By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, July 23: AirBorneo has marked a new chapter in Sarawak’s aviation history by launching its first international route, connecting Kuching and Singapore on Sarawak Day, marking a symbolic milestone signalling the airline’s transition from a domestic carrier into a regional player.
According to a media release today, the inaugural flight, MY363, departed Kuching at 6.50pm on July 22 and touched down at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 4 at 8.04pm, arriving 21 minutes ahead of schedule. The return service, MY364, left Singapore at 9.27pm and landed in Kuching at 10.36pm, 14 minutes earlier than scheduled.
The daily Kuching-Singapore service represents AirBorneo’s first step into international operations, opening a direct gateway between Sarawak and one of Southeast Asia’s most important aviation, business and tourism hubs.
AirBorneo chairman Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki described the launch as a defining moment for both the airline and Sarawak, as the State continues efforts to strengthen its regional connectivity and economic position.
“It reflects our commitment to strengthening connectivity, expanding opportunities and supporting Sarawak’s long-term economic aspirations,” he said.
He added that Singapore’s role as a regional gateway would help drive greater tourism, trade, investment and people-to-people links between Sarawak and the city-state.
“As we celebrate Sarawak Day, this milestone reflects Sarawak’s continued growth and our shared vision of positioning the State as a dynamic gateway to the region,” he said.
AirBorneo chief executive officer Megat Ardian Aminuddin said the Singapore route marked the beginning of a broader international expansion strategy as the airline seeks to grow its network across the region.
He said Singapore was a natural first destination due to its strong aviation connectivity and longstanding economic ties with Sarawak.
“The launch of our first international route marks an important milestone in AirBorneo’s next phase of growth.
“We look forward to connecting Sarawak with more destinations, strengthening regional connectivity and supporting the State’s long-term growth,” he said.
The launch comes as Sarawak continues to position itself as a regional economic hub, with improved air connectivity seen as a key driver for tourism, investment and business mobility.
With daily flights now operating between Kuching and Singapore, AirBorneo said tickets for the new route are available through its website and mobile application.
The airline’s maiden international service not only expands travel options for Sarawakians but also places Kuching on a wider regional aviation map, reinforcing the State’s ambition to become a more connected gateway between Borneo and Southeast Asia. — DayakDaily
