SINGAPORE: AirBorneo and ATR today announced a strategic partnership to modernise Malaysia’s Rural Air Services (RAS) fleet.

According to a statement, the Sarawak-owned airline confirmed a firm order for eight ATR aircraft comprising five ATR 72-600s and three ATR 42-600s, with purchase rights for four additional aircraft.

The aircraft deliveries are scheduled between 2027 and 2029.

Witnessing the signing of the agreement in Singapore were Sarawak Secretary and AirBorneo Chairman Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki as well as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ATR Nathalie Tarnaud Laude.

Also present were the AirBorneo Board of Directors comprising 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, Deputy Sarawak Financial Secretary Datu Hasmawati Sapawi and the AirBorneo management team.

“The agreement marks a significant milestone in AirBorneo’s transformation into Sarawak’s state-owned airline and its assumption of responsibility for the RAS network — a vital public service that connects remote and underserved communities across Sarawak, Sabah and Labuan.

“Finalised in late 2025, the order supports AirBorneo’s long-term fleet renewal strategy following the acquisition of MASwings by the Sarawak Government in 2025 and its subsequent rebranding as AirBorneo.

“The airline currently operates eight ATR 72-500 aircraft inherited from MASwings. The new-generation ATR–600 series will form the backbone of a safer, more efficient and more resilient RAS operation for East Malaysia,” the statement said.

The introduction of the ATR 42-600 and ATR 72-600 aircraft will enable AirBorneo to enhance passenger experience, operational reliability and service capability.

The aircraft feature advanced avionics, modern navigation technologies and improved cabin comfort, while also equipped to support medical stretcher operations and are optimised for reliable operations across diverse regional and rural route environments in Borneo.

“The mixed fleet gives AirBorneo greater flexibility to right-size capacity across diverse route profiles, while benefitting from the strong commonality of the ATR family.

“The agreement also includes four purchase rights, offering future growth options beyond the RAS network, including potential regional expansion within the Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area,” it stated.

In the same statement, CEO of AirBorneo Megat Ardian said the partnership with ATR marks a major milestone in the airline’s commitment to delivering reliable, safe and modern air services for the community.

“Our new ATR-600 fleet will significantly strengthen the Rural Air Services network by offering improved comfort, greater efficiency and the operational capability needed for regional connectivity in East Malaysia.

“The ATR platform has consistently proven to be the most suitable planes for our operating environment and upgrading to the latest 600 series ensures we can continue providing essential connectivity while preparing AirBorneo for long-term growth,” he added.

Meanwhile, Nathalie said AirBorneo’s decision to invest in both the ATR 72-600 and ATR 42-600 reflects the strength and versatility of the ATR family and its suitability for demanding regional operations.

According to her, the ATR 42-600, with its exceptional efficiency and low operating costs, is ideally suited for serving lower-density regional routes, while the ATR 72-600 provides additional capacity where it is needed.

“We are proud to partner with AirBorneo in strengthening reliable air connectivity across Borneo and the wider region,” she said. -UKASnews