SINGAPORE: Sarawak state-owned airline AirBorneo Airways expects strong demand for its newly launched first international route between Kuching and Singapore, following the inaugural flight on July 22.
Its chief executive officer Megat Ardian Wira Mohd Aminuddin said the airline is optimistic about its new jet operation, highlighting that it has received encouraging response from Singaporeans for the Kuching-Singapore route, particularly ahead of the upcoming festive seasons.
He attributed the positive response primarily to the airline's affordable fares, which start from RM399 for an all-in, one-way economy seat, and RM871 for business class.
"Although we just opened for sales on July 13, we have seen very good response for next year's Chinese New Year period.
"We are seeing very good demand coming in, and we had a very good inaugural flight yesterday with smooth operations," he told Bernama after a media briefing on Thursday.
The inaugural AirBorneo flight MY363 departed Kuching on Wednesday at 6.50pm and arrived in Changi Airport at 8.04pm, while the return flight MY364 departed Singapore at 9.27pm and arrived in Kuching at 10.36pm.
Launched in conjunction with the Sarawak Day celebration, AirBorneo’s first international route milestone reflects Sarawak’s continued growth and shared vision of positioning the state as a dynamic gateway to the region.
According to Megat Ardian, the new route marks the beginning of AirBorneo's international expansion as it continues to grow its network strategically across the region.
"Singapore is a natural choice for our first international destination, reflecting the strong connectivity and close economic ties between Sarawak and one of the region’s key aviation and commercial hubs.
"We look forward to connecting Sarawak with more destinations, strengthening regional connectivity and supporting the state’s long-term growth,” he added.
AirBorneo will operate daily flights between Kuching and Singapore.
Elaborating, Megat Ardian said the airline will look at increasing frequencies, expected to begin by the end of this year.
"Once we get a few more aircraft, that is where we ramp up to double daily, and also maybe by the first quarter next year, we will see a third daily flight," he said. - Bernama
