By Amanda L
KUCHING, Oct 19: AirBorneo could begin operating flights between Kuching and Jakarta by the end of October, pending approval from Indonesian aviation authorities, with the route planned to run three times a week.
AirBorneo’s Head of Government Affairs and Regulatory Affairs Vinod Krishnan said the airline was awaiting regulatory clearance from Indonesia before commencing the service.
“We are planning to operate Kuching to Jakarta. We are just waiting for some regulatory approvals to come in before we commence. We are planning to commence by the end of this month if all approvals are secured,” he told reporters after the State Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting today.
Krishnan also confirmed that the Kuching-Jakarta route would operate three times a week, with fares determined by a dynamic pricing model.
Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin said the new route would bring AirBorneo’s international destinations to three cities: Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Jakarta.
Lee explained that the airline would adopt dynamic pricing for international flights, similar to other airlines, while maintaining fixed fares for domestic routes within Malaysia.
The planned Jakarta service would expand AirBorneo’s international connectivity from Kuching, subject to the necessary regulatory approvals.
AirBorneo’s Kuching-Jakarta route was first announced by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg on July 20, when he said the airline had secured an operating slot at Jakarta’s international airport. The route is part of the State-owned airline’s plans to expand its international network and strengthen connectivity across the ASEAN region. —DayakDaily
