Malaysian group propose joint international airline with Kryghizstan

Published: 11/11/1999

A report in the Vecherny Bishkek newspaper suggests that an agreement has been signed between the international Malaysian property development company , Safuan Group Berhad and Kyrghizstan national airline, Kyrghizstan Aba Zholdoru (KAZh), on the creation of a new international airline based in Bishkek. According to Karim Damin, Vice President of KAZh, Safuan will provide funding of $4m, help to launch new air routes to Bangkok, Kuala-Lumpur, Tokyo and Seoul, and provide two A-310s for these flights. The issue of whether KAZh can raise funding to contribute to the passenger terminal at Manas airport is still being discussed. The support of the Malaysian side is considered to be so important that Prime Minister Muraliyev is apparently willing to ignore the country's laws relating to foreign ownership of airlines, by allowing Safuan a controlling stake in the joint venture. The Saufan Group led by Dato Mathash Safaun has had extensive discussions with the Kyrghizstan Government about structural developments in the country including roads, tourist resorts and high voltage transmission lines.

Article ID: 1070