SKS Airways (KI, Johor Bahru) has said media reports that it is seeking funding to pay for ten E195-E2s it has leased from Azorra are "false and reek of mischief." The statement from the Malaysian operator came two days after news broke that it had suspended its DHC-6-300 flights and was seeking additional funding.
SKS was due to start receiving the Embraer jets in January, and it claims that payments to secure the aircraft have been made, with subsequent payments due after they are delivered.
"We have diligently managed our financial obligations, ensuring that all payments are made on time and in accordance with our commitments," a November 22 statement from the airline said. "We do not have any overdue payables, and we have taken great care to ensure that all our employees are fully paid and well taken care of without any exceptions."
The statement also confirmed reports that the first deliveries are delayed owing to supply chain constraints on the manufacturer's side. "We are now in discussion with our lessor to finetune the revised aircraft delivery schedule, and we are targeting the first delivery to be in the second quarter of 2024," it said.
The carrier is on the hunt for additional investors for Phase Two of its growth plan, it added, and it remains keen to order an additional 20 aircraft beyond what Azorra is supplying. "It is important to note that as we move forward, we are seeking investors with strategic contributions to help the company grow further," the statement reads.
Regarding the scheduled Twin Otter flights between Kuala Lumpur Subang, Tioman, and Pulau Redang, SKS Airways claimed that these have been temporarily cancelled due to unpredictable weather over the imminent monsoon season. "We operated these flights last year during the monsoon seasons and experienced a low take-up rate," it said. "Recent news articles suggesting that the flight cancellation was due to funding issues are categorically false and reek of mischief."
Separately, the airline also confirmed the resignation of its chief executive, Dzuleira Abu Bakar, effective November 10. SKS Executive Director and Accountable Manager Rohman Ahmad has since stepped into the role.
"SKS Airways is committed to ensuring a smooth entry into service for our aircraft, and as such, we will continue to invest in our preparedness efforts. These investments are aligned with the revised timeline of the aircraft delivery and are being undertaken in close coordination with our lessor, Azorra, as well as the original equipment manufacturers involved," the statement said. "We wish to reassure all our stakeholders that SKS Airways is on track and remains committed to realising its next phase of growth."
