AirBorneo, Malaysia’s first state-owned airline and wholly owned by the Sarawak Government, has placed a firm order with ATR for five ATR 72-600s and three ATR 42-600s, with purchase rights for four additional aircraft. Deliveries are scheduled between 2027 and 2029.
The eight aircraft order, finalized in late 2025, supports AirBorneo’s long-term fleet renewal strategy following the acquisition of MASwings by the Sarawak government in 2025 and its subsequent rebranding as AirBorneo.
“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. The ATR platform has consistently proven to be the most suitable aircraft for our operating environment, and upgrading to the latest –600 series ensures we can continue providing essential connectivity while preparing airborne for long-term growth,” said Megat Ardian, AirBorneo CEO.
The agreement, which includes four purchase rights, will provide future growth options beyond the RAS network, including potential regional expansion within the Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).
AirBorneo currently serves 21 destinations, with primary operational bases in Kota Kinabalu and Miri. Its fleet comprises eight ATR 72-500 aircraft and six DHC-6-400 Twin Otter aircraft. The additional aircraft ordered will give AirBorneo greater flexibility to right-size capacity across diverse route profiles.
The ATR 42-600 is ideally suited for serving lower-density regional routes while the ATR 72-600 provides additional capacity where it is needed. AirBorneo’s ATR 42-600 and ATR 72-600s will also be equipped to support medical stretcher operations and are optimized for reliable operations across diverse regional and rural route environments in Borneo.
The global aerospace and space community converged on the Changi Exhibition Centre and Marina Bay Sands this February for a…
As the Indo-Pacific continues to navigate a complex security landscape defined by rapid technological shifts and intensifying regional rivalries, the…
The recently concluded 10th edition of Singapore Airshow welcomed a record high 65,000 trade attendees to the Changi Exhibition Centre.…
The Asia-Pacific region is poised to become the primary engine of global aviation growth over the next two decades, with…
At the Singapore Airshow, Dedienne Aerospace is highlighting the scale-up of its tooling services operations in Southeast Asia, built around…
Embraer has advanced discussions with Thai Aviation Industries (TAI) for a potential partnership aimed at establishing TAI as a future…
Adani Defence & Aerospace and Leonardo have signed an MoU to establish a fully integrated helicopter manufacturing ecosystem in India,…
Specialist regional aircraft lessor, TrueNoord, has strengthened its presence in India with the delivery of two ATR 72-600 aircraft on…
GIFAS, the French Aerospace Industries Association, has opened a GIFAS office based at Safran’s regional headquarters in Singapore. The Southeast…
Satair, an Airbus Services company, and Eaton have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to further expand their collaboration in…
Honeywell has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with LIG Nex1 to explore opportunities for future collaboration on the development…
CAE announced at the ongoing Singapore Airshow that Embraer-CAE Training Services (ECTS), a joint venture between the company and Embraer,…
Airbus is presenting the H160 helicopter at the Singapore Airshow static display, highlighting the type's entry into the Southeast Asian…
CAE is extending its long standing partnership with TAG Aviation, the company announced at the ongoing show. As part of…
This year, the Israeli national pavilion, organised by SIBAT, the International Defence Cooperation Directorate of the Israel Ministry of Defence,…
The ongoing show serves as the backdrop for a significant deepening of ties between RTX and the Republic of Singapore.…
Boeing has officially ended its pursuit of the F-15EX fighter jet sale to Indonesia, marking the conclusion of a multi-year…
PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Greek firm Scytalys to enhance market…
As regional demand surges, Textron Aviation has positioned its Beechcraft and Cessna brands at the heart of the trade floor…
SD Government (SDG) sees particularly strong potential for growth in regions such as Asia-Pacific and Europe where large legacy fleets…
Rolls-Royce is using the ongoing show to assert its position as a cornerstone of the Asia-Pacific aerospace ecosystem. Against a…
Honeywell Aerospace, which has a strong and growing defence presence in the Asia-Pacific, is looking at ways to enhance the…
Having signed an agreement with South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace for the co-development and co-production of the Gray Eagle Short Takeoff…
FDH Aero, a leading global provider of supply chain solutions for the aerospace and defence industries, has officially inaugurated its…
Honeywell and ST Engineering’s Defence Aerospace business have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to explore collaborations supporting defence aviation…
Amidst a backdrop of intensifying geopolitical rivalries and a concerted push for regional self-reliance, the upcoming Defence Services Asia (DSA)…
The ongoing show serves as a powerful testament to the diversifying industrial base of the Republic. While the presence of…
The biennial Singapore Airshow serves as a critical nexus for the global aerospace and defence industries. Bombardier maintained a prominent…
Italian company Growermetal, which is making its APAC and show debut, is showcasing its precision-engineered fastening solutions at the event.…
Thai Airways has selected Collins Aerospace to deploy its flight operations and maintenance exchanger (FOMAX) system to its growing A321neo…
Headquartered in Singapore with reporters spread across all major regions, GBP Aerospace & Defence is a leading media house that publishes three publications that serve the aerospace and defence sector - Asian Defence Technology, Asian Airlines & Aerospace and Daily News. Known industry-wide for quality journalism, GBP Aerospace & Defence is present at more international tradeshows and exhibitions than any other competing publication in the region.
For over three decades, our award-winning team of reporters has been producing top-notch content to help readers stay abreast of the latest developements in the field of commercial aviation, MRO, defence, and Space.
Copyright 2026. GBP. All Rights Reserved.
