KUCHING, July 20 — AirBorneo marked a major milestone on Sunday with its inaugural commercial flight from Kuching to Kuala Lumpur, a historic moment that many described as a proud achievement for Sarawak and its people.
The launch of the first AirBorneo flight was held in Kuching and officiated by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, who later boarded the inaugural flight to Kuala Lumpur together with invited guests.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, AirBorneo Airways Chairman and Sarawak State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki said the occasion was a meaningful and historic achievement for Sarawak, coming just two days before the state celebrates Sarawak Day.
He described the inaugural flight as a special gift to all Sarawakians, including past leaders and generations of Sarawakians who had worked tirelessly to build a strong foundation for the state’s progress and development.
According to him, the successful launch reflects Sarawak’s growing capability to participate in and manage a highly technical and complex industry such as commercial aviation. He said the achievement demonstrates the state’s commitment to strengthening connectivity while supporting long-term economic growth.
Mohamad Abu Bakar said AirBorneo will initially operate two daily flights between Kuching and Kuala Lumpur, providing a direct air link across the South China Sea to improve connectivity between Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia.
He said the airline serves as a bridge connecting communities, making travel more convenient for business travellers, families, students and tourists. The inaugural service is operated using a Boeing 737-800 aircraft.
He added that the launch represents more than just the beginning of a new flight route. It also marks AirBorneo’s official entry into the commercial aviation industry after years of planning and preparation.
Looking ahead, Mohamad Abu Bakar acknowledged that the airline will face greater challenges as it expands its operations. However, he expressed confidence that AirBorneo will continue to grow, expand its network and play a bigger role in connecting Sarawak with destinations across Malaysia and beyond.
He also expressed appreciation to everyone who contributed to making the airline a reality and thanked the Sarawak Government for placing its trust in AirBorneo to help achieve the state’s vision of establishing its own airline.
The launch ceremony was also attended by Sarawak Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Sarawak State Legislative Assembly Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar, and AirBorneo Airways Chief Executive Officer Megat Ardian Wira Mohd Aminuddin.
The inaugural flight is widely seen as an important step in strengthening Sarawak’s transport infrastructure and improving accessibility between East and West Malaysia. With regular daily services now in operation, AirBorneo is expected to support tourism, trade, investment and economic activities while offering travellers another option for domestic air travel.
As Sarawak prepares to celebrate Sarawak Day, the successful launch of AirBorneo’s first commercial flight represents a significant chapter in the state’s development, reflecting its ambition to build stronger connectivity and create new opportunities for future growth.
