SARAWAK-owned carrier AirBorneo has officially begun selling flight tickets following the launch of its website on December 10, with commercial travel scheduled to commence on January 14, 2026, signalling a major milestone in the state’s ambitions to establish its presence in commercial aviation.
Initial checks by Business Times show that AirBorneo’s early network focuses primarily on domestic routes within Sarawak and Sabah, operating turboprop aircraft under the Rural Air Services framework.
Ticket pricing reflects a tiered structure, with the RAS Basic fare for a return Economy Class flight from Kuching to Bintulu, departing on February 6 and returning on February 13, 2026, set at RM504 for one adult.
This fare includes 7kg of hand luggage, two pieces of checked baggage with a combined weight of 10kg, but excludes meals and seat selection. Flight changes incur penalties of up to RM50 per passenger, while refunds carry a RM120 fee.
The RAS Flex fare offers slightly more flexibility, with the outbound leg on February 6 priced at RM288 one-way, compared with RM285 for the Basic fare.
On the return leg, the Flex fare allows flight changes without penalty and refunds for a reduced RM20 fee, while maintaining identical baggage allowances and onboard inclusions.
AirBorneo’s launch is part of a broader strategy by the Sarawak government to expand the airline’s role beyond domestic connectivity.
According to The Borneo Post, the carrier intends to introduce direct flights between Sarawak and Singapore, a move anticipated to stimulate tourism and enhance regional mobility.
Singapore’s Minister for Social and Family Development, Masagos Zulkifli, has emphasised that such services would improve travel options and tourism opportunities.
Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has revealed that AirBorneo plans to introduce jet operations by July 2026, representing a significant expansion from turboprop services. Two international destinations under consideration are Singapore and Jeju Island in South Korea.
Aviation analyst Brendan Sobie of Sobie Aviation Pte Ltd advised that smaller narrowbody aircraft, such as the Airbus A220 or Embraer E2, would be more appropriate for AirBorneo’s initial jet operations, providing sufficient range for destinations across Asia and parts of Australia.
“A320s and Boeing 737s are also possible based on requirements, but I think in this case smaller aircraft are better. Ultimately, it could depend more on availability than anything else, given the tight supply in the market due to delivery delays and supply chain constraints,” he said.
Sobie also noted that competition on jet routes would be challenging, as AirBorneo would need heavy subsidies on rural turboprop services while competing against established carriers such as AirAsia and Malaysia Airlines on larger routes.
“I think Sarawak has underestimated the impact that launching a subsidised airline will have on existing players, and their traffic forecasts for Kuching, Miri, Bintulu and Sibu should take this into account,” he said.
AirBorneo, a rebranded entity of MASWings, was established following Sarawak’s acquisition of the airline from Malaysia Aviation Group under a sale and purchase agreement signed on February 12.
The airline has appointed Megat Ardian Wira Mohd Aminuddin, formerly chief aviation and strategy officer at Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd, as its CEO.
Details on the full fleet and route strategy remain undisclosed, although Abang Johari has expressed ambitions for AirBorneo to emulate the success of Dubai-based Emirates.
This launch represents a strategic step for Sarawak in developing both domestic air connectivity and future international routes, setting the stage for what the state envisions as a sustainable and competitive aviation presence in the region. - December 18, 2025
