Kuching aims to become ASEAN's air hub

KUCHING, Oct. 6: Sarawak aims Kuching to become an ASEAN air hub in the long term by leveraging its strategic position capable of connecting major regional markets within a flight period of about six hours.

Sarawak Prime Minister, Datuk Tinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said Kuching's position provides an advantage for connecting ASEAN countries besides China and East Asia.

"Our long-term vision is to make Kuching an ASEAN aviation hub. Our strategic location allows a six-hour flight radius to cover the whole of ASEAN, China and East Asia", he said.

He said so as he was addressing the inauguration ceremony of The Everly Lhesson Kuching Hotel, here today.

According to him, the efforts of the Government of Sarawak to have its own airline are among the important components in strengthening Sarawak's links with regional strategic hubs.

"Now we will have airlines connecting strategic hubs so that more visitors can come to Sarawak", he said.

Brother Johari said the flight connections will include Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, in addition to a direct Kuching-Jakarta flight that takes about an hour and 30 minutes.

He said the network has the potential to increase the movement of tourists, business event participants and patients from outside Sarawak.

He said that aspiration was also supported by the plans to develop a new international airport at Tanjung Embang which will serve not only as a gateway to Sarawak, but also as a regional transit hub.

The move, he said, was crucial in the effort to place Kuching as a major air hub in the ASEAN region.