KUCHING, Oct 22: AirAsia Berhad has finally agreed to fully use the aerobridge for all her flights coming from outside and within Sarawak after years of public complaints on the inconvenience of using the staircase from going up and down their aircrafts.
Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin said previously, the use of staircase is really difficult and inconvenient especially for the elderly, people with special needs and those travelling with small children.
“The issue was brought up to the top management of AirAsia Berhad, federal Ministry of Transport and Malaysia Aviation Commission (MAVCOM), where the Ministry of Transport Sarawak had been pressing AirAsia Berhad to use aerobridge in tandem with other airlines that use bigger aircraft such as Boeing 737 or Airbus 320 to the State.
“After months of continuous engagements with AirAsia Berhad and other relevant government authorities, AirAsia Berhad representative conveyed in the State Public Transport Committee (SPTC) meeting on Oct 21, 2021 that all AirAsia Berhad’s flights coming from outside Sarawak or flying within Sarawak will continuously use the aerobridge for the safety and convenience of all passengers,” he said in a statement today.
This matter was conveyed by AirAsia Berhad’s new Government Relations Officer in Sarawak, Hamdan Mohammad, during his courtesy visit to the Ministry of Transport Sarawak office yesterday (Oct 21).
Following this, Kim Shin expressed his thanks and gratitude on behalf of the Sarawak Government to AirAsia Berhad for making the decision to use aerobridge at Sarawak airports namely in Kuching, Sibu, Bintulu and Miri.
In addition, AirAsia Berhad during the courtesy visit, requested for more flights to Sarawak in view of the relaxation of the inter-State and inter-division travel, along with the revival of the tourism industry, tertiary students travel due to the opening of new semester and the opening of other business sectors.
“The State government recognises the needs for more flights coming into and within the State and therefore advises AirAsia Berhad to write officially to the Ministry of Transport Sarawak, which will then liaise with the relevant authorities such as Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC), federal Ministry of Transport and MAVCOM to seek their consideration and approval,” he pointed out.
At the same time, Hamdan and his team during the visit, briefed Kim Shin on the seamless and contactless travel that AirAsia Berhad is introducing to the aviation industry for the convenience of passengers.
The new travel process with contactless features, which covers every step of a traveller’s journey from booking, check-in, boarding, in-flight to arrival will lead to a smoother and safer experience.
“The Ministry welcomes the close cooperation between AirAsia Berhad and the Ministry in offering better services to the public by addressing pertinent issues raised by them for the convenience and better travelling experience with the Airlines in the State.
“All these improvements will further promote and position Sarawak as the preferred tourism and investment centre in this region. The State government also looks forward to working closely with AirAsia Berhad in other fields such as cargo services and the marketing of agriculture products for the betterment of the people of Sarawak,” he emphasised. — DayakDaily.
