KUCHING: Sarawak-owned airline AirBorneo is expected to operate flights using other aircraft to various destinations including Peninsular Malaysia and nearby regions after July 2026.

Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said that AirBorneo is currently still using small aircraft which is an extension of the Rural Air Service (RAS) previously operated by MASWings.

"So, we cannot see a major change within one month because it needs to be given at least two years for us to be able to arrive at the big destinations," he said.

He said this when met by reporters during the rehearsal session of the 2026 New Year's Eve Celebration at the Kuching Waterfront on Monday.

Dato Sri Abdul Karim added that the presence of AirBorneo aimed to increase air transport services in Sarawak, although the airline is facing difficulties in seeing a direct surge during the initial operation period.

The Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development expressed confidence in the capabilities of AirBorneo, especially with Kuching also being chosen as one of the launch venues for Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) 2026 which will be launched this Thursday.

He also announced that AirBorneo will be officially launched this Friday. -UKASnews

Reporter: Ahmad Daniel Faiz
Photographer: Muhammad Rais Sanusi
Translator: Nerissa Sia