Malaysia Airlines, Firefly to keep serving Sarawak, Sabah despite MASwings transition to AirBorneo

Nasaruddin (left) speaking during MAG's 2025 annual performance press conference in Kuala Lumpur on April 2, 2026. Photo credit: TVS/Afiq Johari

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, April 2: Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining air services to Sarawak and Sabah, even as its subsidiary, MASwings, transitions operations to the Sarawak-owned airline, AirBorneo, starting Jan 1, 2026.

“MAG will continue to serve major cities in Borneo through Malaysia Airlines and Firefly flights,” said MAG Group president and chief executive officer, Captain Nasaruddin A. Bakar, in a TVS news.

He made the announcement during a press conference in Kuala Lumpur today, where MAG also shared its 2025 annual performance update.

Earlier this year, the Sarawak government finalised the acquisition of MASwings Sdn Bhd through its wholly-owned entity, AirBorneo Holdings Sdn Bhd.

The sale and purchase agreement, signed on Feb 12, 2025, aligns with the government’s strategic goal of strengthening air connectivity in the region while ensuring affordable fares for the people of Sarawak.

Currently, Malaysia Airlines and Firefly operate flights to eight destinations in the region: four in Sarawak (Kuching, Miri, Sibu, Bintulu), three in Sabah (Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, Tawau), and the Federal Territory of Labuan. — DayakDaily