KUCHING: AirBorneo plans to increase its fleet from two to five aircraft to strengthen its operational capacity and expand its flight network to new international destinations.

Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said the fleet expansion would enable the Sarawak-owned airline to explore new markets with the potential to boost the tourism sector.

"Once our fleet increases to at least five aircraft, compared to the current two, AirBorneo will be able to expand its flights to other destinations with potential in the tourism sector, including medical tourism," he said.

He said this when met by reporters after officiating at the launch of AirBorneo's inaugural Kuching-Jakarta flight at Kuching International Airport on Friday.

According to him, the expansion of the airline's flight network will focus on strategic destinations with the potential to attract more international visitors, including those seeking medical treatment in Sarawak.

In this regard, Bangkok has been identified as one of the new destinations under consideration, with direct flights targeted to begin as early as the first quarter of 2027.

In addition, Seoul and Jeju Island in South Korea have also been identified as potential destinations under AirBorneo's long-term flight network expansion plans.

Earlier, the Sarawak-owned airline launched its direct Kuching-Jakarta service, further strengthening Sarawak's air connectivity with Indonesia and opening up new opportunities for the state's tourism and services sectors. -UKASnews