BY NURIN PATRA and NATASHA JEE
KUCHING: Sarawak-owned airline, AirBorneo, has earned a ringing endorsement from the federal government.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said it will be equal to other airlines in Malaysia and not just a supporting entity in the national aviation industry.
Explaining, he said improving air links between Malaysia and the world is a crucial driver of economic growth,” he said, making it clear that it can count on Putrajaya’s support to soar.
“I’m sure with the Sarawak government as the new owner, AirBorneo will enhance its services and provide better connectivity for Sarawakians and Sabahans, especially in rural areas.
“This is something where of course we will work together continuously, and we hope the rural air service can be enhanced, he said, reiterating the federal government’s financial commitment to support its rural air service.
“I also know the aspiration of the Sarawak government, especially the Premier, to transform this airline not only as a rural air service provider, but to provide regional as well as international connectivity,” he said.
He said this during the Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) signing ceremony between the Sarawak government and Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) here on Wednesday (Feb 12).
Loke added that providing rural air services for Sabah and Sarawak is an obligation that his team will continue to uphold.
“Because we know rural air service is a social obligation. If we push the obligation to the new airline, of course that will be very very hard to sustain financially.
“Because that is a big financial commitment every year,” he added.
Loke recalled that on Oct 27, 2023, the Ministry of Transport and the Sarawak government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) here.
“To state our commitment that in the event of Sarawak government taking over MASwings Sdn Bhd (MASwings), the financial subsidy and the financial commitment every year for rural air service will be continued to the new operation.
“And in fact for the current year, 2025, the allocation is RM209 million for rural air service,” he said.
These services remain an integral part of the airline, playing a crucial role in its operations and obligations.
“But the financial commitment by the federal government will be continued to support the new airlines.
“So I hope that this commitment will give you a sense of confidence that the federal government will continue to give our support to the new airlines, to thrive, to soar to new heights,” he said.
