AirBorneo gets major fleet upgrade to connect remote communities

SINGAPORE, 5 February 2026 – Sarawak's own airline, AirBorneo has joined forces with ATR to transform air travel for some of Borneo's most remote communities.

AirBorneo has placed a firm order for eight brand-new ATR aircraft (five ATR 72-600s and three ATR 42-600s) with options for four more planes down the line. The new fleet will arrive between 2027 and 2029 and will bring in a new era of comfort, safety, and reliability for passengers in Sarawak, Sabah, and Labuan.

This partnership is a transformative moment for AirBorneo as it evolves into Sarawak's state-owned airline and takes charge of the vital Rural Air Services (RAS) network, which connects underserved communities throughout East Malaysia.

The deal, finalised in late 2025, builds on AirBorneo's rebirth following the Sarawak Government's purchase of MASwings in 2025. Currently operating eight ATR 72-500 aircraft inherited from its predecessor, AirBorneo is now set to modernise with the next-generation ATR –600 series.

The new aircrafts are newer, smarter, and more capable, with:

• Advanced technology: Cutting-edge equipment and modern navigation systems

• Better comfort: Improved cabin design for a better passenger experience

• Medical readiness: Equipped for stretcher operations to serve emergency medical needs

• Operational excellence: Optimised for Borneo's diverse and challenging route environments

• Greater flexibility: The mixed fleet allows AirBorneo to match aircraft size to route demands while benefiting from the ATR family's strong commonality

The purchase rights for four additional aircraft also open doors for potential expansion beyond the RAS network, including regional growth opportunities within the Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).

Chief Executive Officer of AirBorneo, Megat Ardian emphasised the importance of the upgrade, saying the partnership "marks a major milestone in AirBorneo's commitment to delivering reliable, safe and modern air services for the communities we serve. Our new ATR –600 fleet will significantly strengthen the Rural Air Services network by offering improved comfort, greater efficiency and the operational capability needed for regional connectivity in East Malaysia. The ATR platform has consistently proven to be the most suitable planes for our operating environment and upgrading to the latest –600 series ensures we can continue providing essential connectivity while preparing AirBorneo for long-term growth."

Chief Executive Officer of ATR, Nathalie Tarnaud Laude said AirBorneo's decision to invest in both the ATR 72-600 and ATR 42-600 "reflects the strength and versatility of the ATR family and its suitability for demanding regional operations. The ATR 42-600, with its exceptional efficiency and low operating costs, is ideally suited for serving lower-density regional routes, while the ATR 72-600 provides additional capacity where it is needed. We are proud to partner with AirBorneo in strengthening reliable air connectivity across Borneo and the wider region."

The historic agreement was witnessed by AirBorneo Chairman, Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki and Nathalie. Also present were AirBorneo's Board of Directors: Dato Sri Wan Lizozman Wan Omar, Dato Sri Saferi Ali, Dato Sri Abdullah Zaidell, Datu Hasmawati Sapawi, and the airline's management team.