‘Our model is that this company (AirBorneo) is like a bridge. We cannot build a physical bridge to Kuala Lumpur or Singapore. Therefore, AirBorneo becomes that bridge.’
– Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
MY friends, have you boarded an AirBorneo flight from Kuching to Kuala Lumpur or Singapore?
AirBorneo, Sarawak’s state-owned regional airline, formed through the local government’s acquisition of MASwings, is a hot topic currently because it has just launched its operations and started direct flights between Kuching and Kuala Lumpur as well as Kuching and Singapore
It officially commenced operations on January 2, 2026, and launched its major jet service with an inaugural flight between Kuching and Kuala Lumpur on July 20, 2026. Its inaugural flight between Kuching and Singapore was launched two days later — on Sarawak Day, July 22, 2026.
These inaugural flights marked milestones in Sarawak’s aviation expansion.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg was one of the passengers on AirBorneo’s inaugural Kuching-Kuala Lumpur flight.
His presence on the inaugural flight underscored the significance of the airline’s launch which Sarawak sees as a key step towards strengthening its air connectivity and supporting long-term economic development.
AirBorneo, which is based in Kuching, was created after the Sarawak government took over MASwings Sdn Bhd from Malaysia Aviation Group to boost regional connectivity.
It plans to connect Sarawak with key international destinations including Jakarta and Bali in Indonesia, Hong Kong and Shenzhen in China as well as Jeju Island in South Korea.
According to State Secretary and AirBorneo chairman Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, the launch of AirBorneo’s inaugural Kuching-Kuala Lumpur flight was a special gift for Sarawakians ahead of this year’s Sarawak Day on July 22, 2026.
He described AirBorneo as the Premier’s ‘brainchild’ which had transformed from an idea into a reality and a source of pride for all Sarawakians.
Since July 20, 2026, many Sarawakians including Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian have boarded AirBorneo flights from Kuching to Kuala Lumpur.
In a Facebook post, Dr Sim said Flight MY5005 which he boarded on Saturday, July 25, 2026 offered complimentary meals including Nasi Dabai prepared by using Sarawak brown rice in line with AirBorneo’s full-service airline concept.
Dr Sim also explained that AirBorneo passengers did not have to pay extra to enjoy in-flight meals, unlike on most low-cost carriers.
Dr Sim mentioned Nasi Dabai because he enjoyed it on the flight which departed 10 minutes ahead of schedule and arrived 20 minutes early.
Wow! Imagine eating Nasi Dabai, a famous Sarawak specialty dish made with rice, the seasonal dabai fruit and local seasonings on a plane! In Kuching, the dish is available only at certain food courts or cafes.
The dabai fruit (‘Canarium odontophyllum’) is indeed very special. It grows only in the rainforests of Borneo, mostly in Sarawak and is often called Borneo wild olive or Sibu olive because it looks and tastes a bit like an olive.
Cooks usually fry cooked rice together with the dabai flesh, garlic, onions and soy sauce. But some people add crispy fried anchovies (‘ikan bilis’), eggs or salted fish for extra flavour.
Another AirBorneo traveller who shared his first AirBorneo flight experience was Deputy State Secretary (Operations) Datuk Hii Chang Kee.
Praising the airline for bringing Sarawak’s hospitality and flavours onboard, he described his flight as “a wonderful taste of home at 35,000 feet”.
Hii, who also shared his experience on Facebook, said he took his maiden AirBorneo flight from Kuala Lumpur to Kuching, adding he was proud to travel on Sarawak’s own airline.
He added passengers were welcomed with a calamansi drink and mxed nuts before being served local-inspired cuisine during the flight.
What did Hii eat? Dry Laksa Sarawak paired with a refreshing iced ‘teh tarik’
For the information of non-Sarawakians, Dry Laksa Sarawak is a creative, brothless version of the famous Malaysian noodle dish, featuring rice vermicelli tossed directly in a thick, reduced sambal and coconut-based laksa paste. The dish has the signature toppings of traditional Sarawak laksa — such as prawns, shredded chicken and omelet strips.
Meanwhile, ‘teh tarik’ is a popular sweet milk tea with a frothy top. Its name, in Bahasa Malaysia, means “pulled tea”
Hii also praised the cheesecake dessert and the plane’s spacious leather seat which made his flight really comfortable and pleasant.
The Deputy State Secretry also congratulated those who worked to make AirBorneo a reality.
The airline, he said, was more than just a new carrier. It was another important milestone in strengthening Sarawak’s connectivity, identity and aspirations.
My friends, if you have the chance to board an AirBorneo flight, please do so. Just for the fun of flying onboard Sarawak’s state-owned regional airline and sampling its interesting menu.
While the Economy Class menu features Dry Laksa Sarawak and Nasi Lemak Dabai /Nasi Goreng Dabai, the Business Class menu features Sarawak Laksa and Daging Gulai Kawah.
Whenever possible, we, Sarawakians, should fly with AirBorneo to support local economic growth, enjoy affordable fares and experience direct regional connectivity.
AirBorneo operates twice-daily scheduled flights between Kuching and Kuala Lumpur. The promotional “Sarawakku Sayang” all-in-all one-way tickets start at RM375 for Economy Class and RM736 for Business Class.
AirBorneo also operates one flight a day between Kuching and Singapore, with prices starting from RM399 all-in one-way (includes 7kg hand carry and checked-in baggage) for Economy Class and from RM 871 all-in one-way for Business Class.
My friends, today, we have AirBorneo because of Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. Thank you, dear Premier, for making AirBorneo a reality and a source of pride for all Sarawakians.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune. The writer can be reached at adelinel888@gmail.com.
