PETALING JAYA: Executive jet operator Caterham Jet Sdn Bhd said to be owned by Tan Sri Tony Fernandes , his buddy Datuk Kamarudin Meranun and an American investor will initially have about seven jets that will ply routes within the 2-3 hour flying range.
“The deposit for the jets has been paid. Six are CRJ200s jets and one Global Express jet. The jets can carry about 50 passengers each based on economy seating model,'' said a source.
Both Fernandes and Kamarudin were not available for comment.
“The plan is still at its early stage but Tune Air is not involved in this deal for now, which is to set up a new airline to service the business and executive market in the region. It is a private deal and there could be more investors involved at a later stage if all goes as planned,'' said the source.
Those in the know claim that Malaysia Airlines (MAS) could even be roped in as an investor, given the national carrier's aim to re-energise itself into a premium full-service carrier.
“You never know what the big plan is, but suffice to say that the promoters are saying there is room for jet services out of Subang and also other locations in the region given the growing affluence,” said sources.
The sources added that there might even be more than one hub.
When the company will begin services will depend on how soon it can get the aircraft, which are being retrofitted currently, and how fast it can secure the air operator's certificate.
A report said that Fernandes was set to expand his empire further as he moved to start a new super-premium full-service carrier that will compete head-on with Qantas' upcoming Asia-based super-premium FSC called RedQ.
The report said it expected Catetham Jet to take to the skies in May next year. It would be a point-to-point service, operating routes such Bangkok, Jakarta and Singapore.
Fernandes and Kamarudin now own stakes in AirAsia , its sister airline, AirAsia X and MAS, which has low-cost airline Firefly.
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