KUCHING: A Sarawak-owned airline is expected to commence operations in 2025, says Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Abang Openg.

       He said the Sarawak government’s acquisition of MASwings Sdn Bhd is expected to be finalised by the end of this year.

       He said the acquisition has been agreed upon in principle by the Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom), the Transport Ministry and the Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), Bernama reported.

       “The current focus is on discussing the technical aspects of the acquisition.

       “I expect it to be concluded by August or, at the latest, by the year’s end.

       “We will have our own airline by 2025.

       “The airline’s name has been decided, but we cannot announce it yet,” he told reporters after his Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching here yesterday.

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       On Nov 23 last year, Sarawak Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Dr Jerip Susil said the state government was conducting due diligence on MASwings in preparation for the acquisition.

       He added that negotiations were also ongoing with MAG and Khazanah Nasional Bhd to purchase shares in MASwings.