The development would give Sarawak direct air connectivity to three capital cities in the region, he said.

At a press conference later, Lee clarified that AirBorneo was awaiting regulatory approval from Indonesian aviation authorities for the proposed Jakarta flights.

AirBorneo head of Government Relations and Regulatory Affairs Vinod Krishnan said the airline expected to operate the service three times a week, adding Jakarta to its existing international destinations of Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

The airline may receive additional aircraft in the first quarter of 2027, subject to regulatory approvals, he said.

Routes to be served by the additional aircraft are still being evaluated and will be announced once confirmed, he added.

AirBorneo will adopt dynamic pricing for its international flights, including the proposed Jakarta service, while fixed fares will apply to its domestic flights within Malaysia.

Lee also told the august House that AirBorneo commenced scheduled jet services between Kuching and Kuala Lumpur on July 20 this year, with two daily flights, followed by services between Kuching and Singapore on July 22, marking its first international route.

Both routes are operated as full-service flights using Boeing 737-800 aircraft, with Business Class and Economy Class cabins and Sarawak’s own delicacies served on board, he said.

Lee also informed the House that AirBorneo had surpassed the milestone of carrying more than 50,000 passengers as its commercial jet operations approached their first 100 days.

“This is an encouraging early indication of the demand for direct air links to and from Sarawak, and of the confidence the travelling public has placed in Sarawak’s own airline,” he said.

Lee also expressed his appreciation towards the federal government’s continued support for Rural Air Services (RAS), with the RM209 million allocation announced by the Prime Minister cum Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim under Budget 2027.

“As discussions on the way forward continue, our priority remains to ensure the sustainability of these essential services and reliable air connectivity for rural and remote communities across Sarawak, Sabah and Labuan,” said Lee.

“AirBorneo also remains committed to advancing Sarawak’s essential rural connectivity by securing a firm order for eight new ATR72-600 aircraft, together with purchase rights for four additional aircraft. Scheduled for delivery between 2027 and 2029, the fleet renewal will modernise Rural Air Services and strengthen reliable access to remote and underserved communities across Sarawak, Sabah and Labuan,” he said.

“Moving forward, in 2027, AirBorneo will introduce commercial routes, connecting Kuching with other major towns in Sarawak and Kota Kinabalu, by reviewing and expanding its network based on passenger demand and connectivity needs, subject to aircraft availability,” he added.

The establishment of AirBorneo, which commenced operations on Jan 1, 2026, marks a defining milestone in Sarawak’s aviation journey, empowering the state to drive its own air connectivity agenda in line with the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030, he said.

Credits: Churchill Edward, The Borneo Post 2026