By PAUL MU
KUALA LUMPUR: Sabah aims to strengthen its strategic partnership with AirAsia to improve air connectivity and support the continued growth of the state’s tourism industry.
The initiative is part of the Sabah Government’s efforts to improve access to the state, increase visitor arrivals and support preparations for the Visit Sabah 2027 campaign.
To advance this goal, Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin paid a courtesy visit to AirAsia Malaysia Chief Executive Officer Datuk Captain Fareh Mazputra at the airline’s headquarters here.
Also present was the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Datuk Josie Lai.
The meeting focused on improving domestic and international air connectivity to Sabah, recognising that better access is key to sustaining tourism growth and supporting the state’s economy.
Jafry thanked AirAsia for its long-standing role as one of Sabah’s key aviation partners, connecting the state with major domestic and international destinations.
“Air connectivity is the lifeline of tourism. A strong partnership between the Sabah Government and AirAsia is essential to expand travel opportunities, increase visitor arrivals and strengthen Sabah’s position as one of the region’s leading tourism destinations,” he said.
The discussion also covered increasing flight frequencies, exploring new routes, expanding joint destination marketing and supporting preparations for the Visit Sabah 2027 campaign.
Jafry reaffirmed the Sabah Government’s commitment to working closely with industry stakeholders, including airline partners, to improve accessibility, attract tourism investment and create more economic opportunities for local communities.
He also thanked AirAsia for its continued confidence in Sabah and expressed hope that the partnership would deliver long-term benefits for both the aviation and tourism sectors.
Jafry and Fareh (second left and right), exchanging souvenirs during the courtesy visit.
