SINGAPORE: Sarawak-owned carrier AirBorneo Airways has reported strong demand for flights during the upcoming Chinese New Year period, with tickets already about 80% booked on its newly launched Singapore-Kuching route, according to its chief executive officer. The route, which began operations in early 2026, connects Singapore Changi Airport with Kuching International Airport in Sarawak, Malaysia.
The airline, a subsidiary of the Sarawak state government, is now eyeing expansion into other ASEAN destinations. CEO Liew Choon Siang stated that the carrier is evaluating potential routes to Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam, aiming to strengthen regional connectivity and support tourism and trade in Sarawak.
AirBorneo Airways currently operates a fleet of ATR 72-600 turboprop aircraft, serving domestic routes within Malaysia. The Singapore-Kuching service marks its first international route, and the airline plans to add more international destinations by the end of 2026, pending regulatory approvals and aircraft availability.
The strong booking figures for Chinese New Year, which falls in February 2027, reflect growing demand for direct flights between Singapore and Sarawak, particularly among the diaspora and tourists. The airline has not disclosed specific passenger numbers but confirmed that additional frequencies may be added to meet demand.
