BETONG: Cabin crew training could be introduced at the Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (CENTEXS) Betong campus to prepare local youths for opportunities in the aviation industry.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas floated the idea as part of wider plans to tap into opportunities arising from the completion of the Bebuling STOLport and the development of AirBorneo.
He said Betong has many young people who could be trained for careers in the aviation sector, including as cabin crew.
“We hope that CENTEXS can also provide cabin crew training.
“Every year during Gawai Dayak, we have many ‘kumang’ who can become cabin crew on our AirBorneo aircraft.
“The chairman is here, so you can interview them,” he quipped.
He said this when speaking at the Sarawakku Sayang programme, officiated by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, here today (Sept 26).
Uggah, who is also the Bukit Saban assemblyman, said the state government has approved the establishment of a permanent CENTEXS campus in Betong, with a site already identified.
He expressed optimism that the campus could support the development of a broader aviation industry in Betong, including training for pilots and drone operators.
He reiterated his proposal for CENTEXS to establish a Flying Academy at Bebuling, with the Bebuling and Tanjung Manis facilities potentially complementing each other for practical aviation training.
“I have requested the Premier to approve CENTEXS to establish a Flying Academy in Bebuling.
“Our STOLport at Bebuling and Tanjung Manis can work together on this. We do not have many aircraft coming in, so it is a good place to learn to become a pilot,” he said.
Uggah said the longer-term plan could also include aviation-related facilities such as simulators, workshops, smart hangars and Jet A1 refuelling facilities.
He said developing the sector could create new employment opportunities and generate new economic activities for people in Betong.
