TANJUNG MANIS: Today (Jan 2) marked a new chapter in Sarawak’s aviation history as an AirBorneo aircraft successfully touched down at Tanjung Manis Airport for the first time, signalling the official commencement of operations by the Sarawak government–owned airline to the destination.
The inaugural flight, which arrived at 9:20 am, was welcomed by Tanjung Manis Member of Parliament, Datuk Yusuf Abdul Wahab, along with department heads, community leaders and local residents at Tanjung Manis Airport.
According to Yusuf, January 2 is a highly significant date for the local community and for the development of the Tanjung Manis region.
He expressed hope that the air service would continue and be expanded in the future, including the use of larger aircraft such as the ATR to increase passenger capacity and improve operational efficiency.
“Today marks a historic day for Tanjung Manis Airport because at exactly 9:20 am, we received AirBorneo’s inaugural flight to Tanjung Manis,” he said when met by reporters today as reported by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS).
Currently, AirBorneo operates one daily flight from Kuching to Tanjung Manis and a return flight to Kuching, using a Twin Otter aircraft with a capacity of 16 passengers.
AirBorneo has carved out its own milestone as the only state-owned airline in Malaysia to officially commence operations in 2026, in line with the Sarawak Government’s aspirations to strengthen air connectivity and regional development.
In a related development, Yusuf also said that the approved expansion project for Tanjung Manis Airport, endorsed by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, was expected to enhance the airport’s capacity to accommodate larger aircraft and handle increased passenger volumes.
He further expressed hope that flight routes would be expanded to other destinations such as Mukah, Bintulu and Miri, as well as Kuala Rajang and even international destinations in the future, thereby further stimulating economic growth and the tourism sector in the area.
