AirBorneo systems running smoothly in third week, online check-in still pending

International passengers waiting for their AirBorneo flight to Mulu at Kuching International Airport (KIA) on Jan 21, 2026, with Lee (fifth from left) and Megat (right).

By Dayangku Hidayatul

KUCHING, Jan 21: In its third week of operations, AirBorneo has yet to fully roll out online check-in, as senior citizens and rural passengers are still required to check in manually.

Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin said the transition to digital services is currently underway.

“AirBorneo is working to include additional functionality in the system, including online check-in.

“For senior citizens, we aim to enable online check-in so they can enjoy the 50 per cent discount under the Rural Air Services (RAS) within Sarawak and Sabah.

“For now, senior citizens need to check in manually, or contact the call centre during check-in, to receive the 50 per cent discount, as the online option is not yet available,” he told reporters after visiting Kuching International Airport (KIA) here today.

Lee said AirBorneo plans to roll out online check-in for ATR flights, rural routes, and night operations.

“We will continue to provide feedback and suggestions on how to improve, so visitors and travellers in Kuching can enjoy a better environment, smoother service, and more seamless travel,” he added.

He said AirBorneo has now taken over 24 main systems and 11 subsystems.

AirBorneo chief executive officer Megat Ardian Wira Mohd Aminuddin confirmed that all systems, including those transferred from MASwings on Jan 14, are operating smoothly.

Lee points to an AirBorneo flight from Tanjung Manis on the display board, with Megat and Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) senior manager Jun Iskandar Murshidi at Kuching International Airport (KIA) on Jan 21, 2026.

“I think what is happening at the control centre is one thing, but what is more important is the actual running of the system on the ground and the service delivery to our passengers,” Lee said.

He added that expanding AirBorneo’s services will take time due to regulatory approvals, aircraft type, and availability, noting that the start dates for new routes have yet to be finalised.

Lee also addressed potential flights to Peninsular Malaysia and regional destinations.

“We have not finalised everything. This is still at the preliminary planning stage. We are working on it. We will likely start flights to Kuala Lumpur and nearby Singapore first, before moving on to other regional destinations,” he said.

He added that a professional team is currently studying financial and market factors, with comprehensive planning extending to 2029.

According to Lee, the airline currently serves between 2,000 and 2,500 passengers daily. He noted that KIA is already operating beyond its capacity, having handled 5.7 million passengers last year, with numbers expected to rise further in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026. — DayakDaily