MEI 2025
AirBorneo To Catalyze Development In Sarawak - Premier
TOULOUSE, Mon : The acquisition of MASWings and thereafter the inception of AirBorneo as Sarawak’s airline is an initiative to catalyze development in Sarawak, Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Haji Johari Tun Openg said here, today.
The formation of AirBorneo was not only about having an airline but more importantly a move to provide regional connectivity between Sarawak and neighbouring countries as the state strived to become a regional renewable power hub and ASEAN battery, the Premier pointed out.
He told reporters this at a media conference at the end of his visit to the ATR and Airbus facilities here, today.
He said the strategic technical visit to the headquarters of ATR and the Airbus Campus was part of efforts to bolster Sarawak’s air transport sector and prepare for the launch of the state-owned airline, AirBorneo.
In their discussions during the visit, AIRBUS had shown willingness to collaborate with Sarawak in setting up the airline and provide support in areas such as training and digitalisation of operation.
The Premier and delegates were given an in-depth briefing on aircraft design, operations, and potential aviation technology collaborations.
The visit also included a tour of ATR’s Final Assembly Centre, allowing the delegation to witness firsthand the manufacturing process of high-performance commercial aircraft suitable for domestic and regional medium-haul routes.
The Sarawak delegation then proceeded to the Airbus Campus in Blagnac and participated in discussions with Airbus International President Wouter van Wersch at the Airspace Customer Showroom Agoahub.
These sessions opened avenues for professional exchanges and explored potential strategic collaborations in technology, training, and maintenance.
Afterwards, the Premier and his delegation toured Airbus’ customer exhibition space and observed the final assembly operations of the A350, one of the world’s most advanced commercial aircraft.
This visit is seen as a critical step in ensuring AirBorneo, expected to commence full operations by next year meets international standards while strengthening Sarawak’s regional air transport network.
This is particularly vital for domestic and regional routes across Southeast Asia, including Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Singapore, Jakarta, Hong Kong, and Japan.
Accompanying the Premier were Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, Sarawak Minister of Transport Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, Sarawak State Secretary, Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki and senior government officials.