By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Feb 12: The Sarawak government has officially acquired MASwings with zero liability, marking a historic milestone in its aviation sector, with an 18-month transition to ensure smooth operations and minimal disruptions before its rebranding as AirBorneo.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg emphasised that AirBorneo is fully owned by the Sarawak government, with a Board of Directors led by the Sarawak Secretary.
“Under the agreement, all MASwings assets, including staff and aircraft in Sabah, will be transferred. The transition will include newly proposed ATR aircraft with updated cabin configurations.
“There will be zero liabilities—Sarawak is taking over with a fresh start. It is a good deal,” he told a press conference after witnessing the the signing of a Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) between the Sarawak government and Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) on the acquisition of MASwings held at a hotel here today.
When asked about the cost of the acquisition, he declined to disclose details, citing commercial sensitivities and the need to respect other industry players such as Malaysia Airlines, Batik Air, and AirAsia.
With the SPA signed, Sarawak is now free to negotiate new aircraft acquisitions and expand its fleet. While AirBorneo currently operates ATR aircraft, discussions are underway to introduce jets for longer-haul routes.
“The airline’s livery will be redesigned to reflect Sarawak’s identity, replacing the existing green scheme inherited from MASwings,” he added.
Operational expansion plans include key destinations such as Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and Jakarta, with Jakarta identified as a priority due to increasing tourist arrivals and the potential for medical tourism.
“Jakarta is just a 1 hour and 30-minute flight away, and we have many visitors from there. This will also facilitate medical tourism,” he noted.
Although the transition is expected to take around 12 months, Abang Johari has requested 18 months to ensure a seamless handover with minimal disruptions.
“The new carrier will continue serving Rural Air Services (RAS) while positioning itself for expanded regional and international routes.,” he added.
Beyond tourism, Sarawak’s unique geographical position makes this acquisition a game-changer for the investment landscape. Reliable air connectivity plays a crucial role in attracting investments, facilitating logistics, and supporting local businesses, particularly in e-commerce and handicrafts.
“We are strong in handicrafts, and our craft businesses rely on online sales. In e-commerce, deliveries must be fast. Having our own airline will streamline logistics and enable Sarawak products to reach international markets efficiently.
“From a demographic perspective, Sarawak has a population of around 2.9 to 3 million people. Scandinavian countries have similar populations but possess well-established logistics networks. That is why we are modeling our approach after mid-sized nations with strong economies,” he explained.
The airline will also support Sarawak’s push for green energy investments, which have drawn interest from Abu Dhabi, the Middle East, Japan, and Korea. Point-to-point travel is a priority for business investors, and AirBorneo’s strategy will focus on both tourism and business connectivity.
Looking ahead, the airline will expand methodically, ensuring sustainable growth while maximizing economic benefits for Sarawak.
“In stages, we will develop the airline to serve destinations beyond the Borneo region. This initiative aligns with our country’s aviation aspirations, allowing flights across Malaysia and beyond,” he stated.
He also expressed gratitude to Malaysia’s Minister of Transport Anthony Loke for facilitating negotiations between the federal government, MAG, and the Sarawak government. — DayakDaily
