AirBorneo to launch jet flights from Kuching to Kuala Lumpur and Singapore on July 20

AirBorneo Airways will begin commercial jet operations on July 20, 2026, flying between Kuching and Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 1 and Singapore, marking a new chapter in Sarawak’s air connectivity ^{[1, 2, 3]}. The airline will operate two wet-leased Boeing 737-800 aircraft, offering twice-daily flights on the Kuching-Kuala Lumpur route and one daily flight to Singapore ^{[1, 2]}.

Tickets for the Kuching-Kuala Lumpur route went on sale on July 7, 2026, with promotional all-inclusive one-way economy fares starting at RM375. These fares will be valid from July 21, 2026, until March 27, 2027, and the price is fixed year-round to stabilize airfare amid peak travel seasons, said Sarawak’s Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. He noted that during festive periods, fares on other airlines spike to RM800 or RM1,000, whereas AirBorneo will maintain the RM375 fare consistently ^{[1, 4, 3]}.

AirBorneo’s current wet lease agreement covers the aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance for 18 months, from July 2026 to December 2027 ^[1]. The airline plans to add three more jets in 2027, increasing the fleet to five by year-end, before transitioning to dry leases from 2028 onwards. The fleet is expected to grow by one aircraft per quarter starting in 2028, reaching 17 jets by 2030 ^{[1, 2]}.

AirBorneo aims to develop a regional network targeting destinations within a three- to five-hour flight radius from Sarawak, including ASEAN cities ^{[1, 2]}. The CEO, Megat Ardian Wira Mohd Aminuddin, described Kuala Lumpur as "a strategic gateway" that will open opportunities in tourism, trade, investment, and business sectors ^[3].

Airport slots for the Kuala Lumpur and Singapore services have been secured, with final operational tests at Singapore’s Changi Airport expected to complete soon. The Singapore route is slated to launch at the end of July 2026, pending final testing ^{[1, 2]}.

AirBorneo hopes to be the official airline of the 2027 SEA Games co-hosted by Sarawak, with plans to serve two to three ASEAN destinations starting in 2027 ^[2].