KUCHING: Sarawak has tested its short take-off and landing (STOL) airport at Bebuling, Spaoh in Betong division with the successful landing and take off of an aircraft carrying Deputy Premier Datuk Douglas Uggah on Friday (Sept 18).
The successful trial flight of the RM248.03mil STOLport will pave the way for further discussions on its commercial operations, including the commencement of scheduled passenger flights, the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) reported Uggah as saying.
Uggah said the date for commercial flights had yet to be determined and would be decided after further discussions with the relevant authorities and parties.
“In practical terms, the trial flight has been completed and went smoothly. We are very pleased that today we were able to see this airport being used,” he said.
The STOLport has a 1.119km long runway and is capable of handling small aircraft like the Hornbill Skyways Beechcraft King Air that Uggah flew in for the test, the report stated.
It did not, however, state which model was used in the test flight.
Hornbill Skyways currently operates three Beechcraft King Air aircraft – two King Air 350i and one Super King Air B200GT.
Both types can safely land at Bebuling.
Uggah said the facility was expected to play a wider role beyond passenger transport, with potential to serve as a cargo handling hub supporting agricultural and industrial activities in the surrounding areas.
He said a packaging centre was located in front of the terminal, while an Agro Park covering about 1,000 hectares was situated behind it.
“This gives us great potential to bring agricultural produce to external markets,” he said.
The STOLport's strategic importance would also be enhanced by the completion of the Batang Lupar II Bridge, which is expected to shorten travel time between areas in Batang Lupar and Betong.
Uggah said the facility could also open up a new gateway for tourists visiting attractions in Betong and surrounding areas, including the replica of Rentap's Fort at Bukit Sadok, century-old longhouses and tourism products in Kabong and Batang Ai.
The flight from Kuching takes about 15 minutes, compared to three hours by road to Betong.
Uggah said the STOLport would only begin full commercial operations after complying with all the safety requirements.
He said regulations and standard operating procedures had been established to ensure flight safety, while firefighting facilities had also been provided at the airport.
Further discussions on safety, operations and maintenance will be held before the licensing and commercial-operation processes are finalised.
“When the Premier (Tun Abang Johari Tun Openg) first announced the construction of this airport, we wondered what it would be used for. But today it has become clear that this facility can drive economic activity and production, and benefit the community,” he said.
