AirBorneo take-off in East Malaysia means some changes for passengers
AirBorneo officially started to fly in East Malaysia on January 2, 2026 taking over rural flights from Malaysia Airlines subsidiary MASwings.
On 12 February 2025, the Sarawak Government entered into a sale and purchase agreement with Malaysia Aviation Group (“MAG”), formalising the acquisition of MASwings Sdn Bhd (“MASwings”).
Almost a year later, AirBorneo took off on January 2. During several months, the carrier carefully prepared the transition from MASwings. AirBorneo launched its website and call center as well as MASwings tickets transition on December 10, 2025.
The airline rolls out the transition phases as followed for East Malaysia passengers flying previously with Malaysia Airlines’ affiliate.
- Purchasing New Tickets for Travel On or Before 13 January 2026: Travelers to continue to purchase MASwings tickets through current MASwings’ website (www.maswings.com.my), for travel on or up to 13 January 2026.
- Purchasing New Tickets for Travel On or After 14 January 2026: Travelers to purchase flight tickets on AirBorneo’s website (www.airborneo.com). Alternatively, customers can also purchase tickets via AirBorneo’s call centre at 1-300-22-1388 (toll-free for local callers) or +6082-537 555 (for international callers)
- Status of Existing MASwings Tickets: All current MASwings tickets and bookings remain valid, with no changes to flight times and dates. Passengers with existing MASwings tickets for travel on or after 14 January 2026 will receive individual communications regarding the reissuance of their tickets under AirBorneo.
For more information, agents and customers should visit www.airborneo.com and review the General FAQs. A dedicated customer service team is available to address any inquiries.
International ambitions
AirBorneo is seen by the Sarawak government as a major tool to develop connectivity for the whole Borneo island and particularly Sarawak. For the time being, the airline flies only regional propeller aircraft such as ATR for rural and small regional point-to-point lines within both East Malaysia states of Sabah and Sarawak.
However, according to a recent speech of Sarawak Premier Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, the airline has pan-Borneo and regional ambitions. The Premier indicated that AirBorno will operate jet services by July 2026 and has announced to look at launching flights to Singapore -with the support of the Singaporean government- as well as to Kalimantan, the Indonesian part of Borneo island.
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