AirAsia to finally use aerobridges at Sarawak airports

KUCHING: AirAsia Bhd has finally agreed to use aerobridges for all its flights coming from outside Sarawak and flights within Sarawak, says Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin.

He said before this agreement, travellers had complained about the inconvenience of using the staircase to board and disembark from the aircraft.

“The use of the staircase is really difficult and inconvenient, especially for the elderly passengers, people with special needs and those travelling with small children,” he said in a statement yesterday.

Lee, on behalf of the Sarawak government, thanked Airasia for making the decision to use aerobridges at airports in Kuching, Sibu, Bintulu and Miri.

He said AirAsia had requested for more flights to Sarawak due to the relaxation in interstate and inter-district travels, along with the revival of the tourism industry, tertiary students travelling in view of the opening of the new semester, and also the opening of more business sectors.

Lee said the state government recognised the needs for more flights coming into and within the state.

As such, he said AirAsia had been advised to write officially to his ministry, which would then liaise with the relevant authorities such as Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC), the federal Ministry of Transport and the Malaysia Aviation Commission (Mavcom) to seek their consideration and approval.

Lee said he welcomed close cooperation between AirAsia and his ministry in offering better services to the public by addressing any pertinent issue raised.

“All these improvements would further promote and position Sarawak as a preferred tourism and investment centre in this region.

“The state government also looks forward to working closely with Airasia in other fields such as cargo services and the marketing of agriculture produce, for the betterment of the people of Sarawak,” he added.