By Amanda L
KUCHING, July 20: AirBorneo is expected to launch direct flights between Kuching and Jakarta within the next two months after securing operating space at Jakarta’s international airport, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg announced today.
The Premier said the State-owned airline has already been allocated a slot at Jakarta’s international airport, clearing the way for the new route as AirBorneo expands its international network.
“Jakarta, very soon. We expect it within the next two months. In fact, we have already been allocated space at Jakarta International Airport. So it will be within the next two months,” he said.
He said this during a press conference at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1 on AirBorneo’s inaugural Kuching-Kuala Lumpur flight today.
The Jakarta service is expected to become AirBorneo’s second international route after the airline begins daily flights between Kuching and Singapore on July 22 in conjunction with Sarawak Day.
Abang Johari said the airline’s longer-term plan is to strengthen connectivity across the ASEAN region before expanding further into East Asia.
“Within one to two years, we are exploring also the route to East Asia while enhancing our rural air service. Rural air service is our obligation, but the rest will be done on a commercial basis,” he said.
Earlier at Kuching International Airport, AirBorneo chairman Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki described AirBorneo as a gift to the people of Sarawak saying the airline would strengthen ties between Sarawak, Peninsular Malaysia and neighbouring countries while offering more affordable travel.
The Premier said the airline’s expansion beyond Sabah and Sarawak was made possible after the federal government approved Sarawak’s takeover of MASwings and allowed AirBorneo to operate as a commercial airline.
Besides Singapore and Jakarta, the airline intends to gradually expand services to other ASEAN cities to strengthen economic and people-to-people ties within the region. — DayakDaily
