KUCHING: AirBorneo, Sarawak’s state-owned airline, is dedicated to offering affordable flight tickets, ensuring that Sarawakians can benefit from budget-friendly air travel options.

Sarawak Premier and Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) President, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, reiterated that maintaining reasonable ticket prices remains AirBorneo’s primary focus.

"Our priority is ensuring ticket prices remain affordable, with airfares that are not too expensive," he said during his speech at the opening ceremony of PBB's 16th General Assembly, held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on Saturday.

He further elaborated that AirBorneo will commence its operations by servicing routes to Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and Jakarta, following the acquisition of its first aircraft.

Gradually, the airline plans to expand to other international destinations.

In addition to the initial routes, the Premier revealed plans to extend AirBorneo's network to Hong Kong, with future ambitions to introduce flights to Japan.

“The Japanese Ambassador once asked why there are no direct flights to Japan from Sarawak. I responded by saying, ‘We’re ready whenever Japan is, as long as the Japanese come to visit Sarawak,’” he remarked.

This initiative is expected to not only provide Sarawakians with greater access to affordable air travel but also to stimulate growth in the state’s tourism and economic sectors.

Currently in its early planning stages, AirBorneo is set to become a significant airline focusing on the welfare of the people by offering lower fares. -UKASnews