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48-545: Miri Airport is the main hub for MASWings Twin Otter fleet which took over the rural air services from FlyAsianXpress . Its location in the middle of Malaysian Borneo close to the border of Brunei makes it a suitable hub for rural air services and an important gateway to Sarawak. In 2014, Miri Airport was the sixth-busiest airport in terms of aircraft movements and the sixth-busiest in terms of passengers handled with 2,363,080 passenger movements and 49,204 aircraft movements in

96-507: A budget terminal ) is a specific type of airport terminal designed with the needs of low-cost airlines in mind. Though terminals may have differing charges and costs, as is common in Europe, the concept of an all-budget terminal was promoted and pioneered by Tony Fernandes of AirAsia at Kuala Lumpur International Airport in 2006. In some cases, the designs of a low-cost carrier terminal mimic old designs of an airport terminal, such as

144-659: A critical role in the BIMP-EAGA initiative, which fostered regional collaboration by improving connectivity between Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines. By 2017, MASwings had earned a reputation as a reliable air service provider to some of the most remote parts of Malaysia and its neighboring countries. Despite challenges in the international market , MASwings maintained its core focus on domestic services , particularly in East Malaysia. This period saw

192-470: A crucial player in the economic and social development of East Malaysia. The recognition highlighted the airline’s dedication to connecting remote regions and supporting local communities. In 2023, MASwings began exploring initiatives to improve its environmental sustainability . The airline announced plans to transition to sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), derived from microalgae , in an effort to reduce its carbon footprint . This initiative aligned with

240-515: A fleet of Fokker 50 and DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft. These smaller planes were ideal for short-haul flights to regional airports with limited infrastructure. By the end of 2007, MASwings operated 450 weekly flights to 22 destinations across East Malaysia, including smaller towns and rural regions, marking the beginning of its service in improving connectivity in the region. By 2009, MASwings began to broaden its operations, increasing flight frequency and expanding its route network. In December 2009,

288-424: A hangar less than 50 m away from the terminal building. Sarawak maintains its own immigration autonomy. The exercised laws require all passengers travelling on any flights from outside Sarawak (including all flights from Peninsular Malaysia, the state of Sabah, Federal Territory of Labuan and other countries) to go through the immigration screening at the first entry of any Sarawakian airport. Hornbill Skyways has

336-493: A key regional carrier in East Malaysia , with an emphasis on providing air services to underserved rural areas. The airline's focus remained on supporting local tourism and connecting remote communities with urban centers, making it an essential part of the region's transport network . MASwings’ fleet of ATR 72-500 aircraft expanded, and the airline gradually increased its flight frequency. The airline continued to play

384-488: A larger airport forced the government to search for a new site to relieve the traffic at Lutong Airport . A site to the south-east of the town centre was selected. Miri Airport was fully functional post-1985. Miri International Airport is situated 9.5 km (5.9 mi) south-east of Miri's city centre and is ranked the sixth busiest domestic airport in Malaysia in terms of passenger and aircraft movement. The airport has

432-551: A month, with an average of 125 aircraft landings and take-offs daily, including 62 landings for rural services; with the current airport size, arrival times for incoming flights will be delayed because they have to wait for other aircraft to depart before being able to land on the runway. Traffic congestion during peak hours also poses a problem. An urgent meeting was held by Sarawak Communication Assistant Minister Datuk Lee Kim Shin regarding these matters. There are also talks to introduce more international routes into Miri to further boost

480-694: A new addition of Gate 5 which consists of bays 5 - 8. All gates are for code C aircraft, except for Gate 4 which is optimised for widebody aircraft of up to Airbus A330 & Boeing 777. Apron 'B' is restricted to ATR 72 aircraft or smaller (i.e. DHC-6 Twin Otter) and is primarily used by MASWings, except for parking bay 1 (formerly parking bay B1), which is used for code C aircraft. Gates B and C in apron 'B' were renamed to Gate 1 consisting of parking bays 1 and R1 - R13 (parking bays R1 - 3 were former parking bays B2 - B4 while bays R10 - R13 were initially bays C1 - C4). Parking bays R4 - R9 are new additional parking bays. For

