‘We want to cover regional destinations, fly to Kuala Lumpur as well as Singapore. The main objective is to offer moderate airfares, particularly within Malaysia.’
– Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
THE state government’s move to acquire MASwings, a subsidiary of Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), is a significant development in Sarawak.
Last week, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg revealed that the state government had agreed in principle to acquire the regional airline operating rural air services in East Malaysia following a proposal from the federal government.
Since 2007, MASwings has been operating in the skies of Borneo Island, serving a network of 24 destinations in Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan.
The idea of Sarawak’s own boutique airline was mooted a few years back, with exorbitant flight ticket prices as one of the main reasons for its establishment.
During festive seasons, increased airfares from Peninsular Malaysia to Sabah and Sarawak have become a norm annually.
It is often a shared plight among Sabahans and Sarawakians wanting to travel back home during festivities.
Flight tickets would often show an increase of almost 600 per cent to destinations in both states during this period compared to non-festive seasons.
Abang Johari said the main objective of the boutique airline would be to offer moderate airfares, particularly within Malaysia.
“We (Sarawak) are in Borneo Island; if people want to come here, they need to take a flight because they cannot use any other mode of transport, but the airfare is expensive.
“We do not want to compete with other airlines, but just want to stabilise airfares to the state. The airfare from Kuala Lumpur is the same as the airfare from Kuala Lumpur to Hong Kong,” he said.
In the same breath, Abang Johari said the state government would look into the need for MASwings to expand its routes beyond Borneo as it currently did not operate flights to Kuala Lumpur.
“We also want to cover the regional destinations, we want to fly to Kuala Lumpur as well as Singapore,” he said.
While there may have been some criticisms from the opposition on the state’s aviation ambitions, I believe it is another people-centric initiative by the state government.
Air transportation is a necessity in Sarawak, especially in view of its geographic size and terrain.
I concur that the Pan Borneo Highway project has significantly facilitated land transportation around the state, however it cannot be denied that traveling by road is more time consuming compared to air travel.
As such, a boutique airline will provide Sarawakians with the ability to save time on commuting, particularly in the event of an emergency.
It will also put an end to the plight of overpriced flight fares, especially during festive seasons due to the existing duopoly by airlines in the country.
It is worth noting that Sarawak is among the few states in Malaysia that has its state-owned general aviation company, namely, Hornbill Skyways.
Through the establishment of Hornbill Skyways back in 1977, the state has gained experience in the aviation industry which can facilitate the dream of having Sarawak’s own boutique airline.
The experienced aviation company recently achieved a significant milestone by securing a five-year contract from Petronas for Offshore Helicopter Services (OHS).
This remarkable feat makes Hornbill Skyways the first Sarawak-owned company to receive such a contract as it is usually awarded to non-Sarawakian companies.
Abang Johari who witnessed the contract signing ceremony between Hornbill Skyways, Petronas, and its associated petroleum arrangement contractors (PACs) on June 15 said it signified the trust and confidence placed in the capabilities and expertise of Hornbill Skyways.
He also said the collaboration between Hornbill Skyways and Petronas reflected the strong bonds that had been established over the years.
“I would like to thank Petronas for its trust and confidence; the partnership not only strengthens the state’s aviation industry, but also supports the shared vision of propelling the state’s economy as well as promoting talent and expertise,” he said.
In the long run, having its own boutique airline will allow Sarawak to harness the full potential of its air transportation industry.
It will enable the state to create a tailored and efficient travel experience, drive tourism growth, support economic development and strengthen regional integration.
At the same time, it will create job opportunities for the local people, especially those pursuing careers in aviation.
As a Sarawakian, it fills me with great pride to know that my beloved state possesses the capabilities and initiative to lead the way compared to other states in Malaysia.
Establishing its own boutique airline is part of the fulfillment of the conditions for the long-term vision for Sarawak to be a developed state by 2030.
This is in line with the state’s Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 vision.
