KUCHING: The Sarawak-owned airline is expected to commence operations in 2025, announced Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Abang Openg.

He stated that the process of acquiring MASwings Sdn Bhd by the Sarawak government is also expected to be finalised by the end of this year.

He said the acquisition has been agreed upon in principle by the Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom), the Ministry of Transport, and the Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG).

"The current focus is on discussing the technical aspects of the acquisition. I expect it to be concluded by August or, at the latest, by year end. We will have our own airline by 2025.

"The airline's name has been decided, but we cannot announce it yet," he told reporters after his Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching, here on Thursday.

On Nov 23 last year, Sarawak Deputy Minister of Transport Datuk Dr Jerip Susil revealed that the Sarawak state government was conducting a due diligence on MASwings in preparation for the acquisition.

He added that negotiations were also ongoing with MAG and Khazanah Nasional Bhd to purchase shares in MASwings.