KUCHING: AirBorneo’s fleet will be boosted and modernised from 2027 when it begins taking delivery of eight new ATR aircraft from the European manufacturer.
The Sarawak state-owned airline earlier this month confirmed a firm order for five ATR 72-600s and three ATR 42-600s in an agreement signed with ATR in Singapore, along with purchase rights for four additional aircraft.
Deliveries are scheduled between 2027 and 2029.
The deal was finalised in late 2025, and the new aircraft is in line with AirBorneo’s long-term fleet renewal programme.
AirBorneo completed the acquisition of MASwings from Malaysia Aviation Group on Jan 1, 2026, and launched its inaugural flight from Kuching to Mukah the next day.
Currently, AirBorneo operates a fleet of 14 aircraft – eight ATR 72-500 turboprops and six Viking Air DHC-6-400 Twin Otters – serving rural air routes in Sarawak, Sabah and Labuan.
Chief executive officer (CEO) Megat Ardian Wira said AirBorneo’s strategic partnership with ATR marks a major milestone in its commitment to delivering reliable, safe and modern air services to the communities it serves.
“Our new ATR 600 fleet will significantly strengthen the rural air services network by offering improved comfort, greater efficiency and the operational capability required for regional connectivity.”
He noted that the ATR platform has consistently proven to be the most suitable aircraft for the airline’s operating environment.
Upgrading to the ATR 600 series ensures AirBorneo can continue providing essential connectivity while preparing for long-term growth, he added.
The ATR 42-600 and ATR 72-600 aircraft, according to the manufacturer, feature advanced avionics, modern navigation technologies and improved cabin comfort.
They are also equipped to support medical stretcher operations and are optimised for reliable services across diverse regional and rural route environments in Borneo.
The mixed fleet will give AirBorneo greater flexibility to right-size capacity across diverse route profiles.
ATR CEO Nathalie Tarnaud Laude said the ATR 42-600, with its exceptional efficiency and low operating costs, is ideally suited for serving lower-density regional routes, while the ATR 72-600 provides additional capacity where needed.
AirBorneo plans to expand operations with the launch of international services in the third quarter of 2026, when it inducts its first jet-powered aircraft.
Megat Ardian said given the near-term timeline, AirBorneo is evaluating ACMI (aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance) leasing solutions.
Initially, the airline is targeting a fleet of three jet aircraft to serve routes to Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore, before later expanding to the wider South-East Asia region.
He said AirBorneo is currently building internal capabilities related to jet operations, including pilot training, maintenance planning and ground-handling processes, before committing to a long-term aircraft type.
The Sarawak government’s investment in AirBorneo is aimed at improving the state’s connectivity with the outside world to boost economic and tourism activities.
