AirBorneo inks agreement with ATR for eight aircraft, deliveries from next year

KUCHING (Feb 6): AirBorneo has signed an agreement for a firm order of eight ATR aircraft.

The order comprises five ATR 72-600 and three ATR 42-600 aircraft, with purchase rights for an additional four units as part of a strategic partnership to modernise Malaysia’s Rural Air Services (RAS) fleet serving communities across East Malaysia.

Deliveries are scheduled between 2027 and 2029.

AirBorneo chief executive officer Megat Ardian Wira Mohd Aminuddin described the partnership with ATR as a major milestone in the airline’s commitment to delivering reliable, safe, and modern air services.

“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 said in a statement.

ATR chief executive officer Nathalie Tarnaud Laude said AirBorneo’s investment in both ATR 72-600 and ATR 42-600 aircraft reflected the strength and versatility of the ATR family for demanding regional operations.

“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.

Among those present for the agreement signing in Singapore on Thursday (Feb 5) were AirBorneo chairman Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki and members of the airline’s board of directors – Dato Sri Wan Lizozman Wan Omar, Dato Sri Saferi Ali, Dato Sri Muhammad Abdullah Zaidell, and Datu Hasmawati Sapawi.

AirBorneo said the agreement marks a key milestone in its transformation into Sarawak’s state-owned airline and its assumption of responsibility for the RAS network, a vital public service linking remote and underserved communities in Sarawak, Sabah, and Labuan.

The airline said the acquisition, finalised in late 2025, supports its long-term fleet renewal strategy following the Sarawak government’s purchase of MASwings in 2025 and its subsequent rebranding as AirBorneo.

It currently operates eight ATR 72-500 aircraft inherited from MASwings, while the new-generation ATR –600 series is expected to form the backbone of a safer, more efficient, and resilient RAS operation.

AirBorneo added that the introduction of the ATR 42-600 and ATR 72-600 aircraft would enhance passenger experience, operational reliability, and service capability.

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

The mixed fleet would also provide greater flexibility to match capacity with varying route demands while benefiting from the operational commonality of the ATR family, the airline said.

It also pointed out that the agreement includes four purchase rights that could support future growth beyond the RAS network, including potential regional expansion within the Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East Asean Growth Area.

Related story: AirBorneo orders eight ATR aircraft to modernise Rural Air Services fleet