AirBorneo Commences Rural & Regional Flights

KUCHING, Malaysia – A new era in Southeast Asian regional aviation has officially begun as AirBorneo (formerly MASwings) commenced its inaugural flight operations on January 2, 2026. The launch follows the successful completion of the legal and operational takeover of MASwings Sdn Bhd by the Sarawak state government from the Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) on New Year's Day.

Operating under the newly formed AirBorneo Holdings Sdn Bhd, the carrier has assumed full responsibility for the Rural Air Services (RAS) across Sabah, Sarawak, and the Federal Territory of Labuan. The transition marks a strategic pivot for the state, which aims to leverage the airline as a "sovereign tool" for economic development, tourism growth, and enhanced connectivity within Borneo Island.

A Phased Brand Evolution

While the legal transfer is complete, passengers will notice a gradual transition in branding. Sarawak’s Minister for Transport, Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, confirmed that the MASwings brand will remain visible on some airframes and ground facilities for approximately six months as the fleet is progressively repainted with the new AirBorneo livery.

"AirBorneo is more than just a name change; it is a commitment to sustainable fares and improved frequency for our communities," said the Minister during the inaugural ceremony at Kuching International Airport. "We are maintaining the 'lifeline' services essential to our remote regions while preparing for a major commercial expansion later this year."

Fleet and Future Jet Operations

The airline currently operates a fleet of 14 turboprop aircraft, comprising eight ATR 72-500s and six Viking Air DHC-6-400 Twin Otters. However, the 2026 roadmap includes a significant technological leap. The Sarawak government has already initiated talks for jet aircraft acquisition (specifically evaluating Embraer E2 and Airbus A220 platforms), with jet-powered services to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Jeju Island (South Korea) projected to begin in July 2026.

AirBorneo Inaugural & Key Regional Operations

Effective January 2026, AirBorneo has assumed the following scheduled services. While ticketing is currently managed through a transitional portal, full commercial integration on the official AirBorneo website is slated for January 14, 2026.

Note: the schedule for their inaugural and primary regional services is below.

The "Borneo Trail"

By mid-2026, AirBorneo plans to introduce the "Borneo Tourism Trail," a specialised flight pass allowing international tourists to hop between UNESCO sites like Mulu National Park and the Kinabalu Park via the airline's regional network. This initiative is expected to play a vital role in the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 campaign, positioning Kuching as a primary hub for eco-tourism.