By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, July 3: The feasibility study for the proposed new Kuching International Airport (NKIA), led by globally renowned Netherlands Airport Consultants (NACO) in partnership with local firm Jurutera Jasa (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd, is scheduled for completion within nine months.
This was highlighted during a courtesy visit by the Netherlands’ Ambassador to Malaysia, His Excellency Jacques Werner, who led a delegation of aviation industry representatives to meet Sarawak Minister for Transport Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin at his office on Wednesday (July 2).
During the meeting, both parties engaged in meaningful discussions on the future development of Sarawak’s aviation sector, with the NKIA project taking centre stage.
Lee warmly welcomed the Dutch delegation and expressed appreciation for the Netherlands’ consistent interest and involvement in the State’s infrastructure development, particularly in aviation.
“The development of a new international airport is crucial to supporting Sarawak’s long-term economic growth and enhancing regional connectivity. We are pleased to work with experienced international partners such as NACO to ensure this project is guided by global standards and best practices,” Lee said in a media release today.
The feasibility study will encompass a comprehensive scope, including site evaluation, airspace analysis, demand forecasting, environmental and social impact assessments, economic and financial analysis, preliminary concept planning, and regulatory compliance.
With over 75 years of industry experience, NACO has completed more than 700 airport development projects across the globe, including major international hubs such as Changi (Singapore), Incheon (South Korea), Doha Hamad, Frankfurt, and Amsterdam Schiphol.
Lee emphasised that their depth of knowledge in airport planning, engineering, and operations positions them as a critical partner in realising Sarawak’s aviation aspirations.
The meeting also explored wider areas of potential collaboration, including airport design, operations, and sustainable aviation initiatives.
“These efforts align with Sarawak’s long-term vision of becoming a regional transport and logistics hub through aerotropolis development,” he added.
The visit marked another step in strengthening bilateral ties between Sarawak and the Netherlands and highlighted the role of international expertise in driving Sarawak’s aerospace industry forward.
Also present during the meeting was Deputy Minister for Transport (Aviation and Road) Datuk Dr Jerip Susil. — DayakDaily
