MAS needs to focus on international routes under business revamp plan

Malaysia Airlines (MAS) has been advised to focus on international routes if it plans to undertake a business restructuring exercise.

Sarawak Tourism Minister, Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg, said MAS needed 'niche' routes in its efforts to boost revenue as it currently has no 'revenue streams'.

"MAS needs to focus on international routes and link up with other regional airlines. This is possible as MAS has MASwings, which can be hived off to operate as regional airline," he said.

Abang Johari said this at his Hari Raya open house.

He said Singapore Airlines has this model where the routes were connected with those from SilkAir.

"The moment MASwings becomes a regional airline, MAS can concentrate on the international routes. With this business model, MAS can make money as the accounting process will be done separately," he said.

Abang Johari said Sarawak has many eco-friendly tourism spots and with MASwings' ability, the state would not hesitate to have a stake in it.

"In the first eight months of this year, 1.9 million tourists have visited the state," he said.