By Amanda L
KUCHING, July 20: AirBorneo passengers can look forward to flying on new-generation ATR aircraft from next year, with Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg revealing plans to upgrade the airline’s fleet and offer a more premium onboard experience.
Speaking at the launch of AirBorneo’s inaugural Kuching-Kuala Lumpur jet service today, Abang Johari said the State-owned airline is expected to expand its fleet within the next four to five months before taking delivery of the latest-generation ATR aircraft in 2027.
“And after that, in the next four to five months, our aircraft will be added. We started with two. Hopefully, those two will become four so that we can connect our network to other areas,” he said.
Responding to criticisms over AirBorneo’s inherited ATR fleet from MASwings, Abang Johari stressed that the aircraft currently in service are only a temporary arrangement pending the arrival of newer planes.
“There are people asking why we took old ATR aircraft that others no longer use.
“When we negotiated with MASwings, we did not simply take the old aircraft. Those aircraft are already scheduled to be replaced with the latest-generation ATRs, the most modern in aviation. Next year, maybe we will get the new aircraft,” he said.
Abang Johari said he has also requested improvements to the cabin configuration to give passengers a more premium travel experience.
“If we get the new aircraft, I have asked for the configuration inside the aircraft to be changed so that passengers will feel like they are flying first class,” he said.
He added that should the airline’s financial position allow, AirBorneo could also deploy the new ATR aircraft on routes between Sarawak and Subang to provide more affordable travel options for students studying in Peninsular Malaysia and vice versa.
“If we have the means, why don’t we also fly the ATR to Subang so our students can travel more affordably between Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia?
“This will benefit Sarawakian students studying in the peninsula as well as students from Peninsular Malaysia studying in Sarawak, while bringing our people closer together,” he said.
Abang Johari said the fleet renewal forms part of AirBorneo’s long-term strategy to grow organically while strengthening connectivity within Sarawak, Malaysia and the wider region. — DayakDaily
