AirBorneo Airways’ (AirBorneo) newest Boeing 737-800 aircraft has arrived at Kuching International Airport (KIA) ahead of the airline’s first commercial service between Kuching and Kuala Lumpur on July 20.
Images of the aircraft featuring AirBorneo’s new livery gained attention on social media after being shared by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian on his Facebook page.
Dr Sim described the aircraft’s arrival as another major milestone for Sarawak’s state-owned airline as it moves closer towards the start of its commercial operations.
He said AirBorneo’s role goes beyond offering affordable airfares, describing it as a strategic investment aimed at improving Sarawak’s air connectivity and supporting long-term economic growth.
Dr Sim also highlighted the proposed development of the new Kuching International Airport at Tanjung Embang, which is expected to be completed after 2030, as part of Sarawak’s future aviation plans.
He compared AirBorneo’s ambitions with Emirates, which began operations in 1985 with limited resources before expanding into one of the world’s leading full-service airlines.
According to Dr Sim, Emirates demonstrated how a state-backed airline could contribute to wider economic transformation by helping establish Dubai as a global centre for business, tourism and services.
He said Sarawak and AirBorneo should look towards the airline’s journey not only as a business model but also as an example of how aviation can contribute to nation-building.
The Kuching–Kuala Lumpur–Kuching inaugural flight on July 20 will officially mark the beginning of AirBorneo’s commercial operations under its new identity following the Sarawak government’s acquisition and rebranding of MASwings.
AirBorneo previously announced that ticket sales for the new route had begun through its official website and mobile application, offering promotional “Sarawakku Sayang” fares starting from RM375 one-way for Economy Class and RM736 for Business Class, including airport taxes and fuel surcharges.
The airline said the route will operate twice daily between Kuching International Airport and Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 1 using Boeing 737-800 aircraft, providing more travel options for business and leisure passengers.
