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AirBorneo Airways Sees 80% Bookings for New Singapore-Kuching Flights Ahead of Chinese New Year
🇸🇬 Singapore /Economy & Trade

AirBorneo Airways Sees 80% Bookings for New Singapore-Kuching Flights Ahead of Chinese New Year

From CNA · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • AirBorneo Airways reports strong bookings, with 80% of its new Singapore-Kuching flights already sold for the 2027 Chinese New Year period.
  • The Sarawak-based airline launched its first international service on July 22, 2026, operating flights between Kuching and Singapore.
  • AirBorneo plans to expand its fleet to five aircraft by the end of the year and eyes further regional network growth in Southeast Asia.

Sarawak's state-owned carrier, AirBorneo Airways, is experiencing robust demand for its newly launched international route, with tickets for flights between Singapore and Kuching already 80% booked for the 2027 Chinese New Year period. This strong performance signals a promising start for the airline's expansion into the regional market.

That’s our target, to get 80 per cent of bookings.

— Megat Ardian AminuddinCommenting on the strong booking rates for the new Singapore-Kuching route during the Chinese New Year period.

AirBorneo commenced its first international service on July 22, 2026, operating a Boeing B737-800 aircraft between Kuching and Singapore's Changi Airport Terminal 4. This launch follows the airline's earlier introduction of flights to Kuala Lumpur. The airline's chairman, Amar Haji Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, described the launch as a "significant milestone," emphasizing its role in strengthening connectivity, expanding opportunities, and supporting Sarawak's long-term economic goals.

Chief Executive Officer Megat Ardian Aminuddin highlighted Singapore as a "natural choice" for AirBorneo's inaugural international destination due to the close economic ties between Sarawak and the city-state, a key aviation and commercial hub. The Singapore-Kuching route, along with the Kuching-Kuala Lumpur service, marks the beginning of AirBorneo's strategic international expansion. Previously, only Scoot and AirAsia operated direct flights between Singapore and Kuching.

Singapore is an important regional gateway and this new route will strengthen tourism, trade, investment and people-to-people connections between Sarawak and Singapore.

— Amar Haji Mohamad Abu Bakar MarzukiDescribing the strategic importance of the new Singapore route for Sarawak.

Looking ahead, AirBorneo plans to significantly grow its fleet and regional network. The airline currently operates two jet aircraft and aims to expand its fleet to five by the end of 2026. This expansion is geared towards increasing its presence in Southeast Asia, further enhancing regional connectivity and offering more travel options for passengers.

Singapore is a natural choice for our first international destination, given the close economic ties between Sarawak and one of the region’s key aviation and commercial hubs.

— Megat Ardian AminuddinExplaining the rationale behind choosing Singapore for AirBorneo's first international flight.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by CNA in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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