Sarawak-owned AirBorneo has commenced its expansion into regional markets with new services to Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, while reaffirming its commitment to maintaining vital rural air connectivity across Sarawak and Sabah.
AirBorneo Airways has embarked on a new chapter in its growth strategy by expanding beyond East Malaysia with commercial services to key regional destinations, while continuing to provide essential rural air services across Sarawak and Sabah. The Sarawak government-owned airline officially launched its inaugural Kuching–Kuala Lumpur flight on 20 July, marking the beginning of its broader commercial operations and strengthening connectivity between East and Peninsular Malaysia.
Speaking at a press conference following the inaugural flight, Sarawak Premier Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Johari Tun Openg announced that AirBorneo will launch its first international service between Kuching and Singapore on 22 July in conjunction with Sarawak Day, with flights to Jakarta expected to commence within the next two months. Looking ahead, the airline plans to expand its network to additional ASEAN cities, reinforcing economic cooperation, trade and people-to-people ties between Sarawak and neighbouring countries, particularly Singapore and Indonesia.
The expansion follows the Sarawak government’s acquisition of MASwings, enabling AirBorneo to retain its responsibility for serving rural communities in the interior regions of Sarawak and Sabah while developing a commercially viable network beyond the two states. The airline’s inaugural arrival at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1 was welcomed by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, alongside Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, and Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Hasbi Habibollah.
As part of its customer-focused strategy, AirBorneo aims to make air travel more affordable, particularly for students and families travelling between Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak. During its first six months of operations, the airline will offer fixed promotional fares of RM375 for the Kuching–Kuala Lumpur route and RM399 for flights between Kuching and Singapore. Over the longer term, AirBorneo also plans to introduce services to East Asia within the next one to two years, supporting Sarawak’s ambition to become a regional hub for renewable energy investment and low-carbon industries through enhanced air connectivity.
Source: BERNAMA
