Kuala lumpur: AirBorneo Airways will expand its operations to several destinations across ASEAN while maintaining its responsibility to provide rural air services in Sarawak and Sabah.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg announced that the airline, owned by the Sarawak government, will launch its inaugural Kuching-Singapore flight on July 22 in conjunction with Sarawak Day, followed by Jakarta within the next two months. AirBorneo also plans to expand its flight network to other ASEAN cities to strengthen economic ties and people-to-people connectivity across the region.
"AirBorneo aspires to provide services within ASEAN cities, thereby strengthening economic relations among ASEAN member states, particularly Indonesia, Singapore, and neighbouring countries with Sarawak," he said at a press conference held in conjunction with AirBorneo's inaugural flight from Kuching to Kuala Lumpur.
He added that the Sarawak government's acquisition of MASwings enables AirBorneo to continue providing rural air services in the interior regions of Sarawak and Sabah, while also expanding its operations as a commercial airline beyond the two states.
Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof welcomed the arrival of AirBorneo Airways' inaugural flight from Kuching at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1. Flight MY5005 carried Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, members of the Sarawak state cabinet, and other distinguished guests.
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 Datuk Hasbi Habibollah.
The Sarawak Premier expressed gratitude for the federal government's approval, particularly from the Ministry of Transport, which enabled AirBorneo to expand its operations beyond Sabah and Sarawak. He noted that the Kuching-Kuala Lumpur route marks the beginning of AirBorneo's journey as a commercial airline, describing it as a gift to the people of Sarawak and Malaysia in conjunction with the Sarawak Day celebrations.
AirBorneo is also working to stabilise airfares between Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak to make travel more affordable, easing the financial burden on students pursuing their studies in both regions and their families.
During its first six months of operations, AirBorneo will focus on offering affordable fares, with fixed rates of RM375 for the Kuching-Kuala Lumpur route and RM399 for the Kuching-Singapore route.
Abang Johari stated that AirBorneo plans to launch routes to East Asia within the next one to two years, while rural air services will continue to be provided as part of the airline's responsibility, with other routes operated on a commercial basis.
On the airline's long-term objectives, he said Sarawak aims to become a hub for renewable energy investment and low-carbon industries, supported by an air network that will drive the economic growth of both the state and the nation.
When asked about AirBorneo's capital expenditure over the next five years, he mentioned that the amount is still being calculated. "I cannot disclose it at this time because we are still working out the figures. However, I am confident that the Singapore and Kuala Lumpur routes have been finalised, while the other routes are still being evaluated," he added.