KUCHING: AirBorneo has carried over 50,000 passengers since launching its commercial jet operations, as its services approach the 100-day milestone.

Minister for Transport Sarawak Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin said that the milestone serves as an early indicator of the demand for direct air connectivity to and from Sarawak, as well as public confidence in Sarawak's own state-owned airline.

“This is an encouraging early indicator of the demand for direct air connectivity to and from Sarawak, as well as the confidence of frequent travelers in Sarawak's very own airline,” he said.

He said this when delivering his ministerial winding-up speech at the 19th Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) Sitting on Monday.

Dato Sri Lee noted that AirBorneo commenced scheduled flights for the Kuching-Kuala Lumpur route on July 20, 2026, with two daily flights, followed by the Kuching-Singapore route on July 22, 2026, as its first international sector.

He added that both routes utilise Boeing 737-800 aircraft offering full-service experiences featuring Business Class and Economy Class cabins, along with local Sarawakian meals served to passengers.

He informed that AirBorneo is currently preparing to launch the Kuching-Jakarta route, which will link Sarawak to three capital cities in the region alongside Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

Meanwhile, AirBorneo Head of Government and Regulatory Affairs Vinod Krishnan stated that the airline aims to initiate direct flights from Kuching to Jakarta three times weekly by the end of October, subject to approval from Indonesian aviation authorities.

“At present, we are still awaiting approval from the Indonesian aviation authorities. As soon as approval is granted, flights to Jakarta will commence,” he said during a press conference following the winding-up speech.

The Kuching-Jakarta route is expected to complete AirBorneo's flight network connecting to three regional capitals, alongside Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. — UKASnews

Prepared by: Nur Nabilla
Photos: Hazrin Sunaini
Translator: Ryan Lim