MASwings operates 38 routes within Sabah and Sarawak,” Shauqi said.
He said this during a joint press conference at STB meeting room yesterday. STB was represented by deputy chairman Datuk Sari Suhut.
The ATR or Avion Transportation Regional network serves 11 towns and cities within and between both states, serving more than 504 flights on 14 routes. The 68-seater (including six business class rows) ATR 72 aircraft, the latest version manufactured by Airbus, is set to replace Fokker 50.
Commenting on the collaboration, Sari said the success of the promotion would depend on the role of everyone involved.
“All of us, including the media, need to play a role in promoting tourism. We need to create awareness to lure visitors to come, as tourism is an important industry that has contributed 40 per cent to the country’s GDP,” he said.
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