528-406: A partial, parallel taxiway at a width of 23 m (75 ft). Runway 20 is equipped with high intensity simple approach lights whereas Runway 02 has high-intensity Cat 1 precision approach lights installed. Other aids include: ILS, DVOR/DME, NDB and PAPI (slope 3°). Taxiways A3, B1 and C1 that connects the runway, Apron 'A' and Apron 'B' with Taxiway A were finished after the 2016 expansion. There

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576-563: A regional office at Miri Airport. The number of passengers visiting Miri has grown steadily over the years since the upgrading of the terminal. Calls to upgrade the gateway to northern Sarawak have been voiced as the airport slowly reaches its maximum capacity. On 6 December 2011, the Minister of Transport Datuk Abdul Rahim Bakri said that Miri Airport will be expanded further to cater for the growing volume of passengers and cargo passing through it. The expansion project would be implemented under

624-463: A terminal which can accommodate up to 2 million passengers annually. The two-storey terminal building is able to handle up to 2 million passengers per annum. The terminal has been operating beyond its designed limits since 2012. There are a total of 15 check-in counters, of which six are Malaysia Airlines / MASwings check-in counters and four are for AirAsia . There are also Malaysia Airlines / MASwings and AirAsia self check-in kiosks, located near

672-519: A transition period to implement operational adjustments. The history of Rural Air Services (RAS) in Malaysian Borneo dates back to 1953, when Sabah Airways became the first domestic airline to provide air connectivity between remote areas of British Borneo . In 1955, the airline was renamed Borneo Airways , which continued to serve rural communities through its "Ulu Air Service" also known as "Rural and Inter-colony flights". The service

720-732: Is a regional airline in Malaysia , established on 1 October 2007 as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), which also includes Malaysia Airlines and Firefly . The airline is dedicated to providing essential air connectivity to remote and rural areas in Sabah and Sarawak under the Rural Air Services (RAS) program. Kota Kinabalu International Airport serves as MASwings’ main hub and houses its headquarters, while Miri Airport acts as

768-399: Is a hangar for general aviation and a separate hangar now owned by HAS International Sdn Bhd 500 m from the terminal building. The general aviation apron GA2 is a small distance away from GA1 apron, which was completed in 2011. The HAS International hangar and GA2 were designed to accommodate 4 helicopters of up to the latest Airbus Helicopters H175 model. MASkargo and Gading Sari each maintains

816-620: Is seen as a way to enhance connectivity within East Malaysia and expand regional routes further. The move reflects a growing trend of regional governments taking more control over local airlines to improve air service availability and stimulate local economic growth. The acquisition is expected to be finalized by December 31, 2024, with a transition period of six to nine months. During this time, MASwings will continue to operate its rural air services while working on obtaining necessary approvals for expansion into international markets. This shift in ownership aims to create an airline more attuned to

864-527: The Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Malaysia . While the concept of a simple basic terminal in theory would lower costs, in practice, it can be turned into a pork barrel project such as klia2. When klia2 was first proposed MAHB said it would cost MYR2 billion, a figure that was later revised to MYR2.6 billion. Then came news that the terminal would cost MYR4 billion, double the original estimate. Now there’s talk that

912-607: The Philippines and Kalimantan , Indonesia . These services supported regional integration within the BIMP-EAGA (Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area). In 2023, the Sarawak State Government announced plans to acquire MASwings, following the transfer of the Rural Air Services program from the federal government. The acquisition is expected to be finalized by 31 December 2024, with

960-428: The 11th Malaysia Plan following the increase in air passengers using the airport which was projected to reach two million within the next two years. The airport recorded an increase of 9.75 per cent in passenger traffic during the first nine months of 2011, with 1.35 million passengers using the airport compared with 1.23 million during the same period in the previous year. Cargo traffic also increased 18.69 per cent during

