By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, Aug 17: The upcoming AirBorneo airline could become a shared venture between Sarawak and Sabah, as Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has indicated openness to collaboration.
“On Saturday, the Sabah minister asked me when Sarawak’s airline will start flying. I told him, God willing, it will be next year, and if they want to share (collaborate in AirBorneo), no problem, because the name is AirBorneo,” he said when officiating at the closing of the Tanjung Manis Fishing Safari 2025 at Tanjung Manis Express Terminal today.
He also informed Sabah Governor Tun Musa Aman of the State’s openness to sharing the venture, emphasising that Sabah too would need to allocate capital should they decide to come on board.
The Premier stressed that AirBorneo is envisioned as a catalyst for growth, not only in boosting the tourism sector but also in attracting researchers and visitors to Sarawak.
He said the airline is expected to generate significant economic impact by enhancing regional connectivity and stimulating new opportunities.
Furthermore, the Premier pointed out that AirBorneo will complement the wider development of the Rajang Delta and Tanjung Manis, which includes eco-tourism attractions such as fishing safaris and golf tourism, large-scale Josapine pineapple cultivation, and carbon trading potential from mangrove peatlands.
Highlighting that Tanjung Manis is part of Sarawak’s second wave of development under Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), Abang Johari said the region will be transformed into a hub for food security, tourism, and downstream agri-food industries.
“Through these efforts, we are not only opening opportunities for our people but also positioning Sarawak on the global stage, whether in food production, tourism or climate solutions,” he added. — DayakDaily
