KUCHING, Nov. 14 -- Sarawak's state-owned carrier AirBorneo Airways Sdn Bhd (AirBorneo) has launched direct flights between Kuching and Jakarta, establishing a new air link between Sarawak and Indonesia's capital.

The inaugural flight, MY396, departed Kuching International Airport yesterday and arrived at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport Terminal 3 to a traditional water salute, completing the journey in under two hours.

AirBorneo chief executive officer Megat Ardian Aminuddin said Jakarta was the airline's first destination in Indonesia and its third jet route since services began in July.

"We see it as a link between neighbours rather than simply a market we fly into, and we hope it serves business travellers, families and visito...