By Karen Bong
KUCHING, March 12: AirBorneo, Sarawak’s newly established State-owned airline, will replace its ageing ATR fleet with newer ATR 600 aircraft after the current leasing period expires in at least two years.
Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin emphasised that following the takeover from MASwings, AirBorneo will initially retain all existing aircraft under lease to ensure uninterrupted flight services, particularly for the Rural Air Services (RAS).
“With most ATRs being old, they will be replaced with new ATR 600 aircraft after the leasing period has expired. We have already started looking into new aircraft as stated in the agreement,” he told a press conference on Road Safety Awareness in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidilfitri festive season at his office in Baitulmakmur Building today.
However, no decision has been made yet regarding the replacement of the airline’s six DHC-6-400 Twin Otter aircraft, which play a crucial role in serving remote communities across Sarawak.
Additionally, Lee highlighted that the Sarawak government will look into acquiring new jet aircraft for expansion into regional routes once all necessary approvals and licenses are secured.
“We are looking into the possibility of leasing, and groundwork is currently underway,” he added.
MASwings, now under Sarawak government ownership and rebranded as AirBorneo, operates a fleet of eight ATR 72-500s and six DHC-6-400 Twin Otters.
The Twin Otters, based in Miri, provide vital connectivity to 11 rural short take-off and landing airports (STOLports), many of which remain inaccessible by road.
As of today, MASwings serves 22 destinations, including Brunei, through a codeshare agreement, with main bases in Kota Kinabalu and Miri.
The transition to AirBorneo marks a new chapter for Sarawak’s aviation industry, with the government aiming to modernise its fleet and expand connectivity across the region.
Deputies Minister of Transport Datuk Dr Jerip Susil and Dato Henry Harry Jinep were present. — DayakDaily
