AirBorneo
AirBorneo is—just like Firefly—a subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines. The airline was formerly known as Maswings but was rebranded as AirBorneo in 2025. The airline operates exclusively in Malaysian Borneo, flying to various destinations within the states of Sabah and Sarawak. It also offers a few routes to neighboring countries such as Indonesia, the Philippines, and Brunei.
Aircraft and Destinations
AirBorneo launched on October 1, 2007, and has since established a number of routes not served by other airlines. The airline has made flying within Malaysian Borneo affordable and has also put a number of tourist destinations on the map. In total, the airline operates 14 aircraft, several of which are ATR72-500 and ATR72-600 models (very modern twin-engine turboprop aircraft). They also fly to more remote areas using a few new Viking DHC6-400 aircraft, which can carry a total of only 19 passengers. In total, the airline serves 22 destinations within and outside Borneo, including several areas that are otherwise inaccessible, such as the stunning Mulu National Park (from Miri).>
Booking Online
AirBorneo regularly has great deals, but it isn’t a true budget carrier. They also face little competition on many routes, so pricing is purely based on supply and demand. You’ll often find the best prices between six and three months before departure. During special promotions, discounts of up to 50% are sometimes available. However, if you book late, close to the departure date, ticket prices can be quite high. Booking tickets online is easy via the official AirBorneo website. Keep in mind that there are regular major holidays when many flights are fully booked. This also applies during one of the various popular festivals; everyone books their tickets well in advance.>
Check-in
Travelers can check in online starting 48 hours before departure. You will then receive an e-ticket number, and upon presenting this number and your passport at the airport, you will receive your final ticket. Check-in at the counter is also possible. For international flights, this is possible up to two hours before departure; for domestic flights, up to one hour before departure (in both cases, the check-in counters open 48 hours before departure).>
Baggage and Excess Weight
Passengers are allowed to bring up to 20 kg of checked baggage on board as standard. Business class passengers are allowed 30 kg. Carry-on baggage must not weigh more than 5 kg. Business class passengers may bring two bags, each weighing up to 5 kg, as carry-on luggage. For every kilogram of excess weight within Borneo, you pay RM5. For every kilogram of excess weight on an international flight, you pay RM10. Always check the official AirBorneo website to see if the rules have changed. The figures and amounts on the AirBorneo website are always correct.>
History
In early 2006, Malaysia Airlines discontinued its route network in Borneo. It was not profitable enough, and at that time, Malaysia’s national airline was also facing major financial difficulties. AirAsia took over the routes and launched FAX (Fly Asian Express). With just a few aircraft, the most popular routes were reintroduced. Gradually, FAX grew into a popular, profitable airline. After a few months, all routes were back in operation. When Malaysia Airlines returned to profitability in late 2007, they bought the network back from AirAsia. Since then, AirBorneo has been operating these routes and has become very popular among travelers visiting Borneo.>