KUCHING: The Sarawak Government is moving steadily to strengthen the position of its state-owned airline, AirBorneo, by forming strategic partnerships with established carriers and expanding its flight network in stages.
Sarawak Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Henry Harry Jinep said the move is crucial for AirBorneo as it seeks to build credibility and recognition in the highly regulated and competitive global aviation industry.
Speaking at a press conference after welcoming the first Batik Air flight from Guangzhou at the Kuching International Airport on Tuesday, he acknowledged that AirBorneo, as a new airline, faces challenges in securing international flight rights and operational approvals.
“At AirBorneo, we are a new airline and we do not have any international record so far,” he said. “To apply for permits such as flight rights and related facilities in other cities, it takes time because many international aviation rules and standards must be complied with.”
He added that gaining global trust does not happen overnight, especially for new industry players entering a market that is closely monitored by aviation authorities worldwide. As such, collaboration with more established airlines is a practical and strategic step forward.
According to him, AirBorneo is already working with other airlines as part of this broader strategy. The state government remains committed to positioning the airline firmly in the regional and international aviation landscape through careful planning and phased network expansion.
The deputy minister also highlighted the significance of the inaugural Batik Air service from Guangzhou to Kuching. The flight carried 145 passengers and took approximately three hours and 45 minutes, marking an important milestone in improving direct connectivity between Sarawak and China.
He described the new route as an initiative to enhance air accessibility and attract more international visitors to Sarawak. He noted that the state’s rapid development in sectors such as aerospace, green energy and the digital economy has begun drawing global attention.
“This is now attracting the attention of the world and I believe many people are willing to come and see for themselves the development that is happening in Kuching and Sarawak,” he said.
Direct city-to-city connections, he stressed, provide major advantages for tourism, business and investment. Increased international arrivals are expected to stimulate local economic activities, benefiting various sectors including hospitality, retail and services.
As Sarawak continues to position itself as a forward-looking state while maintaining strong fundamentals, the strengthening of AirBorneo through strategic cooperation reflects a long-term vision. The government hopes that more international routes will be introduced in the future, further enhancing Kuching’s status as a growing regional aviation hub.
