Sarawak, Netherlands explore strategic partnership for proposed New Kuching International Airport
KUCHING (July 3): Sarawak and the Netherlands are exploring broader areas of collaboration in airport design, operations, and sustainable aviation practices, particularly in relation to the proposed New Kuching International Airport (NKIA).
Both parties engaged in meaningful discussions on the future of Sarawak's aviation sector during a meeting today, with a particular focus on the NKIA project.
The meeting also formally introduced Netherlands Airport Consultants (NACO), recently appointed as the Lead Consultant for the NKIA feasibility study.
The Dutch delegation, led by the Netherlands' Ambassador to Malaysia, His Excellency Jacques Werner, included representatives from the Dutch aviation industry.
They paid a courtesy visit to Sarawak Transport Minister, Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, at his office.
The feasibility study, conducted in partnership with local consultant Jurutera Jasa (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd, is expected to be completed within nine months.
It will cover critical components including site evaluation, airspace analysis, demand forecasting, environmental and social impact assessments, economic and financial analysis, preliminary concept planning, and regulatory compliance.
Lee warmly welcomed the Dutch delegation and expressed appreciation for the Netherlands' continued involvement in Sarawak's infrastructure development, especially in the aviation sector.
'The development of a new international airport is crucial to supporting Sarawak's long-term economic growth and enhancing regional connectivity.
'We are pleased to work with experienced international partners such as NACO to ensure this project is guided by global standards and best practices,' he said in a statement after the meeting.
The visit also marks a strengthening of bilateral ties between Sarawak and the Netherlands, underscoring the importance of international collaboration in advancing the state's aerospace development and related industries.
With over 75 years of experience, NACO has delivered more than 700 airport projects worldwide, including major international hubs such as Changi (Singapore), Incheon (South Korea), Hamad (Qatar), Frankfurt (Germany), and Amsterdam Schiphol (Netherlands).
NACO's extensive expertise in airport planning, engineering, and operations positions it as a strategic partner in realising Sarawak's aviation ambitions.
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