SINGAPORE – AirBorneo has entered into a strategic partnership with French aircraft manufacturer ATR to modernise Malaysia’s Rural Air Services (RAS) fleet, a move aimed at strengthening connectivity for remote communities in East Malaysia.
The Sarawak-owned airline confirmed a firm order for eight new aircraft, comprising five ATR 72-600s and three ATR 42-600s. In addition, the agreement includes purchase rights for four more planes, offering flexibility for future expansion. Deliveries are scheduled to take place between 2027 and 2029.
The signing ceremony in Singapore was attended by Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Sarawak Secretary and Chairman of AirBorneo, alongside ATR Chief Executive Officer Nathalie Tarnaud Laude.
Senior Sarawak officials including Financial Secretary Dato Sri Dr Wan Lizozman Wan Omar, Attorney-General Dato Sri Saferi Ali, Deputy Secretary for Economic Planning and Development Dato Sri Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel, and Deputy Financial Secretary Datu Hasmawati Sapawi were also present, together with the airline’s management team.
The agreement represents a major step in AirBorneo’s transformation into Sarawak’s state-owned carrier. It follows the Sarawak Government’s acquisition of MASwings in 2025 and its subsequent rebranding as AirBorneo. The airline currently operates eight ATR 72-500 aircraft inherited from MASwings, but the new ATR 600 series will form the backbone of a safer and more efficient RAS operation.
According to the airline, the ATR 42-600 and ATR 72-600 models will enhance passenger comfort, improve operational reliability, and provide greater service capability. The aircraft are equipped with advanced avionics, modern navigation systems, and upgraded cabin features. They are also designed to support medical stretcher operations, making them suitable for diverse rural and regional routes across Borneo.
AirBorneo highlighted that the mixed fleet will allow the airline to adjust capacity according to demand while benefiting from the commonality of the ATR family. The inclusion of purchase rights for four additional aircraft opens the door to potential expansion beyond the RAS network, particularly within the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area.
AirBorneo Chief Executive Officer Megat Ardian described the partnership as a milestone in the airline’s commitment to reliable and modern air services. “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,” he said.
ATR’s CEO Nathalie Tarnaud Laude emphasised the versatility of the ATR family, noting that the ATR 42-600 is particularly efficient for lower-density routes, while the ATR 72-600 provides additional capacity where required. “We are proud to partner with AirBorneo in strengthening reliable air connectivity across Borneo and the wider region,” she added.
The collaboration underscores Sarawak’s ambition to build a resilient aviation network that supports both economic development and community needs. With the new fleet, AirBorneo is positioning itself to deliver improved services while ensuring long-term sustainability in East Malaysia’s aviation sector.
