AirBorneo is aiming to become the official airline for the 2027 SEA Games as it prepares to expand its regional network with up to three scheduled ASEAN routes by early next year.
AirBorneo chief executive officer Megat Ardian Wira Mohd Aminuddin said the planned expansion is part of the airline’s strategy to strengthen regional air connectivity while supporting the biennial sporting event.
He said the airline also plans to operate charter flights to ASEAN destinations that are not yet part of its scheduled network, helping to transport athletes, supporters and tourists during the 2027 SEA Games.
“We hope to become the official airline for the 2027 SEA Games. By early next year, we aim to have two to three ASEAN destinations in our scheduled flight network,” he said during the AirBorneo Media Roundtable, which was also attended by AirBorneo chairman Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki.
Megat Ardian added that AirBorneo is exploring new markets, including destinations in southern China, by working with travel agents to test demand before introducing permanent routes.
He said the airline’s expansion strategy is designed to boost not only tourism but also medical tourism, education, business travel and investment into Sarawak.
“Kuching has strong medical tourism facilities and five internationally recognised universities. We see opportunities to bring in not only tourists, but also patients, students and investors,” he said.
On the highly anticipated Singapore route, Megat Ardian revealed that AirBorneo is in the final stages of operational preparations after securing the necessary air traffic rights from Singaporean authorities.
The airline is now awaiting the completion of operational testing at Singapore Changi Airport before officially announcing the launch date.
“If everything goes according to plan, flights to Singapore are expected to begin by the end of July, with ticket sales opening within the next few weeks,” he said.
The airline plans to begin with one daily return service between Kuching and Singapore. Flights will depart Kuching at 6.50pm, while the return service from Singapore will depart at 9.15pm.
AirBorneo also announced two daily return flights between Kuching and Kuala Lumpur. Departures from Kuching are scheduled for 7.10am and 1pm, while flights from Kuala Lumpur will leave at 9.45am and 3.35pm.
The airline said the expansion marks another step in its efforts to strengthen Sarawak’s connectivity and support the state’s long-term tourism and economic growth ambitions.
