KUCHING: With negotiations well underway for the acquisition of MASwings by the state government, Sarawakians are excited for the state to have its very own boutique airline.
The idea for Sarawak’s own boutique airline was first mooted in 2019 as announced by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg during the launching of Visit Sarawak Campaign’s plane livery.
He said the move was to boost the state’s economic development and resolve issues regarding poor air connectivity.
Earlier this year, the state government inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the federal government for the management of rural air services (RAS) in Sarawak and Sabah.
The prospects of a boutique airline that is not profit orientated and provides more air connectivity into Sarawak is great and exciting news for all, especially Sarawakians.
Abang Johari said the naming of the state’s boutique airline will come once the acquisition of MASwings has been completed.
This has further fueled the public’s excitement and made them ponder on the most fitting name for the state’s boutique airline.
Among the names suggested were Sarawak Air, Sarawak Sky, Borneo Skyways, Kenyalang Air and Hornbill Air.
Co-founder and chief executive officer of Infinite Hospitality Group, Patrick Lau, suggested the names ‘Sarawak Air’ or ‘Sarawak Sky’.
He said ‘Sarawak Air’ combines the state’s identity with a universal term for air travel.
“It has an international feel while still clearly representing the region it comes from. The word ‘Air’ is recognised globally as a reference to aviation, making it easier for international travellers to associate with the airline.
“This name conveys a sense of modernity, connectivity, and global accessibility which could be appealing to both local and international passengers,” he told the New Sarawak Tribune.
On ‘Sarawak Sky’, Lau said it reflects a combination of the geographical identity of the state and the idea of reaching for the skies through air travel.
He said the name conveys a sense of pride in the state’s unique identity and aspirations while also suggesting the airline’s commitment to providing elevated and quality air travel experiences.
“While the establishment of a boutique airline can offer exciting opportunities for improved connectivity, tourism, and economic growth, it is important to acknowledge that careful planning, financial stability, and effective management will be keys to its long-term success.
“I am personally looking forward to this, our very own boutique airline. With the current leadership under Abang Johari and his team, this will certainly become a reality,” he said.
Meanwhile, ArunAmi MM2H Sdn Bhd managing director Azreen Octavious said a suitable name for the boutique airline could be ‘Borneo Skyways’.
He said this name is fitting for the state’s boutique airline because it combines the regional identity of Borneo with the idea of expansive and accessible skies.
“The word ‘Borneo’ represents the geographical area and cultural richness of the region while ‘Skyways’ evokes the concept of a comprehensive air travel network that connects various destinations thus mirroring the airline’s goals.
“This name also has a certain sense of adventure and uniqueness which aligns well with the concept of a boutique airline,” he said.
Azreen said efforts by the state government to establish its own boutique airline is a proactive and strategic move that will provide numerous potential benefits for Sarawak.
He said this will provide the state with greater control over air travel services, increase tourism opportunities, and potentially improve connectivity.
“I sincerely hope our very own boutique airline will be a huge success. Of course, the success of the boutique airline will depend on effective management, competitive pricing, safety standards, marketing efforts, and a clear understanding of the needs and preferences of travelers in and out of Sarawak,” he said.
As for political observer Datuk Peter Minos, the boutique airline should be called ‘Kenyalang Air’ as Sarawak is known as ‘Bumi Kenyalang’.
He said everyone knows the ‘Kenyalang’ or Hornbill bird and it is Sarawak’s identity and pride.
“I salute the state government for setting up the state’s own boutique airline, our Premier is visionary with great planning and ideas. Moreover, he knows how to get the money and approval for ‘Kenyalang Air’.
“I believe the boutique airline will help tourism and business expansion, thus bringing prestige to our beloved Sarawak,” he said.
Similar with Minos, Coway Health Manager Ahmad Khairul Ahmad Julaihi said ‘Hornbill Air’ would be a good name for the boutique airline as it pays homage to the state’s icon and emblem.
He commended the state government on this initiative as it is a start of something big for Sarawak.
“For sure, the boutique airline will boost every mindset of Sarawakians to start believing that we are able to go to another level. It is something we never thought that we could achieve before this.
“I honestly believe that this milestone will further strengthen Sarawak at the national and international level,” he said.
Another suggestion is ‘Borneo Airline’ by academician Dr Dillah Tuah who said it is because the airline will be based in Borneo, and it will facilitate better connectivity within the region.
He pointed out that this will significantly benefit the people of Borneo and it demonstrates a positive initiative towards improving air connectivity and services in the region.
“The boutique airline will enhance accessibility to places of interest in Sarawak thus fostering tourism growth. Overall, improved air connectivity and services will contribute to the state’s economic development by making the region more accessible and attractive to both local and international travelers,” he said.
Evidently, the establishment of the state’s own boutique airline is fast becoming a reality and it is something that all Sarawakians look forward to.
From the progress of acquisition of MASwings to playing a guessing game on its name, Sarawakians are following closely the development and updates on this matter.
