KUCHING: Sarawak's own airline, AirBorneo, will replace its existing ATR fleet with new aircraft when the current lease period ends, says state Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin.
He said AirBorneo would take over MASwings Sdn Bhd's existing fleet following Sarawak's acquisition of the airline from Malaysia Aviation Group to ensure uninterrupted operations, especially for rural air services.
"We must maintain these services, so all the existing aircraft will be used under lease," he told reporters after announcing a Hari Raya road safety campaign on Wednesday (March 12).
MASwings' fleet includes eight ATR 72-500 and six DHC-6-400 Twin Otter aircraft. The Twin Otters serve rural air service routes, flying to 11 STOLports (short take-off and landing) from Miri.
Lee said arrangements would be made to acquire new ATR 72-600 aircraft to replace the existing ATR fleet as its lease expires in two years' time.
However, he said no decision had been made so far on replacing the Twin Otter aircraft.
Lee also said AirBorneo would look into acquiring jet aircraft to fly regional routes once it has obtained the necessary approvals and licences.
"At the moment, we are looking into leasing possibilities and doing some groundwork. We are still in the process of getting approval for the airline's change of name and other regulatory approvals," he said.
The Sarawak government formalised its acquisition of MASwings on Feb 12, rebranding it as AirBorneo. AirBorneo is expected to commence operations in the first quarter of next year.
