The upcoming state-run Sarawak airline could offer six international routes including Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Indonesia, and Germany. This is according to a report by the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS) where state premier Abang Johari Openg mentioned that these six countries would be the destinations of choice.
The premier added that the Sarawak government will purchase several new plans to fly these routes once the acquisition of MASwings is completed, which he hopes to finalise by this month. Abang Johari also noted that the flight to these destinations would boost tourism access, allowing travellers to “eat kolo mee”.
To recap, the state has been working on developing its own airline since way back in 2019. Last year, it expressed interest in acquiring MASwings from Malaysia Airlines, which is the latter’s regional airline that flies routes in Sabah and Sarawak. In terms of progress, state transport minister Lee Kim Shin revealed last month that a sale and purchase agreement between the state and Malaysia Airlines is expected to be signed by 31 December 2024.
Once the acquisition is completed, the state government expects the ownership transfer process to take between six to nine month. Moreover, it has been reported that Sarawak will be introducing a new name soon for the upcoming airline.
(Source: Borneo Post)
