Wednesday, December 07, 2011

MAS makes turnabout decision on using Boeing for KK-Sandakan route

SANDAKAN: Malaysia Airlines (MAS) will continue using its Boeing aircraft to service the Kota Kinabalu-Sandakan route.

Speaking to reporters at his office here yesterday, Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Edward Khoo said he had obtained confirmation from MAS officials on the matter.

“I was informed of MAS’ turnabout decision by travel agents on Tuesday and subsequently contacted MAS for confirmation,” Khoo, who is also Sabah MCA Liasion chief, said.

Khoo had on Sunday disclosed that MAS would be withdrawing its two Boeing flights from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan and vice-versa from December 8.

“These flights may be operated by MASwings which uses smaller aircraft which may not be suitable as there are many tourists as well as businesspeople flying in and out of Sandakan,” he said.

Khoo said he was relieved that MAS had decided against stopping using its Boeing aircraft for the Kota Kinabalu-Sandakan and vice-versa routes as it would save air travellers unnecessary disruptions.

He also expressed his gratitude to the federal government and Transport Minister Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha for the good news for Sabahans, especially for the people in Sandakan.

“The remaining issue now however is the direct flight from Sandakan to Kuala Lumpur and return which has been stopped by MAS,” Khoo said before stressing that he would continue to pursue to have the MAS direct flight reinstated.

“I am of the opinion that in order to be fair to air travellers, the Sandakan-KL route should not be monopolized by one airline. We also have to take into account that many passengers taking the Sandakan-Kuala Lumpur flights have connecting flights to international destinations. This will create great inconvenience to them as it will require them to rush from one airport to another to catch their flights,” he said.

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