Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof welcomed AirBorneo Airways’ first flight from Kuching to KLIA, marking Sarawak’s entry into the commercial jet era.
SEPANG: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof welcomed AirBorneo Airways inaugural flight from Kuching to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1 here today.
On board flight MY5005 were Premier of Sarawak Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, along with Sarawak state ministers and distinguished guests.
AirBorneo chairman Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki said the inaugural flight between Kuching and Kuala Lumpur marks an important milestone for Sarawak and AirBorneo, the Sarawak state-owned airline.
“It reflects our commitment to strengthening connectivity, expanding opportunities and supporting Sarawak’s long-term economic aspirations. Aviation connectivity is central to Sarawak’s future. It is an economic lifeline that connects people, supports businesses and creates opportunities for our people,” he said here today.
Mohamad Abu Bakar, who is also Sarawak state secretary, said the inaugural commercial flight marks not only a major milestone in Sarawak’s long journey to strengthen control over its own air connectivity, but also AirBorneo’s entry into the commercial jet era with the introduction of two wet-leased Boeing 737-800 aircraft.
Also present at KLIA were Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri and Deputy Transport Minister (MOT) Datuk Hasbi Habibollah.
Meanwhile, AirBorneo chief executive officer Megat Ardian Mohd Aminuddin said that the launch is an important turning point for AirBorneo as they embark on the next phase of growth.
“Our priority remains to deliver safe, reliable and high-quality service while continuously enhancing the travel experience for our passengers. We are grateful for the support and confidence shown by our customers, partners and stakeholders as we build AirBorneo for the years ahead,” he said.
From July 21, 2026, AirBorneo will operate twice daily flights between Kuching and Kuala Lumpur.
AirBorneo has begun selling tickets for its Kuching–Kuala Lumpur flights, with one-way fares set at RM375 for Economy Class and starting at RM736 for Business Class.
The Kuching–Kuala Lumpur route marks the beginning of AirBorneo’s domestic network expansion.
The airline will continue to strengthen connectivity by progressively expanding its network, with Singapore set to become its first international destination.
