KUCHING: Limiting government-backed fare protection to festive travel periods could provide Sarawakians with greater value than maintaining AirBorneo’s proposed year-round sub-RM399 domestic fare cap.
Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus Associate Professor Dr Yii Kwang Jing told Sarawak Tribune that the airline could continue operating largely on commercial principles while introducing stronger government-backed fare protection during peak travel periods.
He said affordability concerns were generally most acute during festive seasons such as Hari Raya, Gawai and Christmas, when demand surged while aircraft capacity remained limited.
Rather than imposing a rigid fare ceiling throughout the year, he said the airline could continue operating largely on commercial principles while implementing stronger government-backed fare protections during peak travel periods.
He explained that such a model would allow passengers to enjoy greater protection when they were most vulnerable to high ticket prices while preserving commercial flexibility during quieter months.
Nevertheless, he acknowledged that a year-round sub-RM399 fare guarantee also carried public value by providing simplicity and predictability for travellers.
“A practical middle path may therefore be preferable,” he said.
Among the options he proposed were maintaining a reasonable reference fare throughout the year, guaranteeing a fixed allocation of affordable seats on every flight, and introducing additional price protection together with increased flight capacity during festive periods.
Yii also advocated introducing a Compassionate Fare programme for passengers travelling because of medical emergencies, critical illness or bereavement.
He said a state-owned carrier had an important social responsibility to assist families facing unexpected crises, when last-minute airfares were often at their highest.
Under such a scheme, eligible passengers and immediate family members could receive capped fares upon presenting basic documentation from hospitals, funeral service providers or relevant authorities.
To ensure financial accountability, he suggested the programme should be funded through a dedicated annual government allocation rather than absorbed into the airline’s normal operating budget.
“This would allow AirBorneo to fulfil its social responsibilities while maintaining sound financial management,” he added.
