KUCHING: Sarawak and Sabah may soon experience an upgrade in their aviation industry as talks are underway to unite MasWings and Hornbill Skyways that could expand the new airline’s size and abilities in the region.
Aviation analyst Dr Rosli Khan is optimistic about the potential of another airline covering the Semenanjung-Sarawak-Sabah routes.
“This is a unique market with a fast growth pace,” Rosli told New Sarawak Tribune when asked about Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s recent announcement of plans to take over MASwings to establish its own boutique airline.
MASwings, presently owned by the Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) under Khazanah Nasional, caters only to Sabah and Sarawak. It took over from the Rural Air Services (RAS) and, like its predecessor, receives annual financial support from the federal government for operations.
Rosli explained that for longer flights such as Kuching to Kuala Lumpur or Kuching to Kota Kinabalu, different aircraft would be needed. The current fleet of 10 ATRs and six De Havilland Twin Otters are great for shorter journeys but long-distance flights require jet engines.
“To compete on these routes, the Sarawak government will need to invest in or lease jet-powered planes,” he suggested.
Exciting plans also point towards new flight routes within Borneo, particularly targeting parts of Indonesia currently underserved by flights. “The new airline could be vital for connecting these areas. Demand might be low now, but with effort, it can grow over time,” Rosli predicted.
Ambitious plans are also in place to turn Kuching and Kota Kinabalu into major hub airports, increasing the volume of traffic passing through. “Both airports are well-equipped and can accommodate more flights and passengers,” he confirmed.
This development could prove a boon for tourism. “Establishing these airports as hubs can help boost tourism in Sabah and Sarawak.” Improved connectivity and more flight options could transform the region into a larger tourist hotspot.
This initiative revives Sarawak’s interest in taking over MASwings, a regional airline serving Sarawak and Sabah. Proposals for equity acquisition in MASwings were initially floated by the Sarawak and Sabah governments in 2012, only to be put on hold a year later.
Interest was reignited in 2015, with both state governments expressing a desire to transform MASwings into a regional airline serving Asean and East Asian countries. However, by 2017, Sarawak withdrew its interest due to negotiation difficulties with the parent company.
In a positive turn of events, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim agreed in principle this year to Sarawak’s request to form a boutique airline. As the story unfolds, the region awaits a possible major upgrade in its aviation industry and a boost to its tourism sector.
