Air Borneo Enters a New Era — Major Announcement Set for 10 December
Air Borneo, Sarawak’s homegrown airline, is set to make a major announcement on Wednesday, 10 December, drawing strong public attention as it prepares to enter Sarawak’s aviation market.
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Air Borneo — Key Highlights
Overview
• Airline name: Air Borneo
• Core focus: Rural and regional air services in Sarawak
• Headquarters: Raia Hotel & Convention Centre, Kuching (opposite Kuching International Airport)
• Launch plan: Commencing operations in January 2016 with rural air services, followed by regional jet services in July 2026
• Aircraft type: Initially operating turboprop aircraft, transitioning to jet aircraft from July
• Cultural identity: Cabin crew uniforms designed to be modest and culturally respectful, reflecting Sarawak’s heritage
• Regional expansion: Planned routes to Singapore and Jeju Island, South Korea
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Core Vision
Enhancing East Malaysia’s Flying Experience
• Focus on reliability, punctuality, and world-class customer service
• More than a name change — building a strong foundation for regional aviation
• Serving rural communities and improving connectivity across East Malaysia
• Jeju route aligns with Sarawak’s Delta Geopark and UNESCO aspirations
Government Support & Strategic Collaboration
• Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari: Airline expected to commence operations next month
• Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong expressed strong interest in the new airline
• Transport Minister Anthony Loke supports the launch of passenger jet services, including Singapore flights
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Main Development Components
① Fleet & Routes
• Turboprop aircraft for rural air services
• Transition to jet aircraft from July to expand regional coverage
• Initial routes: Rural Sarawak sectors, followed by international services (Singapore, Jeju)
② Cabin Crew & Service Standards
• Uniforms reflecting Sarawak culture and modest design
• Commitment to reliable, precise, and world-class customer service
• Goal: To become a new benchmark for aviation service in East Malaysia
③ Tourism & Regional Economic Integration
• Jeju Island route complements Sarawak’s UNESCO Global Geopark ambitions
• Promoting Sarawak’s nature attractions and leisure tourism
• Driving rural economic growth and tourism development
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Strategic Significance
• Marks Air Borneo’s first official step into the aviation market
• Builds a stronger regional air network in East Malaysia
• Improves travel accessibility for rural and regional communities
• Boosts Sarawak’s tourism and economic growth
• Establishes new standards in reliability, punctuality, and service quality
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📍 Air Borneo — More Than an Airline
It is a new air bridge connecting rural communities with cities, a new chapter in Sarawak’s regional aviation journey, and a long-awaited new era of flight for the people of East Malaysia.
— airborneoofficial
The 10 December announcement is expected to reveal initial routes, aircraft livery, and cabin crew uniform concepts.
Sarawakians — what are you most looking forward to? ✈️
