Malaysian company Ikhsas Sdn Bhd will be the first Seaplane operator in the country after receiving delivery from Textron Aviation of a new Cessna Grand Caravan EX Amphibian turboprop .
Malaysian property developer, Ikhasas Sdn Bhd, via its subsidiary company Oriental Sky Sdn Bhd. will manage and operate through a local charter operator Systematic Aviation Services for passenger transport between the capital city of Kuala Lumpur and a new waterfront resort on Perhentian islands. This will be the country’s first amphibious airplane operation in recent history after it gained necessary approvals from the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia to launch domestic operations in 2024.
Ikhasas group managing director, Ir. Tan Chee Kian, said, “Seaplanes will be the most convenient way to reach the Perhentian Islands. Currently, it takes a time-consuming 6-hour road journey followed by a one-hour ferry ride from the port in Kuala Besut. With our 11-seater aircraft, travelers will benefit from time savings as it will transport passengers from Kuala Lumpur to land directly in the waters near the beachside resort. At the same time, we preserve the islands’ pristine environment and natural forests which would otherwise be felled for airport construction.”
The comfortable cabin, large windows for sightseeing, and floats allowing it to take off and land anywhere are ideal for their missions,” said Tony Jones, vice president, International Sales (Asia-Pacific).
The Cessna Caravan platform has seen more than 3,000 aircraft delivered that are certified in 100 countries with nearly 24 million flight hours amassed worldwide since the aircraft was introduced. Caravans fulfill roles for multiple missions, ranging from flight training to recreation, commuter airlines to VIP transport, cargo carriers and humanitarian missions. The Grand Caravan EX aircraft is known for its dependable and efficient performance by regional airlines, charter operators, cargo carriers and special missions operators worldwide. The aircraft offers an impressive output of 867 horsepower and a rate of climb of 1,275 feet per minute.
