By Amanda L
KUCHING, July 20: AirBorneo’s RM375 all-inclusive one-way fare between Kuching and Kuala Lumpur has already achieved its intended effect by prompting competing airlines to lower their prices, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“We are not profit-driven, but our objective has been achieved when the market responded to our pricing,” he said at the launch of AirBorneo’s inaugural Kuching-Kuala Lumpur jet service at Kuching International Airport today.
With the State-owned airline set to expand, Abang Johari said AirBorneo plans to double its fleet from two aircraft to four within the next four to five months while maintaining the RM375 fare for at least its first year of operations.
“Our fleet will increase within the next four to five months. We are starting with two aircraft and, hopefully, that will become four,” he said.
Looking ahead, AirBorneo is expected to begin receiving new-generation ATR aircraft next year to replace the ageing turboprops inherited from MASwings.
Addressing public concerns over the existing fleet, Abang Johari stressed that the current ATR aircraft were only a temporary arrangement following Sarawak’s acquisition of MASwings.
“When we negotiated with MASwings, we did not simply take over old aircraft. Those aircraft will eventually be replaced with new-generation ATRs, among the most modern in aviation.
“Hopefully, we will receive the new aircraft next year,” he said.
He added that he had instructed the airline’s management to improve the cabin configuration of the new aircraft to provide greater passenger comfort.
The Premier also proposed deploying the future ATR fleet on routes frequently used by university students, saying affordable air travel would benefit both Sarawakians studying in Peninsular Malaysia and students from the peninsula pursuing their education in Sarawak.
On fares, Abang Johari said he hoped AirBorneo could keep its RM375 all-inclusive one-way fare on the Kuching-Kuala Lumpur route unchanged for at least a year.
“I hope the fare will not increase for at least a year. If we can maintain RM375 for a year, then we have succeeded,” he said, adding that the airline would strive to sustain the fare beyond the first year if market conditions remain favourable.
He reiterated that AirBorneo was established not to maximise profits but to stabilise airfares, particularly on routes between Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia where ticket prices typically surge during festive seasons and school holidays.
He added that AirBorneo’s gradual fleet expansion and commitment to affordable fares reflect the State government’s long-term strategy of growing the airline organically while strengthening connectivity within Sarawak, across Malaysia and eventually to regional destinations. — DayakDaily
