KUCHING (Dec 5): With AirBorneo racing toward its official launch next month, Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin made a morale-boosting visit to the airline’s headquarters on Friday, where staff have been working around the clock to finalise operations.

According to a press release, Lee’s visit, which came as AirBorneo enters its final stretch of preparations, was warmly received by staff who have been working tirelessly.

“His visit provided a strong sense of encouragement as the team pushes forward to meet the airline’s launch timeline,” the statement read.

Lee said he was particularly heartened to see many Sarawakians, including former aviation professionals who previously served with major airlines both domestically and internationally, choosing to return home to contribute their expertise to AirBorneo.

“I am truly proud to see Sarawak talents with strong aviation backgrounds coming back from various parts of Malaysia and even abroad to join this mission.

“Your decision to return and help build our own airline reflects deep commitment and love for our beloved Sarawak,” he said in the press release on Friday.

He emphasised that these individuals are not merely employees, but pioneers.

“Years from now, when Sarawak’s airline grows, people will look back and remember that you were here at the beginning,” he added.

During briefings with AirBorneo’s management team, Lee reviewed the airline’s operational readiness, including safety compliance, crew preparedness, ground operations and customer service systems.

He commended the team’s professionalism, noting that many had been working day and night to ensure a smooth rollout.

He also reminded the team that safety, reliability, and service excellence must remain the highest priorities, as these form the foundation of public confidence in the airline.

AirBorneo, formerly MASwings and now transitioning under Sarawak’s ownership, is expected to enhance rural air services and strengthen intercity connectivity in support of Sarawak’s broader development strategies under the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.

Credits: Aileen Yap, The Borneo Post 2025