KUALA LUMPUR: AirBorneo is expected to begin flights to Jakarta within the next two months as the state government moves ahead with plans to expand the state-owned carrier’s international network.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the airline had already secured airport slots in Jakarta, making the Indonesian capital among its first overseas destinations after Singapore.
“Jakarta, very soon. Within these two months. We have already been allocated the space at Jakarta International Airport,” he told reporters after arriving at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) on board AirBorneo’s inaugural flight to Kuala Lumpur today (July 20).
Abang Johari said AirBorneo would also explore routes to East Asia within the next one to two years while continuing to fulfil its Rural Air Service (RAS) obligations in Sarawak and Sabah.
During its first six months of operation, he said the airline will focus on integrating the MASwings fleet, including the ATR aircraft, while maintaining affordable airfares.
“The RAS remains a public service obligation, while the rest of the routes will be operated on a commercial basis,” he said.
At the same time, Abang Johari said the airline would continue offering fixed fares of RM375 for Kuching-Kuala Lumpur and RM399 for Kuching-Singapore throughout the year without seasonal price fluctuations.
He said the competitive fares were expected to stimulate tourism, particularly from Singapore, where the airfare was equivalent to about S$100.
“Visitors would also benefit from Sarawak’s growing tourism offerings, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Gunung Mulu National Park and the Niah Caves, as well as Kuching’s designation as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.
“Moreover, Sarawak’s expanding healthcare facilities including the upcoming NorthBank Hospital and the new Gleneagles Hospital in Kuching would further support the state’s growing medical tourism sector,” he said.
Asked about AirBorneo’s projected capital expenditure over the next five years, Abang Johari said the figures were still being finalised.
“The financial planning for the Kuala Lumpur and Singapore routes had already been completed, however projections for future international destinations are still being calculated,” he added.
