28/05/2025

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WEDNESDAY | MAY 28, 2025

Berjaya Land’s Asia Jet gets Bombardier Global 6500 boost o Company elevates luxury travel experience with acquisition of ultra-long-range business aircraft

PETALING JAYA: In a strategic move that redefines the standards of private aviation in the region, Berjaya Land Bhd has unveiled the latest jewel in premium aviation subsidiary Asia Jet’s fleet – the ultra-long-range Bombardier Global 6500. This strategic acquisition marks a powerful leap forward for Asia Jet, opening a new frontier in luxury, connectivity and bespoke air travel. The Global 6500 is not just an aircraft – it is a flying statement of power, prestige and possibility. Purpose-built for elite travellers, global leaders and discerning clientele, it embodies the perfect synergy between cutting-edge aerospace innovation and Berjaya Land’s hallmark world-class hospitality. In a historic achievement, Asia Jet becomes the first operator in Malaysia to register and operate the Bombardier Global 6500 under a Malaysian Air Operator Certificate, a testament to its leadership in advancing premium private aviation across Southeast Asia. The Global 6500 delivers an unrivalled combination of range, speed, space, and technology. With a range of 6,600 nautical miles and a cruising speed of Mach 0.9, the aircraft is engineered to fly non-stop from Kuala Lumpur to destinations such as Tokyo, London, Egypt and even as far as Iceland. Inside, its cabin offers 15 seats in an elite configuration, delivering a bespoke and immersive inflight experience that includes: 0 Three spacious living areas including a private suite with an adjoining en-suite offering unrestricted access to the luggage bay. 0 Convertible full lie-flat beds for deep rest and overnight travel. 0 Five-star dining, curated by onboard culinary specialists. KUALA LUMPUR: Asean stands at a critical juncture where accelerating economic integration is no longer optional – it is essential. In the face of a challenging and uncertain global environment, the region must urgently take concrete steps to strengthen internal colla boration. This means increasing trade and investment flows among member countries and creating a more unified economic front. Asean-BAC for Malaysia chairman Tan Sri Nazir Razak said despite significant progress in reducing tariffs – currently eliminated on 99% of goods within Asean – non-tariff barriers have been steadily rising. He said tackling these will require empowering Asean institutions to enforce rules more effectively and ensure greater compliance across member states. “The message is clear: Asean must act decisively to deepen integration or risk missing a pivotal opportunity to secure long-term economic resilience. There is a need for stronger enforcement mechanisms and greater authority for Asean bodies to regulate and reduce trade barriers effectively. Ű BY JOHN GILBERT sunbiz@thesundaily.com

Asia Jet’s strengthened fleet enhances Berjaya Land’s position as a leading premium lifestyle group, connecting its aviation capabilities with its award-winning portfolio of luxury resorts, residences and experiences across Asia and Europe. The acquisition supports the group’s ability to offer: 0 Customised tourism packages for elite clientele. 0 Exclusive corporate and diplo matic charters. 0 Luxury travel solutions tied to high-profile events and executive movements. 0 Integrated lifestyle experiences that begin in the skies and extend into memorable stays. “This is more than just a new aircraft. It represents Berjaya Land’s unwavering commitment to inno vation, customer excellence, and sustainable luxury. “The Bombardier Global 6500 gives us the ability to connect global markets, elevate premium service standards, and reinforce our identity as an integrated lifestyle brand. It’s a game changer not just for Berjaya, but for the future of private aviation in the region,” said Berjaya Land group CEO Syed Ali Shahul Hameed. He said it also includes Asean based SMEs looking to establish operations in Malaysia, as well as companies that are integral parts of the regional supply chain. “One way we support SMEs is through our unique blended finance approach. MBSB Bank Bhd, with its 75 year legacy, has long provided regional financing in Malaysia and Singapore, often in partnership with SMEs. “When an SME needs financing, we can provide a combination of govern ment grants, government-backed financing schemes and guarantees, up to 80%, and complement that with traditional banking facilities. “For example, if an SME requires RM50 million in funding, they might receive RM10 million in the form of equity financing, government sup port, and guarantees, with the remainder structured as commercial loans. This blended model results in a more attractive overall financing rate, enabling SMEs to be more com petitive in the market,” he said. ABF2025 will be held tomorrow alongside the 46th Asean Summit and the Asean-GCC+China Summit. Co hosted by Mida and Asean-BAC Malaysia, it is expected to attract over 500 participants.

