AirBorneo and ATR have announced a strategic partnership to modernise Malaysia’s Rural Air Services (RAS) fleet, with AirBorneo confirming a firm order for eight ATR aircraft. The agreement includes five ATR 72-600s and three ATR 42-600s, with purchase rights for a further four aircraft. Deliveries are scheduled between 2027 and 2029.
This represents a major milestone in AirBorneo’s transformation into Sarawak’s state-owned airline and its assumption of responsibility for the RAS network — a vital public service connecting remote and underserved communities across Sarawak, Sabah and Labuan.
Finalised in late 2025, the order supports AirBorneo’s long-term fleet renewal strategy following the Sarawak government’s acquisition of MASwings in 2025 and its subsequent rebranding as AirBorneo. The airline currently operates eight ATR 72-500 aircraft inherited from MASwings. The new-generation ATR –600 series will form the backbone of a more efficient and more resilient RAS operation in East Malaysia.
The introduction of the ATR 42-600 and ATR 72-600 will enable AirBorneo to enhance passenger experience, operational reliability and service capability. The aircraft feature advanced avionics, modern navigation technologies and improved cabin comfort. They are also equipped to support medical stretcher operations and optimised for reliable performance across Borneo’s diverse regional and rural route environments.
The mixed fleet provides AirBorneo with greater flexibility to match capacity across varying route profiles, while benefiting from the strong commonality of the ATR family. The agreement also includes four purchase rights, offering future growth opportunities beyond the RAS network, including potential regional expansion within the Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area.
