Sarawak’s AirBorneo plans to start flights to Peninsular Malaysia in 2024, with regional expansion to Southeast Asia targeted for 2027.
KUCHING: Sarawak-owned airline AirBorneo intends to start flights linking East Malaysia with Peninsular Malaysia as early as this year. The airline’s expansion will be implemented in phases, in line with fleet availability and regulatory approvals.
Sarawak Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said priority will be given to connecting Sabah, Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia. “Once the bigger aircraft come in, priority will be given to connecting Sabah, Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia, such as Kuala Lumpur,” he said.
He explained that operating beyond Sarawak requires larger aircraft, a move already part of the airline’s plan with set quarterly timelines. The airline currently operates eight ATR and six Twin Otter aircraft, which are sufficient for rural services but not for longer routes.
“For the next one year, at least three jet aircraft are in the pipeline, subject to board approval and aircraft availability,” Abdul Karim added. Subject to operational readiness, AirBorneo could begin expanding to regional Southeast Asian destinations from 2027.
Potential destinations include Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore and the Philippines, with wider expansion considered in later phases. The airline is being positioned as strategic infrastructure for Sarawak, with returns measured through broader economic impact rather than profitability alone.
AirBorneo chief executive officer Megat Ardian Wira Mohd Aminuddin said management is finalising its network and fleet plans for board approval. “Our priorities are to serve the community, strengthen regional connectivity and build a resilient and sustainable airline, with Sarawak at its heart,” he said.
He added that further public engagement would follow once plans are more firm and approved by the board. The airline currently operates the Rural Air Services (RAS) within Sarawak, Sabah and Labuan, previously run by MASwings.
