KUCHING: Sarawak plans to launch its own airline by the end of this year to further enhance tourism in the region.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the new airline will facilitate travel to the state.
“We need people to come and they need planes to travel here.
“So by the end of the year, God willing, we may have our own airline which will bring tourists to Sarawak,” he said.
He said this during the Night At The Museum event held at the Borneo Cultures Museum here last night (Sept 21).
Abang Johari further said the new airline will also be complemented by the construction of a new international airport capable of handling 15 million passengers.
“The airport will be modelled after Doha’s, it will offer a seamless travel experience where travellers only need to check in once before boarding the plane.
“This will be one of the latest state-of-the-art airports and of course, the development would take up to three to five years to complete,” he said.
With these infrastructure projects, the Premier is optimistic that Sarawak will attract a larger number of tourists for leisure and business.
“It is hoped that Sarawak will be the centre for events as well as a popular destination for tourists to visit,” he said.
The Sarawak government is currently negotiating to take over MASwings as an effort to lower travel costs during festive seasons and improve connectivity in the region.
Among those present were Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and wife Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, and Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
