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AirBorneo isn’t just getting a new name—it’s gearing up for a whole new era of flight. As Sarawak reclaims the skies with its very own airline (formerly MASwings), the path ahead isn’t just about routes. It’s about building a homegrown aviation force ready to take on Asia.

Target Take-Off: Q1 2026

The countdown is on. AirBorneo is aiming to launch full operations by the first quarter of 2026, officially taking over regional routes currently run by MASwings. Behind the scenes, teams are racing to meet regulatory green lights from CAAM and MAVCOM, with a full transition set for the end of 2025.

But it’s not just paperwork and planning. Sarawak is inviting locals to shape the airline’s identity too—with a logo and livery design competition in the works. It’s a once-in-a-generation chance to help design what could become Borneo’s most recognizable wings.

We Need Brains, Skills—and Jet Fuel

Sarawak’s Premier, Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, isn’t mincing words: we need talent. Pilots, engineers, ground handlers, and digital-savvy support crews are the backbone of this bold venture. From high-tech check-ins to smooth engine maintenance, every detail matters.

“We can’t build a bridge from Kuching to Singapore or KL,” he said. “That’s why we’re building AirBorneo—it is the bridge.”

The message is clear: This airline isn’t just for tourism or travel. It’s about opening doors for education, job creation, and regional growth—starting right here at home.

From Borneo to the World

AirBorneo’s initial flight map includes Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and Jakarta, but the plan doesn’t stop there. Cities like Tokyo, Seoul, and Hong Kong are on the radar, making it easier than ever for students, professionals, and tourists to explore Sarawak—and for Sarawakians to explore the world.

And yes, that dream of long-haul flights to Germany, Japan, or South Korea? It’s on the horizon.

Who says only countries can fly high? Sarawak just made history by launching AirBorneo — a bold, full-service carrier designed to bring Borneo closer to the world. It’s a first-of-its-kind move in Malaysia, charting a new flight path for regional connectivity and pride.

Not Just Sarawak, But All of Borneo

Let’s be real—“AirBorneo” isn’t just a catchy name (though, yes, it absolutely is). It signals something bigger: this airline represents the entire island of Borneo, the fourth-largest island on Earth, shared by Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei.

The airline, born from Sarawak’s acquisition of MASwings, will transform from a rural connector to a regional aviation powerhouse. And yes, it’s still committed to rural air services—because no town or kampung gets left behind.

From Rural Routes to Munich Dreams

That’s the dream—and Sarawak’s Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has a flight plan.

For starters, AirBorneo will connect rural destinations across Sarawak and Sabah, then expand into nearby cities within a 4–5 hour flight radius. Think:

• Bali, Jakarta, Surabaya
• Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Manila
• Hong Kong, Taipei, Guangzhou
• And even Perth or Darwin in Australia.

Further down the runway? Possible long-haul routes to Germany, Japan, South Korea, and beyond.

A New Hub in the Making

With Kuching as its hub, AirBorneo isn’t just launching flights—it’s building a future. A new international airport has been proposed to support Sarawak’s aviation ambitions, transforming it into a gateway to ASEAN and BIMP-EAGA (that’s the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area—an initiative to boost economic and transport links in this subregion).

This sets the stage for Kuching to become a regional transit hub, finally cutting out those detours through KL or Singapore.

More Than Travel—It’s About Growth

AirBorneo is about more than just getting from A to B. It’s about:

• Creating jobs across aviation, tourism, logistics, and airport operations.
• Fueling tourism by making Sarawak and Borneo easier (and way cooler) to visit.
• Boosting trade with better cargo connections.
• Strengthening autonomy as Sarawak gains more control over key infrastructure.

As Abang Johari put it, this isn’t just a transportation strategy. It’s an economic transformation.

So What’s Next?

Expect collaborations with international airlines, including code-sharing with Malaysia Airlines, strategic partnerships with aircraft manufacturers, and a growing fleet that supports affordable yet premium air travel.

AirBorneo is not just an airline—it’s a movement that reflects Sarawak’s rising confidence, and Borneo’s boundless potential.

Stay tuned. The skies over Borneo just got a whole lot more interesting.

Something exciting is brewing in the skies of Borneo — and it’s not just the tropical clouds. Sarawak is charting its own flight path into global airspace with the launch of its very own airline, set to officially spread its wings in 2025.

After finalizing the acquisition of MASwings, the state-owned airline is poised to link Sarawak directly with major international cities. We’re talking Frankfurt, Tokyo, Seoul, Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Jakarta — destinations chosen not just for strategic convenience, but to give Sarawak a louder voice in tourism, trade, and regional mobility.

“My dream destinations? Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Jakarta — and Frankfurt, Germany,” said Sarawak Premier Abang Johari. “We want people to come here, eat kolo mee, and fly back telling the world about it.”

From MASwings to a Whole New Identity

The transformation began with Sarawak’s decision to take full control of MASwings, a regional airline previously under Malaysia Aviation Group. Once the legal and regulatory checklists are cleared — which the government expects to happen very soon — the new airline will be rebranded, refueled, and reimagined for global routes.

Behind the scenes, Hornbill Skyways, Sarawak’s aviation-linked GLC, is expected to lead operations. A new name and a fresh fleet are on the way, signaling a shift from domestic connectivity to global ambition.

Why This Matters for Sarawak

This isn’t just about getting to Tokyo without a transit stop. The bigger goal is to make Sarawak a regional hub by 2035, competing head-on with other ASEAN gateways.

With direct flights, Sarawak’s tourism potential could explode — think more backpackers on Bako trails, more entrepreneurs landing in Kuching, and more cultural exchanges, all within a few hours’ flight.

And it doesn’t stop at the six cities. Future plans hint at expansion to Singapore, Brunei, Australia, and even more of Europe.

Meanwhile, Sarawak’s Ministry of Transport has been actively pitching new routes to global carriers, offering everything from reduced airport fees to marketing support to get more airlines flying into the Land of the Hornbills.

The Sky Isn’t the Limit — It’s Just the Beginning

For too long, Sarawak has played passenger to someone else’s flight plan. That’s changing. With homegrown ambition and international vision, the state is stepping up to the cockpit — ready to chart new routes, tell its own story, and welcome the world on its own terms.

So whether you’re flying in for jungle treks or flying out for business deals, know this: Sarawak isn’t just connecting the dots — it’s redrawing the whole map.

The runway is clear. Engines are warming.
Now all that’s left… is takeoff.