TOULOUSE: Airbus has expressed its commitment to collaborate with Sarawak in establishing its state-owned airline AirBorneo.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the collaboration includes support in areas such as training and digitalisation of operations, as Sarawak prepares to launch its regional airline.
He said AirBorneo was not just about launching an airline but aimed at enhancing regional connectivity between Sarawak and neighbouring countries.
“The acquisition of MASWings and thereafter the inception of AirBorneo as Sarawak’s airline is an initiative to catalyse development in Sarawak.
“The formation of AirBorneo was not only about having an airline but more importantly a move to provide regional connectivity between Sarawak and neighbouring countries as the state strived to become a regional renewable power hub and Asean battery,” he said.
He told the media this at a press conference following a working visit to ATR and Airbus facilities here on Monday (May 5).
During the visit, the Sarawak delegation received a comprehensive briefing on aircraft design and operations, and explored potential collaborations in aviation technology.
They were also given a tour of ATR’s Final Assembly Centre, where they witnessed the manufacturing process of commercial aircraft suited for medium-haul routes.
The delegation continued their visit to the Airbus Campus in Blagnac, where they engaged in discussions with Airbus International President Wouter van Wersch at the Airspace Customer Showroom Agoahub.
This interaction provided opportunities for professional exchanges and the exploration of strategic collaborations in technology, training, and maintenance.
Following the meeting, the Premier and his team toured Airbus’ customer exhibition space and observed the final assembly of the A350, one of the world’s most advanced commercial aircraft.
The visit is a key step in ensuring AirBorneo meets global standards and helps strengthen Sarawak’s regional air transport network.
AirBorneo is expected to launch full operations by next year, with services targeting domestic and regional routes across Southeast Asia, including Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Singapore, Jakarta, Hong Kong, and Japan.
