KUCHING: Sarawak’s boutique airline is expected to start operations in less than three years.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the federal government has agreed in principle on the state’s proposal to set up the boutique airline, and an announcement will be made next month.
“So, give me time. (The operation of the airline will be in) less than three years. And I have done my homework on this or else I won’t do it,” he said.
Abang Johari told reporters when met during his open house on the first day of Hari Raya at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here today (Apr 22).
He also said the airline’s business model will be different from the other airline.
“I cannot reveal because it is mine. So, we hope this business model will allow us to run this airline, then we cover the overhead (cost) because it is not profit-motivated.
“The matter is, you have to intervene in the market to stabilise the airfare. Now, it is haywire where airline companies just raise the fare.
“Therefore, in that particular case, it is not only run by the Sarawak government but also private-sector driven with Hornbill Skyways, who have over 30 years of experience to operate it,” he said.
Abang Johari added that the new business model will allow the state to have a boutique airline which can fly within the region.
“We don’t focus on profit. If you can cover the overhead, it is good enough. After all, those who will benefit are the locals, tourism players, coffee shops, ‘kek lapis’ operators, and others.
“In order words, when you calculate the returns, it is not only on the airline but the whole spectrum in the tourism industry,” he said.
At the same time, he said the state is now working on searching for the type of aircraft suitable to be used for the boutique airline.
“We are looking at mid jet aircraft. The moment you have a 60 percent load, then that is okay,” he said.
When asked whether the boutique airline’s fares are going to undercut other airlines, Abang Johari said, “That, I have to keep to myself. You must remember that before I became a YB (elected representative), I was in the airline industry. So ‘sik dapat tipu-tipu’ (cannot lie).
On Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii’s claims that the setting up of the boutique airline would have adverse effects on Sarawak’s economy, he said he does not want to debate further on the matter.
“Time will tell. It was the same with the Autonomous Rapid Transit. They (opposition) were sceptical at first. They were also sceptical of the state’s digital economy initiatives and on Sarawak Pay. But now you see (the outcome of it). Let time tell,” he said.
Meanwhile, Hornbill Skyways chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Abdul Aziz Husain said for a start, at least four aircraft will be needed for the airline.
“We have to start with the turbo prop aircraft. Later on, we will upgrade to jet aircraft,” he said.
Earlier, Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah when met said it is very encouraging to know that the federal government supports Sarawak government’s efforts in setting up its own boutique airline, which will further boost the state’s tourism industry.
He also foresees the operation of the boutique airline would take less than three years.
“We need to understand matters such as getting the permit and licence as this is not like establishing any other company.
“When it comes to airlines, it is very much on the safety of the passengers also,” he said.
