By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Feb 12: Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg envisions the State’s newly launched airline, AirBorneo, establishing direct international flight routes to Singapore, Indonesia, Hong Kong, and China as part of its future regional expansion.
He said AirBorneo will first strengthen air connectivity within Sarawak, Sabah, and Kalimantan, before expanding to key international destinations.
“By stages, AirBorneo will become a regional airline connecting us with Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, and eventually to Jakarta, Bali, Hong Kong, and possibly Shenzhen in China,” he said during a Chinese New Year (CNY) dinner organised by the Sarawak Federation of Chinese Associations, Kuching, Samarahan, and Serian Division at Imperial Hotel earlier tonight.
Abang Johari also revealed that AirBorneo will operate jet aircraft, with fleet size determined by market demand.
However, he emphasiaed that the airline’s business model will focus on economic impact rather than profit, positioning AirBorneo as a bridge to boost tourism and trade.
“The success will be measured by GDP growth—the macro benefits. As long as we bring in tourists, they will spend money, hotels will be full, and businesses will thrive,” he added.
Also present at the event were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China in Kuching Xing Wei Ping, Sarawak Federation of Chinese Associations, Kuching, Samarahan, and Serian Division president Dato Richard Wee, and the dinner’s organising chairman Kapitan Dato Lau Sie Lok. – DayakDaily
