KUCHING: The skies over Kuching came alive on Friday morning (Jan 2) as AirBorneo embarked on its inaugural flights, connecting the state capital with Mukah and Tanjung Manis under its own livery for the very first time, marking a historic milestone for Sarawak.
MH3421 departed at 8:25 am for Mukah carrying 54 passengers, followed by MH3711 at 8:45 am bound for Tanjung Manis with 15 passengers.
The small but resilient Twin Otter aircraft symbolised not just travel, but a lifeline linking remote communities to opportunities, essential services and the wider world, while highlighting the state’s vision for enhanced connectivity, economic growth, and the celebration of Borneo’s rich identity.
For many passengers, the journey was not just a flight; it was a chance to reconnect with family, access vital services, or explore business and tourism opportunities that were previously harder to reach.
The launch also unveiled AirBorneo’s cabin crew uniform, designed by Ariff Shukor Atelier.
The uniform, in vibrant red with yellow scarves, reflects the colours of the Sarawak flag, while subtle keringkam-inspired motifs and a contemporary kenyalang design pay tribute to the state’s cultural heritage.
The attire blends elegance with practicality, allowing cabin crew full mobility while maintaining a professional and confident appearance.
Every stitch is a visual statement of Sarawak’s identity, honouring tradition while embracing modern aviation needs.
The unveiling of the uniform added a touch of ceremony to the event, symbolising a new era for the state’s aviation industry.
Minister of Transport, Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin, officiated the launch and described the day as a “very historical milestone achieved by Sarawak”.
He praised the dedication of the team that ensured AirBorneo took over MASwings on 1 January 2026, highlighting the weekly meetings, cross-agency collaboration, and careful attention to regulatory compliance that made the transition possible.
“For Sarawak, air connectivity is not a luxury. It is a necessity. It connects rural and remote communities, supports trade and tourism, enables access to education and healthcare, and facilitates business and investment.
“AirBorneo has been designed with a dual mandate. It will operate with commercial discipline and sound governance. At the same time, it will fulfil an essential public-service role in keeping our communities connected,” Lee said.
AirBorneo now carries forward the legacy of MASwings, continuing essential Rural Air Services across Sarawak, Sabah, and Labuan.
Operations have continued smoothly during the transition, ensuring safety, reliability, and service continuity for passengers.
The airline will gradually expand to selected regional routes, guided by aircraft availability, market demand, and sustainability considerations, ensuring prudent and long-term growth while keeping the needs of rural communities central to its plans.
The acquisition is seen not just as a business move but as a strategic investment in the state’s infrastructure and long-term development.
Beyond connecting destinations, AirBorneo represents a strategic engine for Sarawak’s economic development.
Improved air connectivity generates employment not only within airlines and airports but across supply chains, local businesses, and supporting industries.
It also stimulates higher income levels, tourism growth, and the attraction of higher-value economic activity.
By strengthening trade, tourism, and business networks, AirBorneo is expected to enhance the state’s competitiveness, promote regional development, and open doors for entrepreneurs and communities in previously hard-to-reach areas.
Lee also emphasised the importance of nurturing local talent across flight operations, engineering, safety oversight, planning, and management.
The government is collaborating with institutions such as i-CATS University College, CENTEX, Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus, and Curtin University Malaysia to cultivate skilled personnel who will strengthen the aviation sector’s resilience and ensure talent remains in the state.
Such initiatives are critical for building a long-term, self-sufficient aviation ecosystem that can support Sarawak’s growth for decades to come.
He also acknowledged the cooperation of the Malaysia Aviation Group, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd, the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia, and the teams at MASwings and AirBorneo for their dedication, as well as the media for helping bring the launch to the public’s attention.
The minister stressed that such collaboration demonstrates the power of strategic partnerships in advancing the state’s development goals.
With its inaugural flights, striking new uniforms, and a clear focus on connectivity, culture, and economic growth, AirBorneo is more than an airline. It is a symbol of Sarawak’s ambition, resilience, and identity.
Today, the skies over Borneo carry more than passengers. They carry the pride, heritage, and aspirations of an entire state reaching confidently for the future.
As AirBorneo charts its course, it promises to reshape travel, foster development, and connect communities in ways that were once only imagined.
