KUCHING: AirBorneo has been unveiled as Sarawak’s state-owned airline, poised to strike a balance between connectivity, affordable fares, and economic benefits for the state and its people.

Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said the airline will be operating as a full-service carrier (FSC), significantly enhancing passenger experience through superior in-flight services.

According to him, the formation of the airline will elevate the regional prestige of Sarawak as a premium travel destination.

“AirBorneo will further boost our connectivity, both domestically and internationally. Of course, it will still focus on Rural Air Services while progressively expand to destinations within a four-hour radius before expanding further in the future if the travel market warrants it.

“AirBorneo, being a full-service carrier, will be engaging in strategic partnership and code sharing agreements with other international airlines including with our own Malaysia Airlines, further expanding the network reach and improving global connectivity for Sarawak,” he said.

Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari spoke at the Sale Purchase Agreement Signing Ceremony between the Sarawak Government and Malaysian Aviation Group (MAG) held at a prominent hotel here, on Wednesday.

The Sale Purchase Agreement was signed by Sarawak Secretary and AirBorneo Chairman, Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki representing the Sarawak Government and MAG represented by Malaysia Aviation Group Berhad Group Managing Director, Datuk Captain Izham Ismail while witnessed by the Sarawak Premier and other distinguished guests.

Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari envisaged AirBorneo contributing to skills enhancement and talent development in the state by offering more diverse and specialised job opportunities, ranging from customer service to advanced technical roles.

Meanwhile, he pointed out that the acquisition of MASwings, leading to the formation of AirBorneo, along with the future development of the new Kuching International Airport, will create a powerful synergy that will transform the economic landscape of Sarawak.

He added that the initiatives collectively aim to position Sarawak as a vibrant economic hub in Malaysia and the region as a whole.

“These are not merely public investments. They represent a bold and calculated vision for the future of Sarawak.

“The initial acquisition of MASwings together with the formation of Sarawak airline will generate a transformative impact on the state’s economy by enhancing connectivity, creating jobs, improving infrastructure, supporting Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs), and contributing to achievements of economic growth targets, aligning with our aspirations under the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030,” he said.

Also present were Sarawak Deputy Premiers, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and Datuk Amar Professor Dr. Sim Kui Hian, Sarawak Legislative Assembly Speaker, Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nasar, Minister of Transport, Anthony Loke Siew Fook, Sarawak Minister for Transport, Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, Sarawak Cabinet Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Sarawak Financial Secretary, Dato Sri Dr. Wan Lizozman Wan Omar, MAG Board Member, Dato Amirul Feisal Wan Zahir, and other dignitaries. -UKASnews