AirBorneo has announced a strategic partnership with ATR to modernise Malaysia’s Rural Air Services (RAS) fleet, confirming a firm order for eight ATR aircraft. The agreement includes five ATR 72-600s and three ATR 42-600s, with deliveries set between 2027 and 2029. This move marks a significant milestone in AirBorneo’s transformation into Sarawak’s state-owned airline, following its acquisition of MASwings in 2025.
The new-generation ATR –600 series fleet will strengthen essential air connectivity across Sarawak, Sabah, and Labuan, enhancing operational reliability and passenger experience. The aircraft are equipped with advanced avionics, modern navigation technologies, and improved cabin comfort, and are optimised for diverse regional and rural routes in Borneo. This mixed fleet will provide AirBorneo with the flexibility to adjust capacity across various route profiles whilst maintaining strong commonality with the ATR family.
Megat Ardian, CEO of AirBorneo, stated, “Our new ATR –600 fleet will significantly strengthen the Rural Air Services network by offering improved comfort, greater efficiency, and the operational capability required for regional connectivity in East Malaysia.” Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, CEO of ATR, added, “The ATR 42-600, with its exceptional efficiency and low operating costs, is ideally suited for serving lower-density regional routes, whilst the ATR 72-600 provides additional capacity where it is needed.”
The agreement also includes purchase rights for four additional aircraft, allowing for potential regional expansion within the Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area. This partnership underscores AirBorneo’s commitment to delivering reliable, safe, and modern air services for the communities it serves.
