BY SARAH HAFIZAH CHANDRA & AWANG MUHAMMAD SYAHMI
KUCHING: The state government is seriously looking into the acquisition of MASWings to set up its own boutique airline.
Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the state government is working together with its aviation company, Hornbill Skyways Sdn Bhd, on this matter.
“It is good that the federal government suggest that we acquire MASWings. However, we are still in the negotiation stage.
“Of course, when an offer comes, we must see and deliberate on the terms and conditions. We understand that the airline industry requires a lot of permits, you must obtain these permits before you can operate,” he told the media today.
Abdul Karim said having the state’s own boutique airline will facilitate tourist arrivals to Sarawak as they can decide on which destinations to fly to.
“We want our boutique airline to fly regional destinations, starting with Kuching to Kuala Lumpur then eventually to other cities including in Kalimantan.
“We have experience in the aviation industry through Hornbill Skyways although the company currently operates flights within Sarawak only. This is why it is time for us to go bigger with our own boutique airline,” he said.
Asked whether there are plans to extend the Kuching International Airport to accommodate high frequency of flights and increased tourist arrivals, Abdul Karim said it is a chicken and egg situation.
“If there is an increase in aircraft and tourists due to active and aggressive tourism promotions, of course the state and federal governments would have to embark on expansion plans.
“It is a chicken and egg situation because if expand the airport but not many aircraft or tourists are coming in, it would became an issue for the opposition.
“When the time comes, we will surely embark on the plan for expansion of the airport,” he said.
