AirBorneo Launch Signals Strategic Boost To Sarawak’s Aviation Connectivity
KUCHING: The official launching of AirBorneo marks a significant milestone in Sarawak’s aviation journey, reinforcing the state’s long-term strategy to strengthen air connectivity and support economic development across urban and rural areas.
Sarawak Transport Minister, Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, said the successful takeover of MASwings on 1 January 2026 and the launch of AirBorneo’s inaugural flights reflect months of coordinated planning and commitment by multiple stakeholders.
He expressed heartfelt appreciation to the dedicated teams involved in the transition process, noting that intensive preparations, frequent coordination meetings and close cooperation among agencies ensured that operations were taken over smoothly and on schedule.
According to him, the launch of AirBorneo represents more than a corporate transition, but a strategic step in strengthening Sarawak’s aviation ecosystem, particularly for a geographically dispersed state that depends heavily on air links.
“For Sarawak, air connectivity is not a luxury, it is a necessity. Aviation plays a vital role in connecting rural and remote communities, supporting trade, tourism, education, healthcare, as well as facilitating business and investment,” he said to the media after the AirBorneo Inaugural Flight Launching Ceremony at VIP Terminal of Kuching International Airport on Friday.
Dato Sri Lee said the Sarawak Government’s decision to establish AirBorneo reflects a development-driven approach, as aviation is known to generate strong multiplier effects through job creation, tourism growth and higher-value economic activities.
Through AirBorneo, he added, the Sarawak Government now owns and operates the former MASwings network, which continues to provide essential rural air services across Sarawak, Sabah and Labuan.
“AirBorneo is different from other airlines. We operate on two aspects. One is the rural air services under public service obligation agreements, and the other is the commercial airline segment. All these aspects will be studied professionally to ensure sustainability in the long run,” he said.
During the transition period, he assured that operations will continue on a business-as-usual basis, with safety, reliability and service continuity remaining top priorities, while the airline balances commercial discipline with its public service mandate.
He added that AirBorneo will progressively expand to selected regional routes based on aircraft availability, market demand, route sustainability and applicable bilateral air service agreements to ensure prudent and sustainable growth.
Also present were Sarawak Secretary and AirBorneo Chairman, Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Deputy Minister for Transport, Datuk Dr Jerip Susil, Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and UKAS), Datuk Abdullah Saidol, Sarawak Financial Secretary, Dato Sri Dr Wan Lizozman Wan Omar, Sarawak Attorney General, Dato Sri Saferi Ali, Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Economic Planning and Development), Dato Sri Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel, Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Transport Sarawak, Datu Wong Hee Sieng, and other distinguished guests.-UKASnews