1008-545: The BIMP-EAGA framework, which aimed to foster closer regional ties between Southeast Asian nations. This expansion resulted in the introduction of additional international routes, including flights between Kota Kinabalu and Bandar Seri Begawan (Brunei), as well as between Kota Kinabalu and Puerto Princesa (Philippines). Other new routes included services between Kuching and Pontianak (Indonesia), and between Tawau and Tarakan (Indonesia). By 2012, MASwings had officially commenced these services, helping strengthen its presence in

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1056-670: The RAS (Rural Air Service) contract, some routes were removed in 2015 and the newer ATRs were withdrawn prematurely, with further orders canceled. In October 2022, ATR proposed modernising MASwings' ATR 72-500 fleet to the ATR 72-600. However, the plan was contingent on the transfer of MASwings to the Sarawak State Government. [REDACTED] Media related to MASwings at Wikimedia Commons Low cost carrier terminal A low-cost carrier terminal or LCCT (also known as

1104-487: The RAS routes operated by FAX be transferred to Firefly , a subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines, which had more experience managing turboprop operations . Following this recommendation, the Malaysian government announced on 26 April 2007 that Malaysia Airlines would resume control of the rural routes. MASwings was established on October 1, 2007, as a regional subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines (MAS). The creation of MASwings

1152-525: The airline announced plans to expand internationally , with destinations in the Philippines and Indonesia as part of its growth strategy. However, regulatory delays meant that MASwings initially focused on international routes within the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area ( BIMP-EAGA ). In June 2010, MASwings expanded its international operations further within

1200-567: The airline continuing to operate to destinations like Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Miri and Labuan, as well as destinations in Indonesia and Brunei. In 2018, MASwings was recognized by the Malaysia Book of Records for its remarkable achievements in rural air services. The airline received accolades for the “Longest Operating Hours for Rural Air Services” and “Most Number of Passengers Transported via Rural Air Services”, solidifying its role as

1248-695: The airline’s ability to maintain these routes. In August 2006, the Malaysian government outsourced the operation of Rural Air Service to FlyAsianXpress (FAX), a subsidiary of AirAsia , aiming to enhance efficiency, reduce costs and improve connectivity for rural communities. Initially, FAX attracted attention with competitive fares and promotional offers, but the airline soon faced operational difficulties. Challenges such as maintenance issues and unreliable service led to frequent flight cancellations and passenger dissatisfaction. To resolve these issues, Tony Fernandes , CEO of AirAsia, proposed on 11 April 2007 that

1296-511: The airport, just outside the departure hall, even though it has suspended flights to Miri from Kuala Lumpur indefinitely. A few months later, Malindo's sales office in Miri closed. July 1, 2016 witnessed the official resumption of Kuala Lumpur-Miri flight by Malindo. Barely a few months later, Malindo Air once again terminated its route from Miri to Kuala Lumpur in April 2017. There are two aprons in

1344-540: The airport. Miri Airport is the second largest airport in Sarawak after Kuching International Airport , with a terminal floor space of 16,448m². Miri Airport is not considered an international airport by the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) and Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) despite having daily scheduled international flights. As the population of Miri Town grew, the need for

1392-689: The airport: Apron 'A' and Apron 'B'. The expansion of Apron 'B' was completed in 2014. The aprons underwent yet another expansion in 2015 and were completed on 3 March 2016. The expansion allows 4 additional parking bays for code C aircraft (i.e. Boeing 737 or Airbus A320 and equivalent) and 6 for ATR 72. All existing taxiways, gates and parking bays were renamed after the expansion and upgrades. The apron can now accommodate 7 code C aircraft, 1 Airbus A330 or Boeing 777 , 9 ATR 72s and 4 Viking Air DHC-6-400 Twin Otters at any given time. Gates A1 - 3 in apron 'A' were renamed Gates 2 - 4 (parking bays 2 - 4), with

