Tuesday, 22 July 2025

Dutch firm backs Sarawak aviation

Facebook
X
WhatsApp
Telegram
Email
Lee (centre) and Jerip pose with Werner (wearing traditional Sarawak sash) and delegation of aviation industry representatives during a courtesy visit to discuss the New Kuching International Airport project at the Ministry of Transport Sarawak office.

LET’S READ SUARA SARAWAK/ NEW SARAWAK TRIBUNE E-PAPER FOR FREE AS ​​EARLY AS 2 AM EVERY DAY. CLICK LINK

KUCHING: Plans for a new international airport in Kuching took a major step forward with the appointment of Netherlands Airport Consultants (NACO) as the Lead Consultant for its feasibility study.
The announcement came during a courtesy visit by the Netherlands’ Ambassador to Malaysia, His Excellency Jacques Werner, who led a delegation of aviation industry representatives to meet with Sarawak’s Minister for Transport, Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin, at his office on Wednesday (July 2).
Discussions during the meeting centred on advancing Sarawak’s aviation sector and exploring future collaboration in airport design, operations, and sustainable aviation practices. Also present was Deputy Minister for Transport Sarawak (Aviation and Road), Datuk Dr Jerip Susil.
The feasibility study for the New Kuching International Airport (NKIA), carried out in partnership with local consultant Jurutera Jasa (Sarawak) Sdn. Bhd., is expected to be completed within nine months.
Lee underscored the importance of the project for the state’s long-term aspirations.
“The development of a new international airport is crucial to supporting Sarawak’s long-term economic growth and enhancing regional connectivity.
We are pleased to work with experienced international partners such as NACO to ensure global standards and best practices guide this project,” Lee said.
The study will encompass various key components including site evaluation, airspace analysis, demand forecasting, environmental and social impact assessments, economic and financial analysis, preliminary concept planning, and regulatory compliance.
NACO, with over 75 years of global experience, has contributed to more than 700 airport projects worldwide, including major international hubs such as Singapore Changi, Incheon in South Korea, Doha Hamad, Frankfurt, and Amsterdam Schiphol.
Their expertise in airport planning, engineering, and operations makes them a strategic partner in realising Sarawak’s vision of becoming a regional aviation and logistics hub through aerotropolis development.
The visit also underscored the strengthening of bilateral ties between Sarawak and the Netherlands, and the importance of international expertise in shaping the future of the state’s aviation infrastructure.

Related News

Most Viewed Last 2 Days