(Kuching, 17th) AirBorneo plans to launch regional routes in July this year, with the first batch of destinations including Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, and Singapore.
AirBorneo CEO Megat Ardian Wira stated that the second phase of the plan will initially use three Boeing 737-800 aircraft obtained through wet leasing to operate flights from Kuching to Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, and Singapore.
He said: "Currently, we are still in the process of obtaining the necessary approvals and flight slots, but at this stage, we may have already finalized one international and two domestic destinations."
He expressed these remarks during a media event at AirBorneo's iftar dinner held in Kuching last night.
He pointed out that by the end of 2026, AirBorneo is expected to have about three domestic and three international destinations, but this will depend on the availability of flight slots.
"After approximately three months of stable route operation, we plan to add more regional destinations." he added.
He further stated that AirBorneo is currently working closely with the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) and other relevant stakeholders to finalize regulatory approvals and operational preparations, ensuring a smooth launch of flights.
He said: "We are also ensuring customer experience readiness, including products, branding, marketing promotion, as well as commercial initiatives such as revenue management, route planning, sales, and distribution."
"All work is still ongoing, and we have ensured that all aspects of operations are ready from the very beginning."
He added that details on routes, flight schedules, and expansion plans will be announced in the coming months once the airline receives clearer approvals and slot allocations.
Megat also stated that since AirBorneo took over MASwings on January 1, 2026, its focus has been on stabilizing operations, including transferring all employees to AirBorneo and ensuring continuity of service.
"In about two and a half months as of mid-March, we have transported nearly 100,000 passengers."
"The on-time performance (OTP) of flights is good, around 89% to 90%, and we have received positive passenger feedback."
In addition, he revealed that AirBorneo has signed agreements to gradually introduce 8 new ATR 72-600 aircraft, replacing the current ATR 72-500 fleet, with the plan to complete the replacement between 2027 and 2029.
"The new aircraft will provide passengers with higher comfort and be equipped with more advanced technology."
AirBorneo CEO Megat Ardian Wira stated that the second phase of the plan will initially use three Boeing 737-800 aircraft obtained through wet leasing to operate flights from Kuching to Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, and Singapore.
He said: "Currently, we are still in the process of obtaining the necessary approvals and flight slots, but at this stage, we may have already finalized one international and two domestic destinations."
He pointed out that by the end of 2026, AirBorneo is expected to have about three domestic and three international destinations, but this will depend on the availability of flight slots.
"After approximately three months of stable route operation, we plan to add more regional destinations." he added.
He further stated that AirBorneo is currently working closely with the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) and other relevant stakeholders to finalize regulatory approvals and operational preparations, ensuring a smooth launch of flights.
He said: "We are also ensuring customer experience readiness, including products, branding, marketing promotion, as well as commercial initiatives such as revenue management, route planning, sales, and distribution."
"All work is still ongoing, and we have ensured that all aspects of operations are ready from the very beginning."
He added that details on routes, flight schedules, and expansion plans will be announced in the coming months once the airline receives clearer approvals and slot allocations.
Megat also stated that since AirBorneo took over MASwings on January 1, 2026, its focus has been on stabilizing operations, including transferring all employees to AirBorneo and ensuring continuity of service.
"In about two and a half months as of mid-March, we have transported nearly 100,000 passengers."
"The on-time performance (OTP) of flights is good, around 89% to 90%, and we have received positive passenger feedback."
In addition, he revealed that AirBorneo has signed agreements to gradually introduce 8 new ATR 72-600 aircraft, replacing the current ATR 72-500 fleet, with the plan to complete the replacement between 2027 and 2029.
"The new aircraft will provide passengers with higher comfort and be equipped with more advanced technology."