Citing Sabah's strategic geographical location, Parti Warisan Sabah wants the state to be an airline hub when it comes into power.

Warisan vice-president Junz Wong believes that Sabah would benefit particularly in the tourism and service industries if it becomes a hub for airlines such as AirAsia X.

“I remember AirAsia founder Tony Fernandes had said that he would be more than willing to invest money in Sabah to build a new low-cost carrier terminal (LCCT) and make Sabah the hub for AirAsia X.

“Unfortunately, we lost that opportunity when the current Sabah government chose to comply with the federal Transport Ministry, and allowed AirAsia to transfer its operations to the current Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA), instead of allowing it to continue its operations at terminal two,” Wong said in a statement today.

The Likas assemblyperson believes that the Sabah state government should take back KKIA's management from Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB).

"However, if that is not possible, then the Warisan Sabah government will build our own Sabah airport which we would have full control, supported by a professional body.

A new airport catering to bigger aircraft would even persuade Fernandes (photo) and other low-cost carriers to build their hubs in Sabah, said Wong, adding that Kimanis could be a perfect spot for this.

"Having a second airport can only be healthy for Sabah tourism as we can always have a contingency plan for our busy city, and it will also encourage healthy competition."

The Warisan government, he said, can enter into a joint venture with AirAsia by building its own Sabah airport and can enjoy an increase in state revenue from the airport tax just like Senai Airport in Johor Bharu.

"I would propose that the state government gets 40 percent of shares," he said, forecasting RM62.8 million in state revenue which can be collected.

This, he added, would be a win-win situation for both AirAsia and Sabah, with Sabah tourism coming out as the biggest winner.

"I stress that we should not allow Sabah tourism which is one of our top four gross domestic product contributors to be manipulated or decided by the federal ministry or MAHB.

"If the federal ministry doesn't respond on when the new airport will be built, the Warisan Sabah government will push for a privatisation proposal.

“We could still convince Fernandes to make his dream come true of making Kota Kinabalu the hub for AirAsia X because compared to Bali, we are in the middle of all flight routes," added Wong.