KUCHING (Dec 6): Sarawak-owned airline AirBorneo, which is set to begin operations next month, will start operating regional jet services by July 2026, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

Speaking at the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) Corporate Dinner at the Riverside Majestic Hotel here on Friday night, he said AirBorneo will initially operate using ATR and Twin Otter aircraft before transitioning to jet services.

“Next month, AirBorneo will start flying, and we will use propeller aircraft first, then in July we will begin jet operation,” he said in his speech.

Abang Johari said upgrading to jet aircraft is essential to meet Sarawak’s plans for direct international routes, including to Singapore — a proposal he said has received the green light from Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong during their recent meeting.

“He said, ‘Is it true that you are going to have an airline?’ I said yes, starting next month,” he said.

He added that Transportation Minister Anthony Loke was also present at the meeting, and has agreed to AirBorneo operating jet services, including flights to Singapore.

The Premier also expressed interest in launching services to Jeju Island in South Korea, a global geopark, to connect it with Sarawak’s own geopark.

“Connecting geopark with geopark. If Korean tourists come here, they will land here and perhaps play golf in Damai. Hopefully this will become a reality,” he said.

On the airline’s cabin crew uniforms, Abang Johari said the final designs are being refined and will feature elements reflecting Sarawak’s cultural identity.

“We want to compete with AirAsia, but the uniforms will not be too revealing.

“We have our own culture,” he added.

Credits: Aileen Yap, The Borneo Post 2025