18 March 2010
KUCHING: AirAsia has agreed to reinstate the Miri-Singapore flight by next week, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan said yesterday.Dr Chan, who is also Tourism and Heritage Minister, disclosed this after a discussion with AirAsia chief executive officer Datuk Seri Tony Fernandez over the route, which was suspended earlier this month.
“People are used to the route. Employees of oil companies are used to travelling on that flight,” he said during a press conference at Kuching International Airport VIP lounge upon his return from Kuala Lumpur.
“I promised Fernandez that we will do our part in promoting Sarawak to Singaporeans,” he said.
Dr Chan added that he would be embarking on a roadshow to promote Sarawak in Singapore either end of this month or early April.
“On my part, I want to sell Sarawak to Singaporeans and get more people to come.
“People should know about the good tourism products available in Sarawak. We must work on a win-win situation. Tour operators can also help by getting as many people as possible to visit,” he added.
The status of other suspended international routes, like the Kuching-Jakarta flight, remains unchanged.
Dr Chan said Fernandez asked him to speak to Malaysia Airport Holdings Berhad (MAB) about offering the low-cost carrier a lower rate for airport charges.
“I hope MAB will be able to help us there, until we build up a volume where the low-cost carrier can absorb a higher cost.”
He said Sarawak tourism was behind when compared to Sabah, Penang and Melaka, and appealed for MAB to reconsider its charges.
by Georgette Tan
Borneo Post
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