SATTA lauds proposal to set up joint airline

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KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Association of Tour and Travel Agents (SATTA) has welcomed the proposal to set up an airline jointly operated by Sabah and Sarawak.

Datuk Seri Winston Liaw

SATTA president Datuk Seri Winston Liaw said Maswing was the main airline currently operating between Sabah and Sarawak and most of the routes were making profits.

He said the establishment of a new airline would create competition for the few airlines and eventually drove down the price of air tickets, which was the primary factor to promote local tourism.

“Furthermore, if supported by the two state governments, the new airline could assist in promoting tourism arrival in terms of connecting international arrivals to and from either state.”

In addition, Liaw said the airline could adjust the ticket pricing to coincide with certain periods or events promoted by the government in order to make the events successful.

Sarawak Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Abang Openg has suggested that Sabah and Sarawak set up an airline at a dinner hosted by the Sabah State Goverment during his visit here on Monday.

Abang Johari said this was because connectivity was a vital component for the tourism sector of Sarawak and Sabah.