AirBorneo Boosts Malaysian Regional Fleet with ATR Order

AirBorneo is modernizing its fleet to serve communities across the Malaysian state of Sarawak with an order for eight ATR twin turboprops. On Tuesday at the Singapore Airshow, the airline signed an order for five ATR 72-600s and three ATR 42-600s, plus purchase rights for four additional aircraft.

ATR said deliveries will be made between 2027 and 2029. The aircraft will replace eight ATR 72-500s that state-owned AirBorneo inherited when the government of Sarawak acquired MASwings in 2025 and rebranded the operation to support its Rural Air Services operation.

AirBorneo connects communities across the states of Sarawak and Sabah on the northern coast of Borneo, as well as the Labuan islands. The four additional aircraft that may yet be ordered would give the carrier options to expand its fleet in other parts of Malaysia, Brunei, and the Philippines.

The ATR 42-600 seats 40 to 50 passengers, while the ATR 72-600 accommodates up to 78. The AirBorneo aircraft can be fitted with stretchers to support medical flights to remote communities. Based on list prices, the agreement announced this week could be worth around $196 million.

“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,” said AirBorneo CEO Megat Ardian. “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 AirBorneo for long-term growth.”