KUCHING: The Ambassador of the Netherlands to Malaysia, Jacques Werner led a delegation of Dutch aviation industry representatives on a courtesy visit to Sarawak Minister for Transport, Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin at his office, here on Wednesday.

The meeting centred on the future of aviation development in Sarawak, with particular emphasis on the proposed new international airport in Kuching.

Both parties exchanged views on advancing the region’s aviation infrastructure to meet growing regional and international demands.

According to a statement, Dato Sri Lee welcomed the delegation and expressed appreciation for the Netherlands’ longstanding interest in Sarawak’s development especially in the aviation sector.

One of the meeting’s key highlights was the introduction of Netherlands Airport Consultants (NACO), a globally recognised Dutch aviation consultancy firm appointed as the Lead Consultant for the New Kuching International Airport Feasibility Study.

The study, undertaken in partnership with local firm Jurutera Jasa (Sarawak) Sdn. Bhd., is expected to be completed within nine months.

“The development of a new international airport is a critical step in supporting Sarawak’s long-term economic growth and strengthening regional connectivity.

“We are pleased to collaborate with an internationally experienced firm like NACO to ensure the project is guided by world-class standards and best practices,” said Dato Sri Lee in the statement.

The feasibility study encompasses site evaluation, airspace analysis, passenger and cargo demand forecasting, environmental and social impact assessments, economic and financial analysis, preliminary concept planning, and regulatory compliance.

With more than 75 years of experience, NACO has delivered over 700 airport development projects worldwide, including major hubs such as Singapore Changi, Incheon in South Korea, Doha Hamad, Frankfurt, and Amsterdam Schiphol.

Their extensive track record in airport planning, engineering, and operations positions them as a key strategic partner for Sarawak.

The meeting also explored wider avenues for cooperation, including airport design, operational efficiency, and sustainable aviation solutions, all aligned with Sarawak’s ambition to become a regional logistics and transportation hub through its aerotropolis strategy.

This engagement marks another step forward in strengthening bilateral ties between Sarawak and the Netherlands and highlights the importance of international partnerships in shaping the state’s aviation and aerospace future.

Also present was Sarawak Deputy Minister for Transport, Datuk Dr. Jerip Susil. -UKASnews