Asia Jet is the first operator in Malaysia to register and operate the Bombardier Global 6500 under a Malaysian Air Operator Certificate.

hotel destinations, connecting the skies with the land through purpose driven luxury. Thanks to the Global 6500’s exceptional range, Asia Jet can now offer direct, ultra-luxurious journeys from Malaysia to Iceland, one of Berjaya Land’s most distinctive international hospitality markets. Berjaya’s properties in Iceland offer exclusive access to the country’s majestic natural landscapes, geo thermal wonders, and Nordic hospitality – now seamlessly ac cessible through Asia Jet’s new ultra long-range service. Economic Community Blueprint. This blueprint has positioned Asean as a single production base, enhancing regional integration and economic certainty. Such stability and coordination have made Asean – and Malaysia in particular – an attractive destination for investors seeking to establish or expand their operations, he said. “Moving forward, we are very confident in our ability to attract even more investments into Malaysia.. “We are actively positioning Malaysia as a hub for global players in the digital space – whether in data centres, AI or digital construction technologies. In addition, we are exploring opportunities in sustainable aviation fuel, biofuels, and critical minerals. “These are all emerging sectors, and in this context, I believe Malaysia is taking on a leadership role within Asean, helping to drive investments into this dynamic and fast-evolving region,” Sivasuriyamoorthy said. Focusing on SMEs, MBSB Bank Bhd group chief strategy officer Datuk Azlan Shahrim said across Asean and beyond, the focus of ABF2025 extends to Malaysian SMEs operating domes tically with ambitions to export within the region.

aircraft features a highly optimised aerodynamic design, lightweight composite materials and next generation engines that deliver a notably reduced carbon footprint compared to conventional long range jets. This efficiency translates to lower emissions per passenger and enhanced operational sustainability without compromising luxury or performance. This commitment to sustainability extends beyond air travel, as the Global 6500 also plays a role in enabling eco-conscious tourism experiences across Berjaya’s

0 Fastest in-flight Wi-Fi in its class for seamless global connectivity. 0 Advanced air purification system for superior inflight wellness. 0 Next-generation wing and engine design for reduced vibration and ultra-smooth ride. 0 Enhanced cockpit technology designed to maximise operational safety and flight precision One of the Global 6500’s most significant attributes is its focus on fuel efficiency and environmental performance, which aligns with Berjaya Land’s commitment to sustainable business practices. The

Nazir: Deeper Asean economic integration no more optional – it’s essential

Nazir speaking to reporters at the curtain raiser to Asean Business Forum 2025 yesterday. With him are, from left, OCBC Malaysia managing director, senior banker and head of investment banking Tan Ai Chin, Azlan and Sivasuriyamoorthy.

over the past two decades, recording an average growth rate of 5.3%. Within this, Asean has maintained a steady growth rate of around 4%, creating a favourable environment for investment across the region. As a result, Sivasuriyamoorthy said, Asean now attracts about 17% of total global foreign direct investment inflows – roughly one-fifth of the global total. The strong performance is driven not only by the region’s economic potential but also by the strategic framework provided by the Asean

“Further, operational flexibility must be improved. We should allow companies to establish operations wherever it makes the most economic sense within the region, without unnecessary red tape or restrictions,” he told reporters at the curtain raiser to the Asean Business Forum 2025 (ABF 2025) yesterday. Malaysian Investment Develop ment Authority (Mida) deputy CEO for investment promotion and facilitation Sivasuriyamoorthy Sundara Raja said Southeast Asia has been one of the fastest-growing economic regions