By Tedong Rantayy
MIRI, Feb 15: The launch of AirBorneo is set to improve connectivity within the island of Borneo significantly, says Salinah Mohd Salleh, acting director of the Tourism Development Department under Brunei’s Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism.
Speaking at an event held at a mall today, Salinah expressed optimism about the project’s potential.
“Borneo currently has separate airports and airlines, but AirBorneo will connect us more effectively. Improved connectivity means more tourists,” she remarked.
She highlighted the unique appeal of Borneo, noting its distinct position as one of the few places in the world where visitors can experience three different destinations on a single island—Brunei, Malaysia, and Indonesia (Kalimantan).
“For long-haul travellers, they can travel between destinations by air or, for the more adventurous, by road. Borneo offers unparalleled experiences in nature, ecotourism, and community-based tourism,” she said.
Salinah emphasised the island’s strength in ecotourism, which she described as a shared treasure among all three nations on the island.
She noted that enhanced connectivity through AirBorneo would benefit not only Malaysia but also Brunei and the island as a whole.
The proposed airline is expected to draw more international visitors to Borneo, enabling the region to showcase further its natural beauty, rich culture, and strong community-driven tourism initiatives.
The recent acquisition of MASwings by the Sarawak government marks a significant milestone in Borneo’s aviation sector.
The airline, now rebranded as AirBorneo, aims to enhance regional connectivity and position Sarawak as a central aviation hub within the Asean region.
The Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) between the Sarawak government and Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) was formalised on February 12.
The transition is expected to be completed by the end of the year, with MASwings continuing its operations under MAG during this period to ensure uninterrupted services. — DayakDaily
