By DayakDaily Team
For 48 years, Hornbill Skyways has been lingering on the periphery, quietly serving general aviation. Established in 1977, it began with a modest fleet—a fixed-wing Cessna 421 and two Bell 206B Jet Rangers—aimed at providing reliable and safe air transportation across Sarawak’s challenging terrain.
In 1985, the Sarawak government, through Yayasan Sarawak and Sarawak Timber Industry Development (STIDC), took control. Since then, Hornbill Skyways has operated as a commercially managed entity, balancing its commercial viability with public service commitments, such as enhancing rural connectivity and conducting medical evacuations.
Over the decades, Hornbill Skyways has built a reputation etched into the skies of Sarawak. Some remember it for the noble wings of the flying doctor service (FDS), an initiative by the Ministry of Health that despatched medical officers to remote and rural areas across Sarawak to provide routine check-ups, medical treatment, vaccinations and emergency medical care.
Following the increased participation of Sarawak contractors in the oil and gas industry in the 2020s, Hornbill Skyways took a leap of faith in 2023 and made a significant breakthrough in April that year. It successfully secured a five-year contract, extendable for another five years, from PETRONAS to provide offshore helicopter services for any exploration activities and medical evacuations, serving all the Petroleum Arrangement Contractors (PACs) in Miri. For the first time in over four decades, Hornbill Skyways and its more than 260 staff have stepped outside their comfort zone to explore offshore aviation operations.
A breeze to catch, a storm to keep. Winning the contract was one challenge, but keeping up with the technical and maintenance demands, operational expertise as well as stringent offshore safety and regulatory requirements proved to be no easy feat for the rookie company. Serving the oil and gas industry demands far more than what general aviation requires.
Leaving no room for error, Hornbill Skyways invested to acquire three brand-new and state-of-the-art Airbus H175 helicopters, fully equipped with advanced safety features to serve its offshore clients in northern Sarawak. With its Pratt & Whitney turboshaft engines, the cutting edge 16-seater helicopter could travel as far as 800 offshore and soar as high as 13,000 ft above main sea level at cruise speeds of up to 267 km/h.
Twice a year, the company sends its H175 pilots to France for their proficiency check and offshore-specific flight operations training. While complying to continuous safety audits and requirements, it also consistently maintained an on-time performance (OTP) rate of over 95% and averaging 300 offshore flight hours per month. Most importantly, they have kept their clients happy.
According to Hornbill Skyways chief executive officer Captain Wan Mohamad Ali Wan Abdullah, the OHS contract from PETRONAS has significantly strengthened Hornbill Skyways’ financial position, fleet capability and market presence in the oil and gas sector.
“The offshore helicopter services contract with PETRONAS represents a significant expansion for Hornbill Skyways, positioning us as a key player in offshore aviation. While challenges exist, our proactive strategies in training, safety enhancements and operational efficiency ensure that we continue to deliver world-class offshore aviation services.
“The greatest benefit would be the experiences and involvement of Hornbill Skyways’ entire staff in oil and gas. After almost two years of operations with PETRONAS, we have gained a lot of experiences, and it’s opening doors for us to venture outside Sarawak. Our vision is to service other oil and gas companies in other countries like Indonesia and Thailand.”
Today, Hornbill Skyways’ revenue streams reflect a well-diversified portfolio, with the bulk of it coming from government contracts, strategic state missions and VIP charters. Corporate aviation and offshore support for energy players contribute to 30% while the remaining 10% is derived from specialised aerial operations such as aerial surveys and enforcement surveillance for the forestry department.
Hornbill Skyways operates from a corporate office at Bangunan Yayasan Sarawak, with two hangars at Kuching International Airport and Miri International Airport. The company employs 267 staff members, 90% of whom are Sarawakians, and manages a fleet of 15 helicopters and four aeroplanes including an executive jet.
Under the leadership of Wan Mohamad Ali, who once served the company as an aircraft cleaner, Hornbill Skyways is charting an ambitious course for the future with support from the Sarawak government. Plans are underway to transform the Kuching hangar into a Business Aviation Terminal (BAT) to accommodate the company’s growing workforce and fleet.
The company proudly boasts four Sarawakian H175 pilots among its ranks, led by its former chief helicopter pilot Captain Egar Eran, and remains dedicated to fostering local talent. Through collaborations with aviation training institutions in Malaysia, Hornbill Skyways aims to train more local helicopter pilots and technicians.
Armed with newly-acquired experiences and enhanced technical capabilities, Hornbill Skyways also aspires to expand its offshore and charter services beyond Malaysia to Brunei, Indonesia and the Philippines. With these ambitious plans in motion, the possibilities seem boundless for Hornbill Skyways, paving the way for a future of growth and regional expansion.
Moving forward, Hornbill Skyways remains committed to operational excellence, regulatory compliance with the highest safety standard, ensuring that the company continues to be the preferred aviation partner for government, corporate and industry stakeholders.
“We sincerely appreciate this opportunity to work with PETRONAS and look forward to a long-term, successful partnership in offshore aviation and beyond.” — DayakDaily
