Sarawak becomes first Malaysian state to launch its own airline

Sarawak has become the first Malaysian state to own an airline by acquiring MASwings from Malaysia Aviation Group. The agreement was signed on February 12, but the purchase price was not disclosed. The airline will be renamed Air Borneo and will initially focus on rural air services in Sarawak and Sabah. Plans include expanding to destinations within a four-hour flight radius. Sarawak is also planning to build a new Kuching International Airport to support its aviation goals. This acquisition is part of Sarawak's broader strategy to gain more control over key assets and increase its autonomy from the federal government.