KUCHING: AirBorneo, which takes to the sky on Jan 1, 2026, targets to commence jet operation in July next year.
The jet aircraft service will enable the state-owned airline to expand its connectivity to international destinations, like Singapore, according to Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said AirBorneo is also considering flying to South Korea, especially Jeju Island, which is a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) geopark.
The idea is to connect geoparks across regions, linking Sarawak’s Unesco-recognised geopark with Jeju.
On Feb 12, 2025, the Sarawak government inked a sale and purchase agreement with Malaysia Aviation Group to formalise the acquisition of MASWings Sdn Bhd.
This led to the establishment of AirBorneo, which will begin its operation with the existing rural air services (RAS) in Sarawak, Sabah and Federal Terrority of Labuan, once the takeover is completed by Dec 31.
All existing MASwings employees will be absorbed by AirBorneo to ensure no disruption to RAS in a smooth transition.
Two aircraft – an ATR 72-500 and a Twin Otter – will start to fly with AirBorneo’s logo and livery in January, with the remaining aircraft to change the livery over the next six months, said Sarawak Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin.
MASwings currently owns and operates a fleet of 14 aircraft – eight ATR 72-500 and six DHC-6-400 Twin Otter – and serves 23 destinations in East Malaysia.
Abang Johari said AirBorneo will operate on a distinctive model designed to meet Sarawak’s needs and to support the state’s growing tourism and cultural sectors, pointing out that the existing high airline ticket prices have been a challenge to some foreigners wishing to visit Sarawak.
Currently, Sarawak lacks direct air connectivity to overseas destinations, and the costly airfares are seen as a discouragement for foreigners to visit the Land of the Hornbills.
AirBorneo has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining “fair and reasonably priced” airfares across its RAS network.
“There has been no increase in fares on any AirBorneo routes compared to the MASwings’ fares, and the rationale of the RAS agreement is to maintain fares at reasonable prices that balance accessibility and operational sustainability,” the new airline said in a press statement when launching its booking website last week.
Travellers can book their tickets through its website beginning Jan 14.
Within Sarawak, the RAS service currently operates an average of 684 weekly flights connecting major towns and rural areas, including the highlands in the northern region.
AirBorneo said it will continue to engage with the federal government to explore other options to secure the best possible fares for travellers in Sarawak and Sabah.
“Any fare adjustments will be made once a new RAS agreement is mutually agreed with the federal government.
“For non-RAS routes to be launched in the future, AirBorneo is developing an affordable pricing strategy which enables the airline to consider its costs while delivering excellent value, connectivity, reliability and punctuality to the people of Sarawak, Sabah and Labuan,” it added.
Lee said, subject to market conditions and aircraft availability, AirBorneo has plans to expand to service international routes.
He said Sarawak has strengthened its international connectivity with the recent launch of 9Air’s Haikou (China)-Kuching scheduled charter service and Loong Air’s Shenzhen (China)-Kuching charter flights.
Lee said Sarawak currently receives 51 weekly international flights and an average of 551 weekly domestic flights from other states in Malaysia.
Last week, Batik Air launched its inaugural Kota Kinabalu to Kuching flight.
During January to September 2025, Sarawak recorded 112,625 aircraft movements and about 9.07 million passengers, up 15% from the same period last year.
