AirBorneo’s expansion: West Malaysia in 2026, ASEAN in 2027, Official SEA Games carrier

Sarawak’s ambitious new boutique carrier, AirBorneo, is preparing for a significant transformation as it eyes a leap from rural air services to major regional connectivity.

Following its takeover of MASwings’ operations, the airline has announced plans to acquire jet aircraft to facilitate its expansion into Peninsular Malaysia and beyond.

Currently, AirBorneo operates a modest fleet consisting of eight ATR and six Twin Otter aircraft.

While these are ideal for navigating the rugged terrain of Sarawak, Sabah, and Labuan, Sarawak Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, noted that they are unsuitable for longer-haul flights.

Karim also confirmed that there is no plans to replace these aircrafts as they are suitable for the Rural Air Service (RAS) operations.

Nonetheless, Sarawak is also keen to push AirBorneo as one of the official airlines for the up-coming SEA Games 2027 which Sarawak is co-hosting.

This comes as the airline looks to acquire new jet aircrafts with at least three jet aircraft in its immediate pipeline, pending board approval and availability.

This fleet upgrade is the catalyst for a phased expansion strategy.

The first priority for 2026 is establishing a bridge between East and West Malaysia, with routes to Kuala Lumpur topping the list.

By 2027, the airline intends to look beyond national borders. Proposed international destinations include key Southeast Asian hubs in Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, and the Philippines, likely also eyeing to connect countries that are participating in the SEA Games.

AirBorneo’s CEO, Megat Ardian Wira Mohd Aminuddin, emphasized that the airline is being modeled after successful government-backed carriers like Qatar Airways and Emirates.

The focus is not solely on immediate profitability, but on serving as “strategic infrastructure” that drives economic growth and tourism for Sarawak.

By positioning Kuching as a central hub, AirBorneo aims to strengthen regional ties and provide more competitive travel options for Malaysians.

As the airline finalizes its network plans, the addition of jet aircraft marks a turning point in Sarawak’s aviation history, promising to turn the state into a prominent gateway for the BIMP-EAGA region and the wider ASEAN community.

Read more on AirBorneo HERE or book a flight on the airline at www.airborneo.com.

News source: FMT, DayakDaily