AirBorneo has placed a firm order for eight new ATR aircraft as part of a plan to modernise Malaysia’s Rural Air Services network in East Malaysia, strengthening air links across Sarawak, Sabah and Labuan. The agreement covers five ATR 72-600s and three ATR 42-600s, with deliveries scheduled between 2027 and 2029, and includes purchase rights for four additional aircraft.
The order follows AirBorneo’s transition into Sarawak’s state-owned airline after the Sarawak government acquired MASwings in 2025 and rebranded it. The new aircraft will replace older turboprops currently operating essential routes that connect remote and underserved communities, a public service that underpins daily travel, medical access and regional mobility across Borneo.
Modern aircraft for essential regional routes
Finalised in late 2025, the order forms part of AirBorneo’s long-term fleet renewal strategy as it takes full responsibility for the Rural Air Services network. The airline currently operates eight ATR 72-500 aircraft inherited from MASwings, but the new-generation –600 series is intended to become the backbone of a more resilient and efficient operation.
The ATR 42-600 and ATR 72-600 aircraft are designed for short runways and challenging operating conditions, making them well suited to Borneo’s rural airports. According to the airline, the new planes will improve passenger comfort, reliability and service capability, while also supporting specialised missions such as medical stretcher operations.
“This partnership with ATR marks a major milestone in AirBorneo’s commitment to delivering reliable, safe and modern air services for the communities we serve,” said Megat Ardian, Chief Executive Officer. “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 mixed fleet of ATR 42-600 and ATR 72-600 aircraft gives AirBorneo flexibility to match aircraft size with demand on different routes, while maintaining commonality across the fleet. The agreement also includes four purchase rights, allowing the airline to expand capacity in future if travel demand grows beyond the Rural Air Services network.
These additional aircraft could support regional expansion within the Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area, an area where short-haul turboprop services play a key role in cross-border connectivity. For travellers, the investment signals a gradual shift towards newer cabins and more reliable schedules on routes that are often the only practical alternative to long road or river journeys.
“AirBorneo’s decision to invest in both the ATR 72-600 and ATR 42-600 reflects the strength and versatility of the ATR family and its suitability for demanding regional operations,” said Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, Chief Executive Officer of ATR. “The ATR 42-600, with its exceptional efficiency and low operating costs, is ideally suited for serving lower-density regional routes, while the ATR 72-600 provides additional capacity where it is needed.”
