‘The CEO must step up’: S’wak activist calls for answers over AirBorneo’s flight disruptions

Peter John Jaban

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, June 9: Sarawak rights activist Peter John Jaban has called on AirBorneo’s chief executive officer (CEO), Megat Ardian Wira Mohd Aminuddin, and the management team to explain to the public the root cause of the airline’s recent flight disruptions, which had garnered netizens’ complaints.

In a statement, he said at first, Sarawakians were proud when the State acquired its own airline, as it was seen as a historic milestone which symbolised Sarawak’s growing autonomy, capability, and determination to improve connectivity.

Many viewed it as more than just a commercial venture, he said, as it was a source of pride and a reflection of Sarawak’s ambition to take greater control of its future.

However, he noted that pride alone cannot keep an airline flying, nor can it salvage missed appointments, ruined livelihoods, and broken schedules, and cited complaints from netizens who are taking to social media and community groups to vent their frustrations and disappointments.

“They are expressing outrage not because they oppose AirBorneo, but because they feel utterly let down by an airline that carries the hopes and aspirations of Sarawak,” he said.

He added that the cost of these disruptions could result in missed critical medical treatments, high-stakes business meetings, job interviews, connecting flights, and long-awaited family gatherings.

While he acknowledged recent reports that unscheduled technical rectification on several aircraft, scheduled maintenance already in progress, and operational and crew duty requirements were among the factors that have contributed to the disruption of AirBorneo flights across Sarawak and Sabah since June 5, he also said that the public expects active leadership, accountability, and clear communication in addressing the situation.

At the same time, he said the role of a CEO is not merely ceremonial, but is also the accountable manager entrusted with overseeing operations, addressing crises, and providing direct assurance to customers and staff when things go wrong.

“We respectfully call upon the AirBorneo CEO and the management team to address the public directly. Leadership is tested during times of crisis and intense public scrutiny. This is the moment for AirBorneo’s leadership to step forward, engage with the public, and demonstrate accountability.

“The people of Sarawak are demanding transparency, responsibility, and immediate answers,” he said. — DayakDaily