KUALA LUMPUR: AirBorneo Airways Sdn Bhd (AirBorneo) has launched its daily Kuching-Singapore flight on July 22, making the lion city as its first international destination.
AirBorneo chief executive officer Megat Ardian Aminuddin said the launch of the airline's first international route marks an important milestone in its next phase of growth.
"Singapore is a natural choice for our first international destination, reflecting the strong connectivity and close economic ties between Sarawak and one of the region's key aviation and commercial hubs."
"This route marks the beginning of our international expansion as we continue to grow our network strategically across the region.
"We look forward to connecting Sarawak with more destinations, strengthening regional connectivity and supporting the state's long-term growth," he said in a statement yesterday.
The flights are operating using wet-leased Boeing B737-800 aircraft between Kuching International Airport and Changi Airport Terminal 4.
Economy class fares start from RM399 and business class from RM871. Both fares are one-way.
On July 20, Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said AirBorneo is preparing to launch flights from Kuching to Jakarta within the next two months.
"Jakarta, very soon. Very soon, within these two months. Actually, we have been allocated the space in the international airport of Jakarta," he said at a press conference after the arrival of AirBorneo flight from Kuching to Kuala Lumpur.
The fares include airport taxes, fuel surcharges, seat selection, in-flight meal and checked-in baggage.
AirBorneo also announced that it does not authorise the resale of its tickets at marked-up prices by unofficial agents or platforms.
The airline added that it cannot be held responsible for issues arising from bookings made outside its official channels.
"In recent months, the airline has encountered cases of unauthorised reselling or scalping of its tickets online that are sold via third-party aggregators,"
"Purchase of these tickets may result in passengers encountering difficulties after booking including inflated pricing, unauthorised administrative charges, delayed or failed booking confirmations and difficulties in obtaining refunds or rebooking assistance during flight disruptions," AirBorneo said in a statement.