Malaysia's Hornbill Skyways to set up Sarawak state airline

State-owned charter carrier Hornbill Skyways is to set up a boutique airline in the Malaysian state of Sarawak, located in northwest Borneo Island, to provide air access, drive tourism, and boost agricultural exports, according to Sarawak’s caretaker chief minister, Abang Abdul Rahman Johari Abang Openg. He made the remarks at the launch event of a new MYR108 million ringgit (US$25.5m) short take-off and landing airport in Bebuling, Spaoh on November 30, reports the Malaysian national news agency, Bernama. Popularly known as Abang Johari, the minister said Sarawak needed its own small airline – with aircraft carrying about 100 to 200 passengers – in order to not be dependent on other commercial carriers to meet its demand for export of agricultural products, and the promotion of travel and tourism. He added the airline's operations would be hub focused. The initial plan was to provide direct flights from Sarawak to Kuala Lumpur Int'l, Singapore Changi, Thailand, Indonesia, and Hong Kong Int'l.<br/>