KUCHING (May 28): Sarawak is moving forward with plans to develop an aerotropolis anchored by the proposed new Kuching International Airport, as part of the state’s broader vision to establish itself as a regional aerospace hub, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said the new airport will be a central component of the proposed aerotropolis and will be designed with modern and green architectural principles.
“We also discussed the development of an aerotropolis in Sarawak, which will include the new Kuching International Airport.
“The new airport will embody modern, green architectural principles and be equipped with cutting-edge systems to ensure a seamless passenger journey, from check-in to boarding,” he said during his winding-up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly sitting here today.
The new airport is expected to accommodate more than 15 million passengers annually and will feature an integrated terminal layout to optimise efficiency and collaboration across the aviation industry.
“This facility will serve as an integrated aviation hub, where all terminals and support buildings are seamlessly interconnected. This cohesive layout will enhance operational efficiency and foster stronger synergies across the entire aviation industry ecosystem,” he added.
Abang Johari said the state government will establish a Sarawak-Airbus Joint Task Force to draw up a roadmap for the development of Sarawak’s aerospace industry.
He disclosed that during a recent working visit to Toulouse, France, he met with Airbus officials and visited the company’s headquarters along with ATR as part of the preparation to position Sarawak as an aerospace hub.
“Airbus expressed strong support for Sarawak’s ambitions, as they proposed the Airbus-Sarawak Kenyalang Strategic Partnership Avenues, covering six key areas,” he said.
These include pathways towards Sustainable Aviation Fuel production, human capital development, industrial ecosystem development, the Digital Airline Journey, an Airbus consulting project for AirBorneo, and airspace operations.
In addition, Abang Johari said infrastructure planning in Sarawak will also benefit from international benchmarking, citing a visit to Abu Dhabi where he observed the integration of sea and air ports.
“By learning from global models like Abu Dhabi, whose ports connect seamlessly with international locations across the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and Asia, we can better design Sarawak’s global linkages and domestic connectivity,” he said.
He also announced that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Abu Dhabi Ports Group and Bintulu Port Holdings Berhad was signed during the visit to foster long-term cooperation in port infrastructure and maritime logistics development.
Abang Johari gave assurance that the development of the new international airport and deep seaport in Kuching would involve private sector investments.
“There has been expression of interest by the private sector, local multi-national and international corporations to spearhead the projects,” he said.
The Premier also reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening Sarawak’s multi-modal transport network across air, land, river and sea, adding that this would support the state’s goal of becoming an Asean hub for renewable energy and the New Economy. Credit: Borneo Post Online