Sarawak’s new airline, AirBorneo Holdings Sdn Bhd (AirBorneo), is believed to have selected Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd’s (MAHB) chief aviation and strategy officer, Megat Ardian Wira Mohd Aminuddin, as its chief executive officer.
Business Times understands that AirBorneo views Megat Ardian as a strong candidate to lead the airline’s expansion, given his extensive experience across the aviation industry.
According to sources, he is expected to assume the role after Dec 31, once the Sarawak government finalises its takeover of MASWings. He will be based at AirBorneo’s headquarters in Kuching.
Megat Ardian is well-regarded in the sector, having served in key positions at Malaysia Airlines Bhd, AirAsia Bhd and Saudi low-cost carrier Flynas before joining MAHB.
MASWings currently operates as the rural air service arm of Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), which also owns national carrier Malaysia Airlines.
AirBorneo has not yet formally announced its leadership team, and Megat Ardian has not responded to Business Times’ request for comment.
In a statement to Business Times, MAHB thanked Megat Ardian for his dedication over the past seven years and wished him well as he embarks on a new chapter.
“We look forward to continued collaboration across the industry as we work together to strengthen Malaysia’s aviation sector,” the company said.
On May 26, Business Times reported that AirBorneo was intensifying efforts to build its core leadership team ahead of its planned 2026 launch. The airline has been recruiting for several senior IT positions, including divisional heads, and had previously initiated a search for a chief operations officer.
Details of AirBorneo’s fleet and route strategy remain undisclosed, though Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has said the state aims to model its success after Dubai-based carrier Emirates.
Media reports suggest that AirBorneo is considering international routes to destinations such as Bangkok, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Seoul and Frankfurt as it positions itself as a full-service airline.
AirBorneo is the rebranded identity of MASWings, following Sarawak’s acquisition of the carrier from MAG under a sale and purchase agreement signed on Feb 12.
