26-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Dutch firm appointed lead foreign consultant for new Kuching International Airport
KUCHING: The Sarawak government has appointed the Dutch firm, NACO Netherlands Airport Consultants, as the lead consultant for the feasibility study of the new Kuching International Airport.
State Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin, in announcing the appointment today, said NACO will work with Jurutera Jasa (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd, the local consultant in the study.
Lee said the collaboration between a foreign consultant with more than 75 years of global experience in aviation consultancy that has left it's footprints in over 700 airport projects worldwide, and a local consultant that has vast local knowledge, brings together "world-class international expertise and vital local knowledge for a comprehensive and high-quality study".
He said with their combined expertise, he hoped it would lead to a "robust, high-impact feasibility study aligned with Sarawak's vision of developing a modern, future-ready, and sustainable international airport".
The study is expected to be completed within nine months.
On the appointment, Lee said NACO was appointed following a procurement process conducted in full compliance with established regulations and governance standards.
He added that the selection was based on a thorough evaluation of technical qualifications, financial proposals and relevant experience "to ensure the consultant's ability to fulfil Sarawak's strategic aviation development objectives."
NACO, he added, is renowned for excellence in airport planning, engineering, and operations, it is a world-leading firm in the development of aviation infrastructure and aerotropolis.
The Hague-based firm has played an instrumental role in the development and expansion of globally acclaimed airports such as Hamad International Airport in Doha, Changi Airport in Singapore, Incheon International Airport in South Korea, Frankfurt Airport in Germany, and Amsterdam Schiphol Airport back in it's home country the Netherlands.
Jurutera Jasa, on the other hand, has extensive experience in delivering numerous consultancy projects across Sarawak.
That, Lee said, brings with it a deep understanding of Sarawak's infrastructure landscape, operational environment and technical requirements.
Lee also said the study will include the
assessment and verification of potential airport sites based on technical, operational, environmental and strategic criteria, followed by a detailed analysis of the preferred site to determine long-term viability and sustainability.
"The study's scope covers site selection and airspace review, environmental and social impact assessments, demand forecasting and market analysis, economic and financial feasibility, transport connectivity and land use planning, preliminary concept planning with an emphasis on climate resilience, stakeholder engagement, and regulatory compliance."
"This project marks a pivotal milestone in Sarawak's long-term aviation strategy, enabling aerotropolis development and creating new economic opportunities," Lee said.
