There were many calls by the state governments of Sabah and Sarawak to Malaysia Airlines previously to have more international flights operating out from the airports in the two states. There were some sectors such as Kuching - Perth and Kota Kinabalu - Hong Kong but lately, after the restructuring, some of these international sectors were taken off or reduced in capacity. Apparently, business was not good enough.

Not for Fly Asian Express (FAX) though. This airline, which has just secured rights to fly to international destinations (prior to this, they are operating the internal flights in Sabah and Sarawak having taken over from Malaysia Airlines) is now considering Miri as a regional base for flights to East Asean zone if commercially viable. The state capital cities of Kuching and Kota Kinabalu is also being considered to be the East Malaysian international hub beginning with flights to China.

It would be good to have FAX give Malaysia Airlines a run for their money and to prove them wrong.