KUCHING:, Sarawak’s very own airline, stands as a proud symbol of the state’s identity.
In stating this, veteran political observer Francis Paul Siah has voiced his strong support for the establishment of the airline, citing five key reasons why it is a significant step forward for the state.
“One, I have waited 13 years for this wish to be fulfilled. I had suggested that Sarawak set up its own airline in 2012 and given my reasons why it should do so at that time. As an early proponent of Sarawak’s own airline, I’m naturally elated,” he said in a statement.
Siah, who is also Movement for Change Sarawak (MoCS) leader, said secondly he considered AirBorneo a national airline.
“I am a Sarawakian who chooses to think of my homeland as a separate, independent entity and not just one of three partners in a federation that does not work anymore and is no longer conducive to the interests of the two Borneo territories, Sarawak and Sabah.
“AirBorneo is, in short, also a status symbol for Sarawak,” he said.
He added Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg had specifically mentioned that AirBorneo was set up to serve the people of Sarawak such as enabling them to travel on budget friendly fares even when it was a full-service airline.
“For me, as long as any project is planned and motivated by the people’s interests, it is less painful to know that losses incurred have been utilised for Sarawakians. I can accept that,” he said.
Siah also remained optimistic about the airline’s future, asserting that with strong local and regional support, the airline would thrive within five years.
“Whatever the naysayers might conclude, I wish to state my confidence that if Sarawakians and the people of Borneo at large, from Sabah, Kalimantan and Brunei, support the new airline wholeheartedly, I reckon it will be a success within a conservative five-year period.
“Let AirBorneo be the first choice of air travel for the 24 million inhabitants of Borneo,” he said.
He also sees the airline as a valuable asset for Sarawak’s economic and tourism growth.
“With the right management, government support and a well-planned route network, the new airline could prove the sceptics wrong and indeed become a valuable asset to Sarawak,” he said.
Summing up his hopes for the airline, he also said there was a need for transparency and efficiency in its operations.
“Start small, think big, no mismanagement, no ripping off our clients like other airlines, be sincere in helping Sarawakians and Borneons and AirBorneo will have a bright future,” he said.
