Sarawak seeks more flights, better schedules

THE Sarawak Ministry of Transport will continue engaging with AirBorneo and other relevant airline operators to explore higher flight frequencies, better schedules and stronger regional connectivity, said its minister, Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin.

He said any proposed new routes or additional services would require careful assessment by the airlines.

“My ministry will continue to engage with AirBorneo and other relevant airline operators to explore opportunities to enhance flight frequencies, improve schedules and strengthen regional connectivity,” he said.

He said this in reply to issues raised by the members for Ba’kelalan, Batu Danau and Tanjong Batu during his ministerial winding-up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly today.

Furthermore, Lee said the assessments would take into account passenger demand, commercial viability, aircraft availability, airport readiness and the necessary regulatory and operational approvals.

“The ministry recognised the importance of reliable air connectivity in supporting socio-economic development in Lawas, Limbang, Bintulu and other parts of Sarawak.

“On Rural Air Services (RAS), the proposed changes to aircraft operations or additional services would require further scrutiny.

“Any proposed changes to aircraft operations or additional services will require further technical studies and assessments by the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM), as well as the necessary approval from the Ministry of Transport Malaysia,” he said.