Image credit: Berita RTM
Sarawak state-owned AirBorneo has officially launched their operations as their first two flights from Kuching International Airport (KIA) departed for Mukah Airport and Tanjung Manis Airport this morning.
AirBorneo was formed after the Sarawak government acquired MASWings from Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) earlier this year, making Sarawak the first state in Malaysia to operate its own airline.
According to the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS), the arrivals are expected to boost domestic air connectivity, particularly along Sarawak’s central coastal region.
Mukah Division Resident Datuk Kueh Lei Poh shared this during the Preparatory Meeting for the First Arrival of AirBorneo Aircraft at the Sarawak Government Administrative Centre in Mukah on Dec 30. The meeting was also attended by Balingian assemblyman Abdul Yakub Arbi and heads of various departments.
The inaugural AirBorneo operations featured two aircraft types arriving on different schedules.
At Mukah Airport, an ATR 72 aircraft departed Kuching International Airport at 8.25am and arrived at 9.20am.
Meanwhile, at Tanjung Manis Airport, a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft left Kuching International Airport at 8.45am and landed at 9.25am.
AirBorneo to expand operations in July 2026
Borneo Post reported that Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the airline is currently operating smaller aircraft as a continuation of the Rural Air Service (RAS) previously managed by MASWings.
He noted that significant changes should not be expected in the short term, adding that AirBorneo would likely need at least two years before it begins servicing major destinations. He made these remarks to reporters after attending a rehearsal for the 2026 New Year’s Eve celebration at the Kuching Waterfront on Monday night.
Dato Sri Abdul Karim explained that AirBorneo was established to strengthen air connectivity and transportation services across Sarawak, though the airline is not anticipated to experience a rapid expansion in operations during its early stages.
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