LOW-BUDGET carrier AirAsia is looking to launch international direct flights from Sandakan and Tawau by February next year, said Tony Fernandes. 

The AirAsia Group CEO said this was in line with the airline’s expansion plans for Sabah after receiving industry views that the time was right to develop the connectivity in the state’s east coast. 

“It is something Transport Minister (Anthony Loke)and Sabah Chief Minister Mohd Shafie Apdal has talked to me about.

“We are ready right now. I think we can bring a lot of jobs and opportunities to Tawau and Sandakan,” he said after meeting Shafie at his office in Kota Kinabalu today. 

Fernandes said he was looking at China, South Korea and potentially Japan destinations for direct flights to Sabah. 

“I want to launch it during the winter period, when it is around -2°C in China and South Korea, and we can promote the wonderful beaches in Sabah,” he said. 

Fernandes said the development of the Tawau and Sandakan flights would also augur well with the relocation of Indonesia’s capital to Kalimantan, as well as Sabah’s booming tourism industry.

Tawau and Sandakan are a stone’s throw away from island resort and diving spots.

In his meeting with the chief minister, Fernandes also discussed the state government’s plan to reopen Terminal Two at the Kota Kinabalu Airport. 

“If we can get Terminal Two, we can grow our passengers to 15 million a year, and our estimate is to create 33,000 jobs, as well as bring in RM150 billion to the Sabah economy through those flights. 

“It is such a waste to see the empty terminal there. If you move us, we will expand it. 

“It also allows Terminal One to bring in more flights, like Qatar Airways and Emirates, as Terminal One is able to release its capacity. 

“So, Sabah will have full-service terminal and a low-cost terminal as well,” he said. 

Terminal Two ceased operations on December 1, 2015, after operating for 12 years. 

Currently, AirAsia serves 511 flights to Kota Kinabalu a week, moving eight million passengers through the Kota Kinabalu Aiport a year. – October 18, 2019.