Sarawak’s airline could take off by year-end

 

Sarawak tourism, creative industry and performing arts minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said artistes from Southeast Asia will be able to fly directly to Kuching for next year’s Asean International Film Festival and Awards.

PETALING JAYA: The Sarawak government expects its state-owned boutique airline to begin operations by the end of this year or early 2024, says a state minister.

Sarawak tourism, creative industry and performing arts minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said this means artistes from Southeast Asia will be able to fly directly to Kuching to attend next year’s Asean International Film Festival and Awards (AIFFA).

“We will have our very own airline flying around Southeast Asia and, probably for the next AIFFA, those within our region can fly directly to Kuching using our own airline,” he said, according to The Borneo Post.

The proposal for a Sarawak-owned boutique airline was made two years ago when premier Abang Johari Openg said the state was planning to establish an airline to be operated by Hornbill Skyways.

In April, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said he agreed with Sarawak’s plan to set up a state-owned boutique airline since it could result in cheaper airfares between the peninsula and East Malaysia.

Karim previously said the proposed airline would not be limited to operating within Sarawak and Sabah, but even the peninsula and certain cities in Southeast Asia. - FMT