Transport minister takes first AirBorneo flight, stresses need for reliable air links to remote communities

Transport Minister Anthony Loke poses in front of an ATR 72 aircraft upon arriving in Limbang on Wednesday. — The Borneo Post pic 

First Published: Thursday, 29 Oct 2026 5:24 PM MYT

MIRI, Oct 29 — Transport Minister Anthony Loke took his first flight with AirBorneo on a trip from Miri to Limbang, highlighting the importance of rural air connectivity for communities in Sarawak and Sabah.

In a Facebook post on Wednesday, Loke shared photographs of himself on the tarmac with one of the airline’s turboprop aircraft before travelling to Limbang to officiate a local government function.

“Reliable air connectivity is an absolute lifeline for communities in the interior of Sarawak and Sabah.

“Seeing AirBorneo successfully operate these essential routes reinforces our shared commitment to leaving no community isolated,” he said in the post.

Loke said the ministry would continue to support the development of regional aviation to ensure rural communities remained accessible.

AirBorneo operates the Rural Air Services (RAS) in Sarawak and Sabah, connecting remote settlements such as Bario and Long Lellang, where road access is limited or unavailable.

These flights provide an essential transport link for residents, particularly in medical emergencies and for the delivery of essential goods.

The airline’s fleet includes ATR 72 turboprop aircraft serving main routes linking Miri, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu, as well as DHC-6 Twin Otters designed for short take-off and landing at remote airstrips that cannot accommodate larger aircraft.

Beyond its Rural Air Services, AirBorneo also operates scheduled domestic and international passenger flights.

In July 2026, the airline expanded into jet operations, introducing commercial flights from Kuching to destinations including Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. — The Borneo Post