Airbus backs Sarawak’s bold push to become regional aviation hub as AirBorneo gains momentum

File photo of AirBorneo plane on the runway of Kuching International Airport.

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, April 15: Airbus has expressed strong confidence in Sarawak’s ambitions to evolve beyond a domestic aviation centre into a regional hub, as momentum builds around the establishment of AirBorneo.

Airbus Asia-Pacific president Anand Stanley said the aircraft manufacturer is optimistic about the Sarawak’s long-term growth prospects and fully supports its push in aviation and related sectors.

“Airbus is very excited about the growth potential of Sarawak as a regional aviation hub,” he said in an exclusive interview with Bernama on Wednesday (April 14).

He noted that Sarawak’s strategic direction could extend well beyond strengthening domestic connectivity to playing a wider role in regional aviation.

“Airbus would welcome a strategy that positions Sarawak not just as a domestic hub, but also as a regional aviation hub, including as a centre for maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), human capital development, and leveraging its strong access to sustainable energy,” he added.

Anand also affirmed Airbus’ readiness to collaborate as Sarawak advances its aviation agenda.

“We are ready to engage and support the development of this strategy, particularly in positioning Sarawak as a hub,” he said.

However, when asked about any potential collaboration with AirBorneo, Stanley declined to elaborate.

AirBorneo, Sarawak’s state-owned full-service airline, launched its inaugural flight on Jan 2 and currently operates a fleet of 14 aircraft, comprising eight ATRs and six Twin Otters.

The airline serves 23 destinations, with five ATR aircraft based in Kota Kinabalu, two ATRs and five Twin Otters operating out of Miri, and one ATR alongside one Twin Otter stationed in Kuching. — DayakDaily