KUCHING: Sarawak’s own airline expects to begin operating by end of the year or early next year, said Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
“I’m very sure by the end of this year or early next year, we will have our own airline, flying around Southeast Asia.
“Those within the region can fly directly to Kuching without the need to transit in Kuala Lumpur or Singapore using our own Sarawak airline.
“In the next edition of Asean International Film Festival (AIFFA), they can fly directly to Kuching from their respective cities, whether it is Hanoi, Bandar Seri Begawan, Jakarta or Bangkok,” he said.
Abdul Karim was officiating at the AIFFA 2023 welcome party at the Old Courthouse Courtyard here last night (Aug 2).
Recently, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said that Sarawak aimed to complete the acquisition of MASwings Sdn Bhd this year, which is among one of the three important matters the state government wants to take over from Putrajaya.
The state government is also set to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Malaysia Aviation Group on the acquisition of MASwings.
Meanwhile, Abdul Karim said Sarawak wants the proposed airline to operate not only within Sarawak and Sabah, but also in other parts of Malaysia.
He said it is also targeting cities in Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, southern Thailand and Indonesia, adding that the proposed airline may also be used to fly pilgrims to Saudi Arabia in the future since Kuching has been designated as the umrah gateway.
