By Amanda L
KUCHING, July 20: AirBorneo’s inaugural Kuching-Kuala Lumpur jet service today kickstarted Sarawak’s ambition of becoming “the Dubai after 2030”, with Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg describing the State-owned airline as key to the State’s economic transformation.
Launching AirBorneo’s first jet service at Kuching International Airport, Abang Johari said the airline is far more than a commercial carrier, serving as a vital logistics link to strengthen trade, tourism and connectivity between Sarawak, Malaysia, ASEAN and the wider world.
He said the vision stemmed from his experience as a management trainee with Malaysia Airlines (MAS) in the late 1970s, where he witnessed first-hand how aviation could accelerate economic development.
Drawing lessons from Japan’s post-war transformation, he said a strong logistics network is essential for an island economy like Sarawak.
“Like Japan, we are on an island. One of the key drivers of economic development is logistics. You need a strong logistics network to connect trade and people.
“We cannot rely on people. We must have our own logistics medium where we can export our goods and services,” he said.
Abang Johari said this thinking ultimately led Sarawak to acquire MASwings, paving the way for the establishment of AirBorneo.
Describing the airline as critical infrastructure rather than merely a profit-driven business, he likened it to a bridge connecting Sarawak with key economic centres.
“Our model is different. This company is like a bridge. We have started a bridge to Kuala Lumpur and to Singapore. That bridge is AirBorneo.
“When it becomes an infrastructural necessity, the business model is different. There will naturally be certain costs borne by the government because it serves a wider economic purpose,” he said.
Recalling Dubai’s rise as a global aviation hub, Abang Johari said Sarawak has an even stronger foundation with its abundant natural resources, renewable energy and growing pool of skilled talent.
“As a new airline, based on organic growth, I hope Sarawak will be like Dubai after 2030. Dubai has no resources, but we have resources.
“If we have the resources and the logistics, then the opportunities are ours. For now, our focus is Borneo first,” he added. — DayakDaily
