KUCHING, Feb. 3 -- AirBorneo and ATR have announced a strategic partnership to modernise Malaysia's Rural Air Services (RAS) fleet, with AirBorneo confirming a firm order for eight ATR aircraft.

The agreement comprises five ATR 72-600s and three ATR 42-600s, with purchase rights for four additional aircraft.

Deliveries are scheduled between 2027 and 2029.

"This marks a significant milestone in AirBorneo's transformation into Sarawak's state-owned airline and its assumption of responsibility for the RAS network, a vital public service that connects remote and

underserved communities across Sarawak, Sabah and Labuan," said ATR in a statement.

Finalised late last year, ATR said the order supports AirBorneo's long-term fleet renewal stra...