AirBorneo targets Kuching-Jakarta flights by month-end

AirBorneo is targeting to launch direct flights between Kuching and Jakarta by the end of this month, pending regulatory approval from Indonesian aviation authorities.

Minister of Transport Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin said the airline is awaiting the necessary approvals before commencing the service, which is expected to operate three times a week.

“Once we get the approval, then we will start flying to Jakarta,” he said during a press conference after delivering his ministerial winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today (Oct 19).

Lee said the Kuching-Jakarta route would give Sarawak direct air connectivity to three major cities in the region, alongside Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

He said fares for the international route would be based on dynamic pricing, while domestic services would continue to adopt fixed pricing.

AirBorneo commenced operations on Jan 1, 2026, and launched scheduled jet services between Kuching and Kuala Lumpur on July 20, followed by Kuching-Singapore services on July 22.

Both routes operate as full-service flights using Boeing 737-800 aircraft, offering Business Class and Economy Class cabins, with Sarawak delicacies served on board.

Lee said the airline has carried more than 50,000 passengers as its commercial jet operations approached their first 100 days, indicating demand for direct air links to and from Sarawak.

He added that AirBorneo planned to introduce additional commercial routes in 2027, connecting Kuching with other major towns in Sarawak and Kota Kinabalu, subject to aircraft availability and passenger demand.

The airline may receive additional aircraft in the first quarter of 2027, subject to regulatory approvals, with the routes to be served by the aircraft still under evaluation.

Meanwhile, AirBorneo has secured a firm order for eight new ATR72-600 aircraft, with purchase rights for four additional aircraft, to strengthen Rural Air Services (RAS). The aircraft are scheduled for delivery between 2027 and 2029.

Lee also welcomed the federal government’s RM209 million allocation for RAS under Budget 2027, saying the priority remained ensuring sustainable air services and reliable connectivity for rural and remote communities across Sarawak, Sabah and Labuan.