Friday, March 27, 2009

2 airlines get approvals to fly to S'pore from more Malaysian cities

25 March 2009

SINGAPORE: Low cost carrier AirAsia and the budget unit of Malaysian Airlines have been given permission to fly to Singapore from more Malaysian cities, according to reports quoting Malaysia's Transport Minister, Ong Tee Keat.

The reports said AirAsia's new routes will link Singapore with Penang and Langkawi as well as Sandakan and Tawau in Borneo.

Meanwhile, Malaysian Airlines' low cost operator Firefly has been given permission to ply between Singapore and cities like Penang, Kuantan and Terengganu.

The Malaysian government has also allowed Firefly to fly the competitive Kuala Lumpur to Singapore route, according to the reports.

Despite these approvals, Malaysia will have to negotiate its bilateral air services agreement with Singapore before the carriers can be granted access to the routes.

Channel NewsAsia understands discussions are underway and transport ministry officials from both sides are expected to meet soon to tie up details.

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