Airborneo to review maintenance partners due to flight disruptions

Last updated: 20 June 2026 10:48

3 Min Read

A MASwings ATR 72-500 aircraft parked at Kota Kinabalu International Airport © M Radzi Desa

On June 11, it was reported by The Edge Malaysia that AirBorneo Airways is reviewing its maintenance and parts-supply after constant issues with disruptions on the service. The Sarawak state-owned airline, plans to engage with alternative partners to secure faster components.

A MASwings ATR 72-500 turboprop aircraft, registered 9M-MWF, taxis along the runway at Kota Kinabalu International Airport in Sabah, Malaysia. The aircraft is painted in the airline’s blue, green and white livery, with airport buildings and trees visible in the background under clear daylight conditions. — A MASwings ATR 72-500 aircraft taxis at Kota Kinabalu International Airport © Uwe Aranas

Airborneo to renew its fleet to improve long term service reliability

AirBorneo has stated its teams and maintenance partners are expediting work to return affected aircraft. Chief Executive Officer Megat Ardian Wira Modhd Aminuddin, in a statement on Thursday, said:

“Our teams are working around the clock with our partners to expedite maintenance. At the same time, we are actively reviewing our supply arrangements and seeking alternative partners where needed.”

The airline reaffirmed its commitment to a renewal of its fleet, with the introduction of newer-generation aircraft to improve long term service reliability. AirBorneo took over MASwings operations Jan. 1, this year, and has since faced constant scrutiny from passengers about flight cancellations. As well as lengthy delays and operational disruptions across Sarawak and Saba, leaving some travellers stranded.

A low-angle, full shot captures a white, green, and blue MASwings twin-engine turboprop airplane soaring diagonally upward toward the upper right. — An ATR 72-600 turboprop airliner operated by MASwings climbs into a blue sky with its landing gear deployed © Phalinn Ooi

Maintenance works will be expedited until further notice

The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM), a body that regulates the aviation industry in Malaysia, has warned AirBorneo of its legal obligations to mitigate and minimise inconveniences that affect passengers. The measures include giving passengers other options in the case that their flights are cancelled. On June 10, the CEO of AirBorneo issued an apology to passengers that are affected by these disruptions.

AirBorneo stated that its teams and maintenance partners are expediting maintenance works to return affected aircraft to services as soon as possible. This is also to ensure that all aircraft meet safety and operational standards before resuming scheduled flights. Aircraft that require technical attention will be withdrawn from services and returned until engineers are satisfied that it is fit to fly.

Interested in AirBorneo’s new strategy to help with its flight disruption crisis? Follow Travel Radar for more aviation news.

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ByMichelle Owusuaa

Aviation Reporter - A driven media professional and aspiring magazine journalist and self-published author, with a BA in Media, Journalism and Publishing from Oxford Brookes University. Inspired by writers such as Maya Angelou, they balance professional work alongside personal projects, maintaining a strong commitment to creative independence through their podcast and blogs.