1440-401: The bill could go as high as MYR5 billion. That makes no sense – the low-cost terminal will now cost much more than KLIA. Yes, I asked for a new terminal but one that has simple facilities. Did it have to cost 20 times our present LCCT? Budget terminals also have to consider if they only serve budget airlines or all airlines. In this way, a terminal can essentially "lose its budget identity". In

1488-663: The city's economy and to break the tourism bottleneck experienced in Miri as the only international route (Miri-Singapore) is inadequate at present. On 15 December 2014, Lee announced that Miri Airport would be getting RM78 million for its extension work, including the extension of the current runway and the aircraft parking apron. Once the extension was completed, the parking apron would be able to accommodate 8 Boeing aircraft and equivalent, 9 ATR 72 and 4 DHC-6 Twin Otter. The extension project also included installing four additional aerobridges, constructing an additional runway, constructing rooftop walkways for domestic passengers and improving

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1536-454: The comfort of passengers boarding and disembarking ATR 72s or DHC-6s, 3-fingered piers with covered walkways were also constructed in apron 'B', based on the walkways found in Low cost carrier terminal (LCCT) of Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) that is now closed. Miri International Airport is serviced by a 2,745 m × 60 m (9,006 ft × 197 ft) runway, designated Runway 02/20, and

1584-472: The drainage system. The design of the walkways will be based on the walkways found in the now-closed low cost carrier terminal (LCCT) at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). Due to its outdated style, on 25 April 2016, Malaysia's Former Transport Minister Liow Tiong Lai sent a proposal to the Ministry of Finance to upgrade the status of Miri Airport to an international airport. In February 2023,

1632-457: The early 2000s, Malaysia Airlines was experiencing significant financial difficulties, partly due to the operational costs of maintaining RAS routes. The airline reported financial losses from these services, which were not economically viable due to low passenger volumes on many routes. More than 40 routes were deemed unprofitable, leading to a reliance on government subsidies . Prior to 2006, RAS operations were not subsidised, further complicating

1680-537: The federal Transport Ministry unveiled a plan under the 12th Malaysia Plan (RMK12) to upgrade Miri Airport to increase its handling capacity from two million passengers to three million passengers annually with an estimated cost of RM60 million. Work proposed under this project involves expansion of the existing terminal building, upgrading of the rural air services area, new check-in counters, new office areas for government agencies and airlines, wayfinding signage, new baggage handling system, improvement and upgrading works at

1728-436: The first floor departure hall area, pier expansion and two additional passenger boarding bridges. As part of the project, Miri International Airport will have its interchange that will smoothen the traffic from the airport to Miri city. It was the part of the final work package contract (WPC 11), connects Sungai Tangap to Pujut Link Road. The main contractor of this WPC is Konsortium KPE Sdn Bhd. MASWings MASwings

1776-552: The former airport of Hong Kong, Kai Tak Airport . With a stripped-down airport terminal, airports can reduce daily operating costs significantly, thereby passing along the savings to budget airlines and ultimately their passengers. It specifically entails cost reductions from normal airports in terms of: However these terminals may also have modern facilities such as free Wi-Fi , and be comfortably air conditioned. A German study (Swanson 2007) of costs showed that at Malaysia's KLIA and Changi LCCTs, airlines were charged roughly 2/3 to 3/4

1824-494: The global aviation industry's move towards greener practices, as airlines worldwide sought to lower their environmental impact. MASwings’ adoption of SAF marked a significant step towards environmentally responsible aviation. In 2023, the Sarawak government expressed interest in acquiring MASwings from Malaysia Airlines as part of a broader regional strategy to establish a state-owned boutique airline . This potential acquisition

1872-467: The need for the airport to have separate terminals catering to domestic and international and rural air services. This includes separate check-in counters and the departure and arrival lounges. The allocation is also said to improve passenger comfort at the airports. Passenger traffic continued to grow in 2014. Appeals to upgrade the airport to cater for the growing numbers using Miri Airport were frequently voiced. Miri Airport handles more than 4,000 flights

