Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) announced the transition of MASwings operations to AirBorneo will take effect on 1 January 2026 following the successful completion of the ownership transfer process under the Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) signed between MAG and the Sarawak Government on 12 February 2025.
Effective 1 January 2026, AirBorneo will assume full legal and operational responsibility for all services previously operated by MASwings. This includes flight operations, customer service and the management of all passenger-related matters. During the initial phase of the transition, existing MASwings branding may continue to be visible as AirBorneo progressively establishes and rolls out its new corporate identity.
Established on 1 October 2007, MASwings was East Malaysia’s first dedicated commuter airline, created to address the air travel needs of Sabah, Sarawak and the Federal Territory of Labuan. The airline began operations with a fleet of four 50-seat Fokker 50 aircraft and four 19-seat Twin Otter aircraft, serving a network of 22 destinations across the region. In 2009, the Fokker 50 fleet was progressively phased out and replaced with ATR 72-500 aircraft.
MAG said it remains committed to “supporting a smooth and seamless transition and acknowledges MASwings’ contribution to strengthening regional and rural air connectivity over nearly two decades”. Since its inception, MASwings has played a role in delivering Rural Air Services (RAS), providing essential air links between remote and interior communities and major urban centres. These services have supported access to healthcare, education, government services, commercial activities and tourism, while contributing to the broader socio-economic development of Sabah, Sarawak and the Federal Territory of Labuan.
Over its operational history, MASwings has operated over 430,000 flights and carried more than 19 million passengers across its network. The airline has also generated over 300 direct and indirect jobs spanning flight operations, engineering, cabin crew, ground handling and essential support services.
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