KUCHING: Sarawak’s own airline company could be operational by next year, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said the acquisition of MASWings Sdn Bhd by the Sarawak Government is proceeding with the technical stages that would be completed by August or later this year, paving the way for the establishment of Sarawak’s own airline by 2025.
“We have already in principle (agreed) with MAVCOM, Ministry of Transport and MAG. What is needed now is only the technical stages.
“I feel either in August or much later this year, it (technical process) would be completed and InshAllah we will have our own airlines company by 2025,” he told reporters at his second day Hari Raya open house at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today (April 11).
While Abang Johari confirmed that the name and model of the airline have been decided, he refrained from disclosing this information, promising to reveal it at a later date.
When questioned about the commencement period, Abang Johari noted that operations are targeted to begin next year, in 2025.
“Operation could begin hopefully by next year,” he said.
It was noted that last year, during the Sarawak Legislative Assembly on November 23, Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Dr Jerip Susil said that Sarawak had conducted due diligence on MASWings Sdn Bhd towards taking it over to become the state’s own airline.
Dr Jerip said the takeover will be in stages and the operation of the Sarawak-owned airline will only commence once the whole takeover process is completed and finalised.