1920-580: The needs of Sarawak, the greater Borneo region and neighboring areas. As of November 2024, Firefly have served these following destinations: MASWings has codeshare agreements with the following airlines: As of July 2024 , MASwings operates the following aircraft: On 9 November 2007, MASwings, through its parent Malaysia Airlines, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to purchase seven ATR 72-500 aircraft, with options for three more, to expand its services in Sabah and Sarawak. The first ATR 72-500

1968-569: The period under review from 4,849 metric tons to 5,756 metric tons. Miri Airport is the busiest domestic airport in Malaysia in terms of passenger and aircraft movement. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak tabled the 2014 Budget in October 2013 and it was announced that Miri Airport would be among the five airports in the state and Sabah to be upgraded with a RM312 million allocation. The other airports were Sibu and Mukah Airports and Kota Kinabalu and Sandakan Airports. Lee also pointed out

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2016-418: The primary hub for Twin Otter operations and Kuching International Airport functions as a secondary hub. The airline operates a fleet of ATR 72-500 and Twin Otter aircraft, allowing it to serve isolated communities with limited infrastructure and facilitate access to healthcare, education and economic opportunities. MASwings previously offered international services, connecting East Malaysia to Brunei ,

2064-537: The region. During this period, MASwings also focused on modernising its fleet. The airline transitioned to ATR 72-500 aircraft , which were more fuel-efficient and better suited to the airline’s regional operations. These turboprop aircraft , along with the DHC-6 Twin Otter, enabled MASwings to serve short-haul routes efficiently, particularly to smaller airports with limited facilities. Between 2012 and 2017, MASwings continued to solidify its position as

2112-402: The side entrance of the airport. The terminal is equipped with a total of three conveyor belts in the baggage reclaim hall. Several shops and dining outlets can be found in the airport, including Starbucks , Marrybrown and Famous Amos . Malaysia Airlines / MASwings and AirAsia each has a sales office in the airport. Malindo Air initially maintained its sales office on the first floor of

2160-402: The total cost of landing at the main terminal; for budget-sensitive carriers, any savings advantage can be critical. Klia2 billed as the world's largest purpose-built terminal dedicated to low-cost carriers, is designed to cater for 45 million passengers a year with future capacity expansion capability. Built at a cost of US$ 1.3 billion, klia2 started commercial operations on May 2, 2014, at

2208-523: Was critical in connecting isolated regions of North Borneo (now known as Sabah) and Sarawak with more developed urban centers. In 1965, Borneo Airways merged with Malaysian Airways , which later evolved into Malaysia-Singapore Airlines and eventually Malaysia Airlines. This merger facilitated the continuation and expansion of rural air services in Sabah and Sarawak, ensuring essential transportation links for remote communities and maintaining connectivity across East Malaysia's less accessible regions. By

2256-812: Was delivered in 2008, with the remaining six arriving by 2009 and the optional three by 2010. MASwings retired its last Fokker 50 (9M-MGF) on 25 April 2010. On 28 February 2012, MASwings announced plans to replace its aging DHC-6 Twin Otters with newer models, including the Dornier 228NG and Viking Air DHC-6 Series 400 . By 2013, six brand-new DHC-6 Twin Otter Series 400 aircraft entered service. In December 2012, Malaysia Airlines ordered 36 ATR 72-600 aircraft, with 16 destined for MASwings. MASwings received its first ATR 72-600 in July 2013 and planned to replace its older ATR 72-500s gradually. However, due to disputes over

2304-502: Was part of Malaysia Airlines’ strategy to restore and expand air services in East Malaysia, following operational challenges faced by its predecessor, FlyAsianXpress. MASwings was created to address these gaps in service and provide affordable and reliable air transport to rural areas in East Malaysia. The airline’s mission was to enhance connectivity for isolated communities, which often had limited access to road transportation due to difficult terrain . The airline began operations with

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