KUCHING: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg received a courtesy call from a Weststar Aviation Services Sdn Bhd delegation at his office in Wisma Bapa Malaysia here today.
The courtesy call led by Group managing director Tan Sri Dr Syed Azman Syed Ibrahim was aimed at discussing a joint venture between Weststar Aviation services and state-owned Hornbill Skyways.
“Weststar has agreed to take a 40 per cent stake and the rest (60 per cent) by the state government,” Syed Azman told reporters after the visit.
He said they were currently operating from their base in Miri with the aim of training Sarawakians to take over the industry so that after five years, the entire business could be handed over to the state.
“Offshore helicopter service is a very serious and dangerous operation, so we need to be well trained,” he explained.
He said Weststar was also keen to offer joint-ventures in helicopter maintenance and repairs as well as a helicopter manufacturing facility based in Kuching.
Also present during the visit were Weststar director Vernon Das and business development director Datuk Anuar Noordin.
