AirBorneo weighs selling older ATRs ahead of fleet revamp in 2027
KUCHING: AirBorneo Airways Sdn Bhd (AirBorneo) is considering phasing out its older ATR aircraft as the Sarawak-owned carrier prepares to renew its turboprop fleet in the second half of 2027.
KUCHING: AirBorneo Airways Sdn Bhd is contemplating the sale of its older ATR aircraft as the Sarawak-based carrier prepares to refresh its turboprop fleet in the second half of 2027, according to its CEO Megat Ardian Aminuddin. The airline is exploring various options, including outright sales, with interest received from potential buyers.
However, discussions are still in their early stages. AirBorneo and turboprop manufacturer ATR inked a deal at the Singapore Airshow 2026 for eight new ATR 600-series aircraft, which will gradually replace the existing ATRs on a one-for-one basis starting in 2027. The turboprops currently serve the Rural Air Services operation and other routes across Sarawak, Sabah, and Labuan.
The airline's six De Havilland Canada Twin Otters will continue in service until they are replaced within the next three to four years, depending on market availability.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
