AirBorneo orders eight new ATR aircraft to modernise Rural Air Services fleet

Abu Bakar (fourth right), Laude (fourth left) and others pose for a group photo during the signing ceremony for AirBorneo’s aircraft purchase agreement with ATR in Singapore on Feb 5, 2026.

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Feb 5: AirBorneo has entered into a strategic partnership with aircraft manufacturer ATR to modernise Malaysia’s Rural Air Services (RAS) fleet, confirming a firm order for eight new turboprop aircraft to strengthen air connectivity across East Malaysia.

Under the agreement, AirBorneo will acquire five ATR 72-600 and three ATR 42-600 aircraft, with purchase rights for an additional four planes. Deliveries are scheduled to take place between 2027 and 2029.

According to a press release, the deal marks a major milestone in AirBorneo’s transformation into Sarawak-owned airline, following the Sarawak government’s acquisition of MASwings in 2025 and its subsequent rebranding as AirBorneo.

The airline has also assumed responsibility for operating the RAS network, a critical public service linking remote and underserved communities in Sarawak, Sabah and Labuan.

“Finalised in late 2025, the order forms part of AirBorneo’s long-term fleet renewal strategy. The airline currently operates eight ATR 72-500 aircraft inherited from MASwings.

“The new-generation ATR -600 series aircraft are expected to become the backbone of a safer, more efficient and more resilient RAS operation in Borneo,” it said.

According to AirBorneo, the new aircraft will enhance passenger experience, operational reliability and service capability. The ATR 42-600 and ATR 72-600 are equipped with advanced avionics, modern navigation systems and improved cabin comfort, and are also configured to support medical stretcher operations for emergency and healthcare-related missions.

The mixed fleet will allow AirBorneo to better match aircraft capacity with route demand, while benefitting from the commonality of the ATR family.

The agreement also provides growth options beyond the RAS network, including potential regional expansion within the Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).

AirBorneo chief executive officer Megat Ardian said the partnership represents a major step forward in strengthening essential air services for rural communities.

“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 reportedly said.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by AirBorneo chairman Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki and ATR chief executive officer Nathalie Tarnaud Laude.

Also present were members of AirBorneo’s board of directors, including Dato Sri Wan Lizozman Wan Omar, Dato Sri Saferi Ali, Dato Sri Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel and Datu Hasmawati Sapawi, along with the airline’s management team. – DayakDaily