KUALA LUMPUR: Berjaya Group’s Berjaya Air Sdn Bhd has acquired two 26-seater ATR 72-600 aircraft with a combined cost of US$56 million (RM230 million), adding to its existing fleet of a 48-seater ATR 42-500 and a 68-seater ATR 72-500, with plans to introduce more aircraft depending on demand.
Berjaya Land Bhd CEO Syed Ali Shahul Hameed said the investment is a shift away from its traditional role as a feeder airline for the group’s resort properties and a push into premium regional travel.
“Our aviation segment has mostly served our hotel guests at The Taaras. Most of the time, our focus has been to bring customers to our destination. This is the first time we are diversifying into new routes. At this moment, the demand is there,” he told reporters at the launch of the airline’s new destination network and aircraft introduction today.
Syed Ali said the first ATR 72-600 will arrive at the end of January and be showcased at the Singapore Airshow before entering service on Feb 14. The second aircraft is scheduled for delivery in October.
The ATR 72-600 Business Class Highline is branded as the world’s first with a bespoke 26-seat cabin, featuring sculpted seating, generous legroom, a private-cabin atmosphere and a private jet-inspired inflight ambience. The configuration reduces the ATR’s usual 72 seats to 26.
“This is very new, it is the first of its kind for ATR and the first in the world. That is why they want to take our aircraft to the air show. Nobody has done it, it’s the first. That’s what ATR also confirmed,” Syed Ali said.
The airline also rolled out an expanded regional network, introducing routes to Koh Samui in Thailand, Phu Quoc in Vietnam, and Medan, Pekanbaru and Batam in Indonesia, alongside its several existing domestic connections. Syed Ali said each destination will operate three to four flights a week.
On pricing, he said fares would be positioned as “luxury but very affordable”.
“Our pricing is very competitive … many sectors don’t even have a business-class option, so we benchmark our prices as luxury but affordable,” he said.
Syed Ali said the innovation reflects its commitment to elevating the regional travel landscape with products that combine luxury, comfort, and accessibility. “As we expand our aviation and hospitality offerings across the region, we remain focused on delivering value and experiences that strengthen Berjaya’s position as a leading lifestyle and travel group.”
Berjaya Air general manager Mohd Amri Mohd Akib said the unveiling of the ATR 72-600 Business Class Highline marks an important milestone for Berjaya Air as it continues to redefine what short-haul travel can be. “This achievement reflects our commitment to innovation and to delivering elevated, thoughtfully designed experiences that embody our vision of Affordable Luxury for every traveller.”
Complementing the aircraft reveal, the event showcased a presentation with Berjaya Hospitality Group, offering travel and stay privileges across its international portfolio of hotels and resorts. Guests were introduced to a range of limited-time promotional offerings, curated stay-and-fly packages, and special hospitality privileges.
