KUCHING: Sarawak-owned airline AirBorneo is targeting affordable airfares and better air connectivity as it embarks on jet operations with the launch of its Kuching-Kuala Lumpur route.
The inaugural flight departed from Kuching International Airport at 1pm yesterday with Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg among the passengers on board.
Abang Johari said introducing flights beyond Sarawak and stabilising airfares were part of the state government’s considerations in establishing its own airline.
Sarawak took over MASwings Sdn Bhd last year to form AirBorneo, commencing operations with the existing rural air services in Sarawak, Sabah and Labuan in January this year.
“The objective is simple. We want to provide air transportation for our economy, which is important in addition to shipping and ports,” Abang Johari said when launching the inaugural flight.
He said AirBorneo also aims to stabilise airfares on the Kuching-Kuala Lumpur route, which often skyrocket during school holidays and festive seasons.
“We need our own airline to stabilise the fares.
“When we announced our fixed fare of RM375, other airlines started lowering their prices.
“We achieve our objective when they respond to our price. This benefits not only Sarawakians but other passengers flying this route,” he said.
AirBorneo Holdings Sdn Bhd chairman Datuk Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki said the inaugural flight marked AirBorneo’s entry into commercial jet operations with two wet-leased Boeing 737-800 aircraft.
As Sarawak Day falls tomorrow, he added that the Kuching-Kuala Lumpur flight was the best present for Sarawakians.
AirBorneo is scheduled to introduce its Kuching-Singapore service tomorrow, while flights to Kota Kinabalu and Jakarta are planned to start next year.
In Sepang, Abang Johari reiterated that the airline would keep fares as stable as possible despite fluctuations in global jet fuel prices by operating under a different business model.
“We treat this airline as an air bridge. The government will support some fixed costs, while we will manage operating costs on a commercial basis.
“This approach is the Sarawak model. We see it as an investment to drive economic growth and strengthen the state’s connectivity.
“With major investments flowing into Sarawak, particularly in green energy and semiconductors, we need a reliable air bridge for businesses to travel in and out of the state,” he said.
Earlier in the day, the inaugural flight MY5005 landed at around 3pm, with the premier and other ministers of the state government on board.
They were welcomed by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof and Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.