KUCHING: Sarawak students travelling between the state and Peninsular Malaysia could benefit from more affordable airfares through planned ATR aircraft services between Sarawak and Subang, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Abang Johari said the potential service would help improve connectivity for students, particularly those pursuing studies across the South China Sea.
He said the initiative would provide opportunities for Sarawak students in Peninsular Malaysia and Peninsular Malaysian students in Sarawak to travel home more easily and affordably.
“If we have extra (aircraft), why not we also fly ATR for our students, with cheaper fares from Sarawak to Subang.
“This will provide opportunities for our students, the children of Sarawak in the Peninsula, and students from the Peninsula who are in Sarawak, so they can travel back and forth more conveniently,” he said during his keynote address at the launch of AirBorneo’s inaugural Kuching-Kuala Lumpur flight at Kuching International Airport here today (July 20).
Abang Johari said the ATR aircraft would be part of AirBorneo’s future expansion following discussions with MASwings, with the current aircraft expected to be replaced with newer ATR models.
He said concerns raised over AirBorneo’s decision to acquire MASwings’ ATR aircraft stemmed from misconceptions that the airline was taking over older aircraft.
“Some people asked why we took old MASwings aircraft. If it is old, why would we take it?” he said.
He clarified that the agreement involved replacing the existing aircraft with new ATR planes that are among the most modern in aviation.
“When we negotiated with MASwings, we were not just taking the aircraft. The aircraft will be replaced with new ATR aircraft, the most modern in aviation,” he said.
He said Sarawak could potentially receive the new aircraft next year, adding that he had requested for the aircraft configuration to provide a more comfortable travel experience.
“If the new aircraft comes, I have requested that the configuration inside the aircraft feels more like first class,” he said.
Abang Johari also announced that AirBorneo is expected to expand its international connectivity, with Sarawak scheduled to begin its own flights to Singapore on July 22.
He said the airline’s fleet was expected to increase within the next four to five months, potentially growing from two aircraft to four, subject to circumstances and approval.
“Insya Allah, in four to five months, our number of aircraft will increase. Hopefully, our two aircraft can become four so that we can expand our network and connect to more areas,” he said.
