Something exciting is brewing in the skies of Borneo — and it’s not just the tropical clouds. Sarawak is charting its own flight path into global airspace with the launch of its very own airline, set to officially spread its wings in 2025.
After finalizing the acquisition of MASwings, the state-owned airline is poised to link Sarawak directly with major international cities. We’re talking Frankfurt, Tokyo, Seoul, Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Jakarta — destinations chosen not just for strategic convenience, but to give Sarawak a louder voice in tourism, trade, and regional mobility.
“My dream destinations? Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Jakarta — and Frankfurt, Germany,” said Sarawak Premier Abang Johari. “We want people to come here, eat kolo mee, and fly back telling the world about it.”
From MASwings to a Whole New Identity
The transformation began with Sarawak’s decision to take full control of MASwings, a regional airline previously under Malaysia Aviation Group. Once the legal and regulatory checklists are cleared — which the government expects to happen very soon — the new airline will be rebranded, refueled, and reimagined for global routes.
Behind the scenes, Hornbill Skyways, Sarawak’s aviation-linked GLC, is expected to lead operations. A new name and a fresh fleet are on the way, signaling a shift from domestic connectivity to global ambition.
Why This Matters for Sarawak
This isn’t just about getting to Tokyo without a transit stop. The bigger goal is to make Sarawak a regional hub by 2035, competing head-on with other ASEAN gateways.
With direct flights, Sarawak’s tourism potential could explode — think more backpackers on Bako trails, more entrepreneurs landing in Kuching, and more cultural exchanges, all within a few hours’ flight.
And it doesn’t stop at the six cities. Future plans hint at expansion to Singapore, Brunei, Australia, and even more of Europe.
Meanwhile, Sarawak’s Ministry of Transport has been actively pitching new routes to global carriers, offering everything from reduced airport fees to marketing support to get more airlines flying into the Land of the Hornbills.
The Sky Isn’t the Limit — It’s Just the Beginning
For too long, Sarawak has played passenger to someone else’s flight plan. That’s changing. With homegrown ambition and international vision, the state is stepping up to the cockpit — ready to chart new routes, tell its own story, and welcome the world on its own terms.
So whether you’re flying in for jungle treks or flying out for business deals, know this: Sarawak isn’t just connecting the dots — it’s redrawing the whole map.
The runway is clear. Engines are warming.
Now all that’s left… is takeoff.