KUCHING: AirBorneo plans to deploy larger aircraft in later phases to support scheduled flights beyond Sarawak including Kuala Lumpur.
Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the airline will, for a start, operate smaller aircraft, which are sufficient to serve the Rural Air Service (RAS), before gradually introducing bigger planes for longer routes outside the state.
“There is a timeline, planned quarter by quarter. The first phase focuses on priority routes, which currently operate within Sarawak.
“Once you want to operate outside Sarawak, for example to Kuala Lumpur or other destinations, you need bigger planes and those larger planes are planned to come in later.
“This is already part of the plan. That’s why I mentioned earlier that possibly by the third or fourth quarter of 2026, priority will be given to Sabah, Sarawak, and Peninsular Malaysia,” he said.
He was speaking to reporters after receiving a courtesy call from AirBorneo’s chief executive officer (CEO) Megat Ardian Wira Mohd Aminuddin at the Baitul Makmur II Building here Monday (Jan 19).
Abdul Karim emphasised that AirBorneo’s growth will follow a phased approach.
“This industry must progress in phases. There’s no point in buying many planes without having destinations to serve.
“From now until mid-2027, AirBorneo is looking at leasing several aircraft capable of flying to Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. These will likely be Boeing 737s or Airbus A320s.
“As the network expands and more destinations are added, additional planes will be acquired or leased in parallel,” he said.
He said the airline industry is highly competitive and that securing or leasing planes is challenging due to rapid global expansion.
“So, how many planes have been acquired? Not yet, as everything is still subject to board approval. But suffice to say, the plans are in place.
“We will expand operations depending on the available aircraft. Indeed, when we talk about Southeast Asia, we cannot ignore Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand or the Philippines.
“Any expansion will also require guidance and approval from the board and that is why the management team needs the board’s endorsement. Of course, the board will also seek the Premier’s guidance and blessing. I would say this phase might begin in 2027,” he added.
Looking ahead, Abdul Karim expressed confidence that by 2029, AirBorneo will be well established and firmly positioned for growth.
“AirBorneo is still a baby.Give them time. As the management and organisation grow, because at the moment, the cabin crew is still limited, and even the uniforms are not fully organised yet, they will develop further.
“The airline’s progress depends on its management and planning, but with their experience and background, I am confident they will grow very quickly.
“Once settled, God willing, it could even operate globally,” he said.
