SARAWAK’S state-owned airline, AirBorneo, is targeting the launch of services connecting East Malaysia with Peninsular Malaysia within this year, with plans to expand to regional destinations across Southeast Asia from 2027.
Sarawak Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the expansion would be carried out in phases, depending on aircraft availability, regulatory requirements and approvals from the airline’s board of directors.
“At present, AirBorneo is still operating within Sarawak, Sabah and Labuan, continuing the Rural Air Services that were previously operated by MASwings. When larger aircraft arrive, the main focus will be on connecting Sabah, Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia, including Kuala Lumpur,” he said at a press conference after receiving a courtesy call from AirBorneo’s management in Kuching today.
Abdul Karim said the airline currently operates a fleet of eight ATR aircraft and six Twin Otter planes, which are well suited for rural and short-haul routes but inadequate for longer-distance services.
“Within the next year, at least three jet aircraft are being planned, subject to board approval and aircraft availability,” he said.
Subject to operational readiness, Abdul Karim said AirBorneo could begin serving regional destinations such as Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore and the Philippines from 2027, before considering broader expansion in subsequent phases.
He added that AirBorneo is being positioned as a strategic infrastructure asset for Sarawak, with its success measured by economic and tourism impact rather than profitability alone.
Meanwhile, AirBorneo chief executive officer Megat Ardian Wira Mohd Aminuddin said the airline’s management is in the process of finalising its network and fleet plans, which will be presented to the board in stages.
“Our priority is to serve the community, strengthen regional connectivity and build a strong and sustainable airline, with Sarawak as the core of our development,” he said. - January 20, 2026
