AirBorneo (MY, Kuching) has temporarily reduced selected frequencies and retimed flights after several ATR72-500s and DHC-6-400s were grounded for unscheduled maintenance, The Borneo Post reported, citing an airline statement.
The changes affect approximately 594 flights, while another 1,337 services will be retimed to reduce short-notice cancellations and provide additional maintenance time. Most involve services from the carrier's Kota Kinabalu, Miri, and Sibu bases.
AirBorneo said global supply chain constraints had affected the availability of critical components and spare parts. The revised schedule took effect on July 6 and will remain in place until October 24, 2026, although all destinations will continue to be served.
Around 4,000 passengers are expected to be affected. Those booked on cancelled frequencies will be re-accommodated on flights on the same or the following day.
As ch-aviation previously reported, several aircraft were grounded for maintenance in June 2026, resulting in delays and cancellations. AirBorneo subsequently began reviewing its maintenance and parts supply contracts and said it would engage additional or alternative partners to improve access to critical components.
The airline said the temporary adjustments would remain necessary pending its fleet renewal programme, which will introduce ATR72-600s and ATR42-600s progressively between the third quarter of 2027 and the third quarter of 2029.
AirBorneo operates a fleet of 14 aircraft, comprising eight ATR72-500s and six DHC-6-400s. Currently, one ATR - Avions de Transport Régional turboprop is inactive. It also wet leases two B737-800s from Batik Air Malaysia.
