KOTA KINABALU: The goals of the Sarawak government’s acquisition of MASwings could be meaningfully supplemented by Sabah Air, a state-owned company that specialises in air services, according to Ts Dr. Hj Ramli Amir, the former president of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Malaysia.
According to him, this is particularly true in the larger framework of improving socioeconomic development and regional air connectivity.
He said Sabah Air, with its established presence in the aviation sector, could play a pivotal role in expanding the reach of regional air services.
“While MASwings focuses primarily on domestic and regional routes, particularly for rural connectivity, Sabah Air could extend this network by offering services to even more remote areas within Sabah and Sarawak.
“With its experience in serving hard-to-reach destinations, Sabah Air could further integrate remote communities into the broader air transport network, ensuring that isolated areas are not left behind in terms of accessibility to essential services and economic opportunities,” he told the Jesselton Times.
here today.
Ramli was asked to comment on the proposed Sarawak government’s acquisition of MASwings.
He said tourism and trade are critical to the economies of Sabah and Sarawak, and Sabah Air could provide complementary services that enhance MASwings’ operations in these sectors.
“For instance, Sabah Air’s charter services and specialised tourism flights could work in tandem with MASwings’ scheduled services to boost tourism traffic to eco-tourism destinations and other popular attractions in both states.
“This partnership would help foster a more diversified tourism offering, providing customised travel options for tourists, which could in turn lead to higher visitor numbers and extended stays,” he added.
Additionally, Ramli said Sabah Air’s operational capacity could support local industries by offering cargo and freight services, potentially serving niche markets that MASwings does not cover.
“Both Sabah Air and MASwings share the common goal of providing air services to remote and underserved areas.
“In line with the Sarawak government’s objective of treating MASwings as a public utility for the benefit of rural communities, Sabah Air could align its operations to support the Rural Air Services (RAS) program.
“This partnership would ensure greater coverage, allowing the two airlines to operate complementary routes and maximise the impact of government subsidies aimed at maintaining affordable air travel for rural residents,” he said.
Sabah Air’s regional expertise could also be leveraged to improve the operational efficiency of these services, further supporting the goal of equitable access to transportation, he added.
Ramli opined that Sabah Air’s involvement in this broader initiative would strengthen the socio-economic impact of the MASwings acquisition.
“By aligning its operational priorities with those of MASwings, Sabah Air can help address the region’s specific socio-economic challenges, such as regional disparities and the need for improved connectivity.
“As a state-owned entity, Sabah Air is well positioned to contribute to the government’s public service objectives, such as affordable airfares and reliable services in remote areas.
“Collaborating with MASwings would allow both airlines to pool resources, reduce operational costs, and cross-subsidise less profitable routes, all while maintaining a high level of service to benefit local populations,” he said.
He said both MASwings and Sabah Air have their own infrastructure and fleets that could be optimised through collaboration.
“By sharing facilities such as maintenance bases, airports, and operational hubs, the two airlines could achieve significant cost savings and operational efficiencies.
“Joint investment in fleet modernisation and the expansion of air service infrastructure could also enhance the quality and reliability of air services in both states.
“By strategically planning together, the two airlines could better meet the growing demand for air travel, ensure sustainable service delivery, and support the regional economic ambitions of both Sabah and Sarawak,” he said.
Ramli was of the view that Sabah Air’s involvement in this overarching strategy could further deepen regional cooperation between Sabah and Sarawak.
“As both states seek to strengthen air connectivity and foster economic growth, a close partnership between MASwings and Sabah Air would demonstrate a commitment to working together for the benefit of the wider Borneo region.
“Such cooperation could lead to a more unified regional aviation strategy, one that addresses shared challenges and maximises opportunities for both states. This partnership could also help position Borneo as a more competitive regional hub for air travel, boosting trade, tourism, and economic development across both states,” he added.
