KUCHING: Sarawak’s Minister for Transport, Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin, has called on AirAsia to increase its flight frequency between Kuching and Miri.
This suggestion was made during a meeting with a delegation from AirAsia Berhad, led by Deputy Group CEO (Flight Operations), Datuk Captain Chester Voo, at the Minister’s office here today.
Lee highlighted the need for better connectivity to meet the high demand on the Kuching-Miri route and also hoped AirAsia will enhance Sarawak’s international connectivity.
Potential new routes discussed included Perth in Australia, Guangzhou in China, and Balikpapan in Kalimantan.
The Minister noted that Pontianak Airport is not yet open for international flights, making alternative routes essential for boosting Sarawak’s global access.
The meeting, attended by AirAsia’s Government Relations representatives in Sarawak — Hamdan Mohamad, Captain Yuzairil, Aziza Ariffin, and Allaister Vyner — also covered innovative proposals for integrating drone technology into rural logistics.
This initiative aims to showcase potential cost savings compared to traditional aircraft operations, with further detailed briefings on AirAsia cargo drone operations and a Proof of Concept (POC) to be presented to the Ministry at a later date.
“The Ministry of Transport, Sarawak, believes that active engagement with airlines will foster better cooperation in addressing air mobility issues and enhancing passenger experience,” Lee stated.
“This will significantly contribute to the sustainability and competitiveness of the aviation industry in Sarawak.”
During the meeting, Voo briefed Lee on AirAsia’s operations in Sarawak, noting the airline’s evolution into an investment holding company with a portfolio focused on travel and digital ventures.
AirAsia, Malaysia’s largest airline, carried 32 million passengers in 2023 and holds a leading market share nationally.
Specifically, for Sarawak, AirAsia operates 334 weekly flights, including 193 from Peninsular Malaysia, 47 from Kota Kinabalu, 19 from Singapore, and Jakarta.
Regional connectivity within Sarawak features 34 weekly flights between Kuching and Sibu, 22 between Kuching and Bintulu, and 33 between Kuching and Miri.
Since 2002, AirAsia has transported approximately 74 million passengers to and from Sarawak, currently employing 757 personnel and maintaining five A320 aircraft stationed in Sarawak.
Also in attendance were Datu Wong Hee Sieng, the newly appointed Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Transport Sarawak, along with the Ministry’s Head of Aviation Division, Zulkarnain Rosli, and Special Officer Mohammad Faez.
