Overview
- AirBorneo placed a firm order for five ATR 72-600s and three ATR 42-600s, with four purchase options confirmed by Sarawak’s transport ministry on February 3.
- Deliveries are scheduled for 2027–2029 as the carrier transitions off inherited ATR 72-500s on East Malaysia’s Rural Air Services network.
- The mixed ATR 72/42 lineup is intended to match aircraft size to route demand across short, challenging runways in Sarawak, Sabah and Labuan.
- ATR highlights advanced avionics, modern navigation, upgraded cabin comfort and medical stretcher capability as features tailored for rural operations.
- The agreement forms a core element of AirBorneo’s fleet renewal as a state-owned airline, with purchase rights preserving scope for potential BIMP-EAGA regional expansion.