KUCHING: AirBorneo has been urged to maintain its fixed fare of RM375 for the Kuching-Kuala Lumpur route and vice versa for at least one year to ensure air travel remains affordable for the people.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the suggestion was made following public complaints over rising airfares, particularly during festive seasons and school holidays.
He said AirBorneo should also play a role in balancing airfare prices in the market, especially for routes connecting Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia.
“When we announced RM375, others started reducing their fares too. Although some may say we are not profit-driven, at least our objective has been achieved when they respond to our pricing.
“If we are fortunate, in terms of the domestic market, that should be the fare level so that it is more affordable for the people. Our second objective is to balance the market, especially for the Sarawak-Peninsular Malaysia and Peninsular Malaysia-Sarawak routes. This is not only for Sarawakians but for all Malaysians using these routes,” 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 AirBorneo has its own business model, which differs from other airlines as it takes into account Sarawak’s strategic needs.
He said while certain market segments should operate based on an open market approach, routes of significant importance to Sarawak must be managed differently.
“Our model is that this company is like a bridge. We cannot build a physical bridge to Kuala Lumpur or Singapore. Therefore, AirBorneo becomes that bridge,” he said.
He added that as AirBorneo serves as a form of infrastructure necessity, its operational model would also differ and may require certain cost support from the government based on normal operational requirements.
Meanwhile, Abang Johari said AirBorneo would also help promote Sarawak’s economy through commercial activities, including the medical tourism sector.
He said the expansion of private healthcare facilities, including the new hospital development in the North Bank area and the expansion of Normah Medical Specialist Centre, would attract more visitors to Sarawak for medical treatment.
“Our medical treatment standards are competitive, and many people are already coming to Sarawak to seek medical treatment. This means we are promoting medical tourism.
“We will develop a cancer centre. Therefore, this is also about providing logistics for people to come here for treatment,” he said.
Abang Johari said efforts to attract more visitors would also create opportunities for Sarawakian doctors currently serving overseas, including in Singapore, to return and contribute through the development of the state’s hospital network.
He said with improved air connectivity, more people would come to Sarawak, whether for leisure or medical purposes.
