Premier: AirBorneo expected to transform S’wak’s economy like Emirates did for Dubai

Abang Johari speaking at the Sarawak Energy Vendor Excellence Awards (SEVEA) 2026 here on July 8, 2026. Photo credit: Sarawak Information Department (Japen)

By Amanda L

KUCHING, July 9: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg expects AirBorneo to drive growth in Sarawak’s tourism, hospitality and wider economy, drawing comparisons with the economic impact that Emirates and Singapore Airlines have had on Dubai and Singapore.

According to him, the Sarawak government’s investment in the State-owned airline should be viewed from a broader economic perspective rather than based solely on the airline’s financial returns.

“The spillover is not just for the airline. Hotels will benefit, restaurants will benefit, people will spend and all sectors of the economy will enjoy the gains,” he said.

He said this when speaking at the Sarawak Energy Vendor Excellence Awards (SEVEA) 2026 here on Wednesday (July 8).

Abang Johari said Sarawak as part of Borneo, depends heavily on air connectivity, making aviation an essential investment for the State.

“We rely on air bridges, air connectivity. For us in Borneo, we have to invest,” he said.

He also noted that AirBorneo would maintain its RM375 all-in fare for the Kuching-Kuala Lumpur route consistently throughout the year including during festive seasons when ticket prices typically increase sharply.

“That will be a check on the other airlines,” he said, referring to the State carrier’s role in helping stabilise airfares.

The Premier said evaluating AirBorneo purely on commercial returns would overlook its wider contribution to the State’s economy, as improved connectivity would encourage more visitor arrivals, support local businesses and strengthen Sarawak’s tourism industry.

Citing Dubai and Singapore as examples, the Premier said both economies had transformed with the support of strong national airlines — Emirates and Singapore Airlines.

“Dubai developed because of Emirates. The same goes for Singapore. It invested in Singapore Airlines because it understood the importance of having a high quality national carrier to support economic growth,” he said.

He said Sarawak is adopting a similar approach by investing in aviation infrastructure and connectivity to underpin future economic expansion. — DayakDaily