KUCHING: AirBorneo Airways' latest Boeing 737-800 aircraft has arrived at Kuching International Airport (KIA) ahead of the state-owned carrier's inaugural Kuching–Kuala Lumpur–Kuching service on July 20, the Borneo Post reported.
Photos of the aircraft in AirBorneo's livery have circulated widely on social media and were also shared by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian on his Facebook page.
Dr Sim described the aircraft's arrival as another milestone for AirBorneo as it prepares to begin commercial operations, saying the airline is a strategic investment for Sarawak's air connectivity and economic transformation rather than a budget carrier.
He also said the proposed new Kuching International Airport at Tanjung Embang, expected to be completed after 2030, would strengthen Sarawak's long-term aviation ambitions.
Drawing a comparison with Emirates, Dr Sim said the Dubai-based airline began operations in 1985 with US$10 million in seed capital and two wet-leased aircraft before growing into one of the world's leading full-service airlines.
He said Emirates had helped transform Dubai into a global hub for banking, services and tourism, adding that he hoped AirBorneo would similarly contribute to Sarawak's long-term development.
AirBorneo's inaugural commercial service under its new brand follows the Sarawak government's acquisition and rebranding of MASwings, with twice-daily Kuching–Kuala Lumpur flights to operate from July 20 using Boeing 737-800 aircraft after ticket sales opened on July 7 with promotional one-way fares from RM375 for Economy Class and RM736 for Business Class, inclusive of airport taxes and fuel surcharges.
