By Amanda L
KUCHING, July 20: AirBorneo’s inaugural Kuching-Kuala Lumpur jet service took off today, with its chairman Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki hailing the State-owned airline as a special gift to Sarawakians ahead of Sarawak Day.
The celebrations will continue on July 22 when AirBorneo launches its first direct flight from Kuching to Singapore, marking another milestone for the young carrier.
Speaking at the launch ceremony at Kuching International Airport, Abu Bakar described AirBorneo as Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s “brainchild”, saying the airline reflected the Premier’s vision of giving Sarawak greater control over its air connectivity while easing the long-standing burden of high and fluctuating fares between Kuching and Kuala Lumpur.
“For an island-state like Sarawak, aviation connectivity is not a luxury. It is an economic lifeline, a catalyst for social equity, and a fundamental right for our people,” he said.
He added that AirBorneo’s all-inclusive flat-fare structure had already helped stabilise fares on the Kuching-Kuala Lumpur route, demonstrating that the airline’s presence was bringing greater value and price stability to travellers.
The State-owned carrier has entered the commercial jet era with two wet-leased Boeing 737-800 aircraft operating twice daily between Kuching and Kuala Lumpur before extending its network with daily Singapore flights.
Abu Bakar said the airline would improve connectivity for students, workers, entrepreneurs, families and tourists while advancing its ‘Borneo For You’ commitment to serving the people and supporting Sarawak’s economy.
Acknowledging that the airline still has room to grow, he apologised for any shortcomings and said passenger feedback would continue to shape service improvements.
“We remain committed to making AirBorneo an airline that all Sarawakians can be proud of,” he said. — DayakDaily
