Singapore: AirBorneo is eyeing an expansion of its operations with additional capacity and routes, as it plans to introduce jet-engine operations in the second half of 2026. Its chief executive officer, Megat Ardian Wira Mohd Aminuddin, said the airline intends to offer services to regional cities, including ASEAN destinations and domestic points, with its jet operations. According to BERNAMA News Agency, Megat Ardian stated that AirBorneo is expected to commence jet operations through an aircraft leasing arrangement, as it is currently unable to place orders for the aircraft. The airline is currently working on regulatory approvals and preparing for the arrival of the aircraft. Preparations include developing products and services to be offered on board, as well as managing ground handling, flight operations, engineering, and commercial readiness for network, revenue management, and sales. The airline's long-term strategy is to establish an operational network that connects major cities to its rural and re gional network. The reciprocal flying network aims to attract tourists and other travelers into Kuching and disperse them throughout the rural air services (RAS) network. Megat Ardian noted that tourists will visit communities like Bario and Mulu, while residents from other regions will travel to Kuching, thus facilitating expansion using both turboprops and jet aircraft. On February 3, AirBorneo entered into an agreement with aircraft manufacturer ATR to order eight aircraft, consisting of five ATR 72-600s and three ATR 42-600s, with deliveries scheduled between 2027 and 2029. The new-generation ATR-600 series will enhance the efficiency and resilience of RAS operations for East Malaysia. The delivery of the new aircraft will follow a 2-4-2 sequence, starting in the third quarter of 2027. The new ATR aircraft are intended to replace the existing ATRs, which will continue to operate on the same routes, as no new airports are planned. Since commencing operations on January 2, AirBorneo currently operates 14 aircraft, including eight ATRs and six Twin Otters, flying to 23 destinations. The airline has carried approximately 53,000 passengers in January since taking over operations from Malaysia Airlines Group.