AirBorneo to keep fares unchanged even during festive peak seasons

Abu Bakar (seated, centre) alongside other distinguished guests after AirBorneo’s media roundtable here on July 8, 2026.

By Amanda L

KUCHING, July 8: AirBorneo aims to end soaring festive season airfares with travellers paying the same fare whether they book early, at the last minute or fly during peak travel periods.

AirBorneo Holdings Sdn Bhd chairman Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki said the airline’s fixed pricing model is intended to eliminate the sharp fare increases typically seen during high-demand travel seasons, making it easier for Sarawakians to return home without having to secure tickets months in advance.

“But as for us, that is our fixed price. You pergi Raya ke, you pergi Gawai ke, you beli last minute ke, you beli sekarang ke, the price is there, the same,” he said during AirBorneo’s media roundtable here today.

He also credited the airline’s entry into the market with helping to stabilise airfares, observing that ticket prices offered by other carriers had become “more or less the same” following AirBorneo’s fare announcement.

“We managed to stabilise the price. Before this, I received information from friends saying tickets to Kuala Lumpur could cost RM700 or RM800 one way, especially during peak seasons, and even reach RM1,000,” he added.

Acknowledging that the airline would not be able to satisfy everyone, the chairman said AirBorneo would continue improving its services and addressing shortcomings as it expands.

He described the establishment of AirBorneo as part of the Sarawak government’s long-term vision to strengthen connectivity between the State and the rest of Malaysia, as well as regional destinations.

“Our aspiration is to have good connectivity between Sarawak and other parts of the world. We cannot rely solely on roads or sea transport.

“To be more efficient, we need our own airline to connect Sarawak with Peninsular Malaysia and other parts of Southeast Asia,” he said.

He said AirBorneo would be developed progressively, noting that every journey begins with a first step and that the airline would continue refining its services as it works towards becoming a premium carrier.

Beyond serving Sarawakians, the airline also aims to attract more visitors through improved direct connectivity, supporting Sarawak’s ambition to become a regional economic hub.

“We have plenty to offer in Sarawak, and having direct flights is very important.

“Connectivity is one of the key components of the ecosystem needed to drive economic development,” he emphasised. — DayakDaily