By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, July 18: AirBorneo has been designated as the preferred airline for all official travel by the Sarawak Public Service following the issuance of a circular dated July 17 2026, signed by the Sarawak Secretary, Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki.
According to TVS news, the circular directs all ministries, departments, agencies, statutory bodies, local authorities, and government-linked companies (GLCs) to prioritise the use of AirBorneo, the airline wholly owned by the Sarawak government, for all official travel requirements, effective immediately.
The initiative forms part of the Sate government’s broader strategy to strengthen AirBorneo’s position as Sarawak’s carrier, enhance regional air connectivity, and support long-term economic growth.
Abu Bakar said the decision reflects the Sarawak government’s commitment to developing AirBorneo into a strategic player within the State’s aviation sector while expanding its domestic and regional flight network.
“The Sarawak government hopes that all public servants will fully support the use of AirBorneo’s services as the State-owned airline. Such support will not only contribute to the growth of Sarawak’s aviation industry but also drive economic development and strengthen human capital development across the region,” he said in a statement.
At the same time, the circular provides flexibility to accommodate operational requirements and ensure official duties can be carried out efficiently without compromising good governance or prudent financial management.
The use of alternative airlines remains permissible under specific circumstances, including when AirBorneo flights are fully booked, when flight schedules are unsuitable and may affect official duties or increase costs, during emergencies, or when AirBorneo does not yet serve the intended destination.
Any request to use another airline must be accompanied by appropriate justification and supporting documentation and must receive formal approval from the relevant Controlling Officer or Head of Department.
AirBorneo, wholly owned by the Sarawak government through AirBorneo Holdings Sdn Bhd, completed its acquisition of MASwings Sdn Bhd on Jan 1, 2026. The airline currently operates Rural Air Services (RAS), connecting 21 destinations across Sarawak, Sabah, and the Federal Territory of Labuan.
On July 20, AirBorneo is set to mark a significant milestone with the launch of its inaugural commercial service on the Kuching–Kuala Lumpur–Kuching route, operating two daily flights. The airline also plans to expand its network to key ASEAN destinations, including Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines.
The implementation of this circular is widely viewed as a strategic step by the Sarawak Government to strengthen AirBorneo’s competitiveness as a state carrier, further develop the region’s air transport ecosystem, and support Sarawak’s broader economic and development objectives. — DayakDaily
