ID :
158927
Fri, 02/04/2011 - 15:29
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/158927
The shortlink copeid
Malaysia airlines obtains landing rights in Egypt, Saudi Arabia
JEDDAH, Feb 4 (Bernama) -- Malaysia Airlines has obtained landing rights in Egypt and Saudi Arabia until Monday as the mission to evacuate Malaysians from crisis-hit Egypt gets underway.
"The landing rights are crucial in ensuring the evacuation process running smoothly," Malaysian Airlines vice-executive president, external relations, Capt Mohd Nawawi Awang said.
He said Malaysia Airlines’ close relations with airport authorities in both countries contributed to the smooth-running evacuation process.
"We are already serving the Jeddah sector and have a system in place here.
"However in Cairo, we have good relations with EgyptAir, which helped us in securing the rights," he told Malaysian journalists here.
Admitting that the mission was challenging, Mohd Nawawi said Malaysia Airlines was in constant contact with KL International Airport's control tower to get updates on the latest situation in Cairo.
The first group of 365 Malaysians, including a baby, was safely brought out of Egypt using Malaysia Airlines Boeing 747, he said, adding that the airlines would mount two flights Friday at 8am (2pm Malaysian time) and 4pm (10pm Malaysian time).
He said Malaysia Airlines was also in discussion with Wisma Putra (Foreign Ministry) and the National Security Council on the next phase of the evacuation -- to bring the Malaysians home.
No decision was made on the matter yet, he said.
"The important thing now is to take them out of Egypt to Jeddah," he added.
Violence broke out in major Egyptian cities including Cairo, Dumyat, Suez, Tanta, Alexandria and Mansoura over the past week to put pressure on President Hosni Mubarak to end his 30-year rule.
"The landing rights are crucial in ensuring the evacuation process running smoothly," Malaysian Airlines vice-executive president, external relations, Capt Mohd Nawawi Awang said.
He said Malaysia Airlines’ close relations with airport authorities in both countries contributed to the smooth-running evacuation process.
"We are already serving the Jeddah sector and have a system in place here.
"However in Cairo, we have good relations with EgyptAir, which helped us in securing the rights," he told Malaysian journalists here.
Admitting that the mission was challenging, Mohd Nawawi said Malaysia Airlines was in constant contact with KL International Airport's control tower to get updates on the latest situation in Cairo.
The first group of 365 Malaysians, including a baby, was safely brought out of Egypt using Malaysia Airlines Boeing 747, he said, adding that the airlines would mount two flights Friday at 8am (2pm Malaysian time) and 4pm (10pm Malaysian time).
He said Malaysia Airlines was also in discussion with Wisma Putra (Foreign Ministry) and the National Security Council on the next phase of the evacuation -- to bring the Malaysians home.
No decision was made on the matter yet, he said.
"The important thing now is to take them out of Egypt to Jeddah," he added.
Violence broke out in major Egyptian cities including Cairo, Dumyat, Suez, Tanta, Alexandria and Mansoura over the past week to put pressure on President Hosni Mubarak to end his 30-year rule.
