By Amanda L
KUCHING, Jan 19: AirBorneo is expected to be appointed as one of the official carriers for the 2027 SEA Games, with the state-owned airline targeting the start of its jet operations by September 2027, said Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
He said the move is in line with Sarawak hosting most of the SEA Games events, including the opening ceremony, which will require higher-capacity aircraft to facilitate the movement of athletes, officials and delegations from the 10 participating Southeast Asian countries.
“I have requested that AirBorneo be considered as one of the official airlines for the SEA Games. Most of the events, including the opening ceremony, will be held in Sarawak.
“By September 2027, AirBorneo should already be operating jet aircraft,” he said during a press conference held in conjunction with a courtesy visit by AirBorneo’s management at Bangunan Baitulmakmur II here today.
Abdul Karim said AirBorneo plans to introduce at least three jet aircraft next year as part of its preparation for the Games, subject to board approval and aircraft availability.
He said the airline is considering leasing narrow-body jets capable of operating regional routes, including to Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.
“These could be Boeing 737s or Airbus A320s.
“They will not replace the ATR aircraft or Twin Otters currently used for Rural Air Services within Sarawak,” he said.
Abdul Karim added that the fleet expansion plans remain subject to market conditions, noting that aircraft availability is currently constrained globally.
Meanwhile, AirBorneo chief executive officer (CEO) Megat Ardian Wira Mohd Aminuddin said the airline’s management is focused on network planning and fleet requirements before making any acquisition decisions.
He also confirmed that all operational systems had been fully transitioned from the Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) following a system cutover on Jan 14, including flight operations, counter systems and the IATA two-letter code change from MH to MY.
AirBorneo currently operates eight ATR aircraft and six Twin Otters from its hubs in Kota Kinabalu and Miri. — DayakDaily
