DIRECT FREIGHTER SERVICE FROM SOUTHERN SENAI AIRPORT TO NARITA

JOHOR BAHRU (Malaysia), Sept 7 (Bernama) -- As part of its efforts to boost
its aircargo connectivity, Senai Airport Terminal Services (SATS) signed an
agreement with MASkargo on Saturday to provide direct cargo services between
southern state of Johor and Narita, Japan.

The first flight departed Senai Airport, Johor Bahru on Sunday, Sept 6, 2009
at 0215 and arrived in Narita, Japan at 0955 later the same morning.

For now, MASkargo will fly the 130 tonne B747-400F frieghter once weekly
from Kuala Lumpur every Saturday on MH6190 and from Narita every Sunday on
MH6191, SATS said in a statement here.

Among the cargo transported are electronic equipment and gadgets, garments
as well as perishable items such as flowers and tuna fish.

Managing Director of MASkargo, Shahari Sulaiman said the new service out of
Johor will help strengthen MASkargo's position as one of Asia's best air cargo
carrier.

"We have added this new route to meet the growing demand for cargo in the
southern region. We see Johor Bahru as having vast potential growth for business
and we are assisting the Iskandar Development Region to develop the Southern
Economic Corridor."

"This service is expected to complement Singapore Changi while
simultaneously tapping into the potential of Batam and Riau," he said.

"Batam is one of the largest islands in the Riau Archipelago, and a major
center of international trade, industry and commerce with it being located
strategically close to the Malacca Straits" he said.

"As the development of Iskandar Malaysia is envisaged to attract more
manufacturers and industries to the area, MASkargo looks forward to working
closely with SATS to develop an efficient air logistics hub for Iskandar
Malaysia," he added.

He said that MASkargo was also working hand-in-hand with freight forwarders
who were previously looking for an avenue to uplift cargo out of Johor Bahru.

"MASkargo hopes to expand the logistics growth in Johor as there has been a
leakage of cargo movement via neighbouring countries," said.

At present, MASkargo operates daily truck flights in and out of Singapore by
its subsidiary, MASkargo Logistics Sdn Bhd.

The introduction of this KUL-JHB-NRT will allow MASkargo to have a wider
presence globally especially in the Orient region. MASkargo is now able to offer
customers more direct services and competitive advantage over the other cargo
operators of Johor," said Shahari.

The agreement was signed by Shahari representing MASkargo while SATS was
represented by its Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Mohd Sidik Shaik Osman.

Mohd Sidik said that the demand for air freight services in Johor was
projected to grow even further with the dvelopments taking place in Iskandar
Malaysia.

He said this was partly due to the potential shown by Johor and Iskandar
Malaysia's industrial and manufacturing export sectors.

Mohd Sidik also said that in order to meet the increased demand for reliable
air freight services in Johor, SATS would play its part to develop itself into
an efficient logistics and regional cargo hub.

"Among others, the development includes the extension of the runway to 3,800
meters, a parallel taxiway and associated high-speed turn-off taxiways to
increase runway capacity; and developing a well-equipped cargo terminal capable
of handling up to 80,000 tonnes of cargo per annum," he said.
-- BERNAMA