By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Nov 13: Sarawak is targeting April 2027 for AirBorneo to launch direct flights between Kuching and Bangkok, as the State airline looks to expand its regional network and strengthen international connectivity.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said discussions were already underway to secure landing authorisation in Bangkok, with the proposed service potentially taking off in the first quarter of next year.
“There is a targeted timeline for flights to Bangkok, but I cannot confirm it at this stage because we do not have the authority presently. Once the mandate is returned (after Sarawak election), we will certainly consider Bangkok.
“I believe this could happen in the first quarter of next year, possibly around April,” he said after sending off passengers on AirBorneo’s inaugural Kuching-Jakarta flight at Kuching International Airport today.
On its expansion plans, Abang Johari said Bangkok was among the destinations being considered as part of AirBorneo’s growing Asean network, following its services to Singapore and Jakarta.
He added that the airline was also exploring the possibility of becoming one of the official carriers for the SEA Games in 2027, particularly as Sarawak would host the opening ceremony.
He said Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Abdul Rahman Karim Hamzah was currently negotiating the possibility of AirBorneo taking on the role.
Beyond Southeast Asia, South Korea was another potential destination, with Seoul and Jeju Island being considered.
“Seoul could be one destination, followed by Jeju Island, which, like Sarawak, is recognised as a UNESCO Global Geopark,” he said, adding that Sarawak was targeting 2027 for the introduction of flights to South Korea, although the exact launch date had yet to be determined.
Abang Johari said the airline would need to expand its fleet to support its planned route network, noting that it currently had two aircraft and would need at least five.
“We currently have two, so we will need to add another three,” he said.
He said AirBorneo would prioritise destinations with strong tourism potential, including medical tourism, which could generate additional economic opportunities for Sarawak’s healthcare and hospitality industries.
He noted that Sarawak had the potential to attract medical tourists, particularly with the presence of private hospitals offering healthcare services.
The Premier also highlighted ongoing investments in Sarawak’s hospitality infrastructure, including an international hotel under construction along Jalan Ban Hock and another development at the former Ting & Ting Supermarket site.
Two more international hotels were also in the pipeline.
“With additional hotel capacity and the expansion of the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), Sarawak would be better equipped to host international conferences and events.
“These developments will further strengthen our economy, particularly in tourism and medical tourism,” he said.
AirBorneo today launched its direct Kuching-Jakarta service, marking its first route into Indonesia.
The inaugural flight, MY396, departed Kuching at 3.10pm and was scheduled to arrive in Jakarta at 4pm local time.
The service operates every Monday, Friday and Sunday using a Boeing 737-800 aircraft configured with 12 Business Class and 150 Economy Class seats.
The return flight, MY397, is scheduled to depart Jakarta at 4.55pm and arrive in Kuching at 7.45pm.
All-in one-way fares start from RM399 for Economy Class and RM888 for Business Class from Kuching. From Jakarta, fares start at IDR1,750,000 and IDR3,880,000 respectively. The fares include checked baggage, seat selection and meals.
To ensure fare transparency and protect travellers from unauthorised third-party mark-ups, AirBorneo tickets are sold through the airline’s official website (www.airborneo.com), mobile application, ticketing offices and authorised travel agents.
The airline said travellers could also book tailored travel packages through accredited partners, while passengers in Indonesia could make payments in Indonesian Rupiah through local digital payment channels.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, Minister of Transport Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Sarawak Secretary and AirBorneo chairman Datuk Amar Mohd Abu Bakar Marzuki and AirBorneo chief executive officer Megat Ardian Wira Mohamad Aminuddin were among the distinguished guests present. — DayakDaily
