AirBorneo expected to begin wider operations after July 2026

KUCHING (Dec 30): Sarawak-owned airline AirBorneo is expected to begin operating flights to other destinations, including Peninsular Malaysia and nearby regions, after July 2026, once it acquires larger aircraft.

According to a Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) report, Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the airline is currently operating small aircraft as an extension of the Rural Air Service (RAS) previously run by MASWings.

“As such, we cannot expect a major change within a short period. We need to give it at least two years before AirBorneo can start serving major destinations,” he told reporters after attending a rehearsal for the 2026 New Year’s Eve Celebration at the Kuching Waterfront here on Monday night.

He said the establishment of AirBorneo is aimed at enhancing air connectivity and transport services within Sarawak, although the airline is not expected to see an immediate surge in operations during its initial phase.

Despite the challenges, Abdul Karim expressed confidence in the airline’s long-term prospects, particularly with Kuching being selected as one of the launch venues for Visit Malaysia Year 2026, which will be launched this Thursday.

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

AirBorneo was created following the Sarawak government’s acquisition of MASWings from Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) earlier this year, marking the state as the first in Malaysia to own its own airline.

The transition of MASWings operations to AirBorneo is scheduled to take effect on Jan 1, 2026, with AirBorneo assuming full legal and operational responsibility for services formerly operated by MASWings, including flights, customer service and passenger management.