IPOH, Aug 14- Perak is looking into hybrid airline Malindo Air’s request to use the Sultan Azlan Shah Airport here as a hub to several new domestic and international destinations.
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir said Malindo Air presented the proposal at a meeting at noon Wednesday, but had yet to put in a formal application.He said both Perak and Malindo Air were positive over the proposal to introduce not only domestic flights, but also international flights, including to Indonesia and Singapore, from Ipoh.
“The state government expects positive developments following the discussion and the terms and conditions will be finalised at the official level,” he told reporters after presenting appointment letters to chairmen of village development and security committees, and village heads here Wednesday.“Although they (Malindo Air) assured us that they can start immediately, we gave them a couple of months to prepare.
“We need to discuss further on the terms and conditions. They can get some assistance from the state – not be in the form of equity but similar treatment given to Firefly,” he said, adding that Malindo Air plans to use the ATR72-600 or bigger planes for the flights.
Meanwhile, Zambry said the state government were in discussions with aviation industry players over the development of the airport as a tourist gateway to Perak and other states.
– BERNAMA
