New budget airline SKS Airways has announced that they will be halting flights to Tioman and Redang, due to the financial difficulties that they are facing.
According to a report published in New Straits Times (NST), an aviation industry insider is cited by its Business Times segment on this development. According to the report, SKS Airways are now currently rushing to secure funding to pay for the delivery of 10 leased Embraer E195-E2 aircraft.
Delivery of Embraer aircraft delayed
NST also reported that SKS was supposed to start receiving the delivery of the Embraer aircraft in January 2024, but the delivery has been delayed to the second quarter of 2024.
SKS Airways was supposed to be the first airline in Malaysia to launch the Embraer E195-E2, a single-aisle regional aircraft for commercial flights in Malaysia.
“If they (SKS Airways) could not secure funding, there would be a high chance that the deal could be off. It’s shaky for them right now but they’re searching for new funding,” an aviation insider told Business Times, reported NST.
SKS Airways was slated to start their operations starting March 2024 to neighbouring countries out of Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah (SAAS) Airport, although they were planning to receive their first airplane in January 2024.
No new destinations announced
The aviation industry insider also said that the new airline still haven’t announced any new destinations.
“December is fast approaching but they haven’t announced the destinations that they want to fly to. Regional airports slots at Changi Airport, Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Don Mueang International Airport and Suvarnabhumi Airport are full and it’s hard for new players to secure a slot in these airports,” the source said.
NST’s reports also said that SKS Airways has stopped operating both of its DHC 6-300 Twin Otter to Redang and Tioman since last month.
Although the halt might be temporary and caused by the monsoon season, SKS Airways did continue to operate those flights in November, December, January and February last year.
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