‘Too expensive’: AirBorneo airfares draw public frustration among Sibu folks

SIBU (Dec 11): Community leaders and members of the public have voiced disappointment over the high airfares offered by AirBorneo for routes from Sibu, saying the newly launched airline has yet to deliver the affordable alternative many had hoped for.

Sarawak Tourist Association Sibu branch liaison chairman Frankie Ting said the government should consider subsidising AirBorneo’s fares to ensure the airline’s long-term sustainability.

“This is necessary to maintain operational costs and ensure the airline remains viable” he said, noting that higher fares were not surprising given AirBorneo’s entry into the aviation industry and the uncertainty of flight occupancy, which depends on travel seasons and festive periods.

“Personally, I believe the government should provide some subsidy so that fares remain competitive with other airlines and to help ensure AirBorneo does not operate at a loss,” he added.

Ting said it was still too early to assess how much the airline will ultimately benefit Sarawakians, though expectations remain high that it will bring positive changes to the region’s aviation landscape.

Sports entrepreneur Dr Gregory Hii said AirBorneo will begin with several intra-Borneo routes due to its limited fleet.

He believes the airline will add much-needed seat capacity currently dominated by AirAsia.

He noted that fares are higher because AirBorneo is not a low-cost carrier.

“But I believe ticket prices will be adjusted after its initial phase to better align with competitors,” he said.

Regardless, he stressed that AirBorneo must deliver excellent customer service, including punctual departures and friendly staff.

“I wish the operator every success as an airline for the Borneo states.”

Businessman Ting Huat Wei voiced doubts about the airline’s survival unless fares are reviewed.

“When I checked the AirBorneo website, I was disappointed to see one-way fares from Sibu to Kuching at RM213 and Sibu to Kota Kinabalu at RM554.

“There’s no difference — these fares are even higher than any other airlines. So what’s all the fuss about?”

As it is a state-owned airline, he urged the government to intervene to make fares more affordable.

Retiree Irene Yong shared similar sentiments, saying frequent travellers are hoping for better days ahead.

“Most Sarawakians hoped AirBorneo would finally make air travel more affordable. All this while, we’ve paid high prices for both domestic and international flights.

“For now, I’m taking a wait-and-see approach.”

AirBorneo, formerly MASwings and now transitioning under Sarawak ownership, is in its final stages of preparation for its inaugural operations, aimed at enhancing rural air services and strengthening connectivity across Sarawak, Sabah and Labuan.