KUCHING: Sarawak will strengthen its air links with Japan through AirBorneo’s flight routes.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the commitment will position Japan as one of the main destinations in the expansion plan of the Sarawak government-owned airline.
“Now that I have received the ‘star’ (The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver) from Japan, it is only fitting for Japan to be part of our network.
“Sarawak is also collaborating with partners in Japan and several regions in China to arrange flight routes with travel durations of around six hours, which are expected to attract more tourists to the state,” he said.
He was speaking at the launching ceremony of the Legacy Hill Hotel here on Wednesday.
Abang Johari said the Sarawak-owned airline, AirBorneo, is expected to begin international operations next year.
“In the initial stage, flights will cover special charter routes before expanding to regional destinations including Jakarta, Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, East Asia and Korea,” he added.
Meanwhile, he was optimistic that the construction of the new Kuching International Airport (KIA) in Tanjung Embang and the offshore port will also drive economic growth and investment in Sarawak.
“The existing airport is no longer sufficient. The Federal Government has also expressed support for the proposed construction of this new airport.
“In addition, we are also planning the construction of an offshore port, including a gas terminal, as part of the basic infrastructure to support increased economic activity,” he said.
At the same time, he said Sarawak expects more investments to come in, which will also increase the demand for accommodation and urban infrastructure.
“That is why we need to upgrade administrative areas such as the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) and Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) so that this city becomes more conducive and pedestrian-friendly.
“We are studying the possibility of turning several main or side roads into pedestrian routes, as well as enhancing shopfront areas to create an atmosphere similar to Orchard Road in Singapore,” he added.
