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PETALING JAYA (Aug 2): Malindo Air launched its daily Kuala Lumpur-Labuan flights today, improving access to the duty-free island and potentially its economic and tourism development, reported Bernama.
The path’s maiden Flight OD1900 via a Boeing 737NG aircraft was sent off by Federal Territories Minister Khalid Abdul Samad at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport at 12.30pm today.
The flight carried a special delegation from the ministry, Malaysia Airports Bhd and media representatives and was given a traditional water cannon salute upon arrival at the airport in Labuan.
Each passenger was also presented a gift by Labuan Corporation CEO Datuk Azhar Ahmad.
The Malindo Air flight to Labuan departs Kuala Lumpur at 12.45pm and Labuan at 3.45pm.
Malindo Air’s new flight brings the number of trips made in and out of Labuan Airport to 28, including 26 flights operated by Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia between the federal territory, Kota Kinabalu, Miri and Kuala Lumpur.
Azhar said the Malindo Air flight will open doors to new tourism products and improve the island’s tourism facilities.
“We are looking at how we can attract more visitors to Labuan with another flight connecting Labuan to Kuala Lumpur introduced by Malindo Air. We are thankful to the Federal Territories Ministry, Malindo Air and Malaysia Airports for making this a reality,” he said.
He also thanked Malindo Air for allowing passengers to bring along up to 25kg of frozen seafood for just RM20.
Azhar added that Labuan Corp, which acts as the local authority of the island, will ensure that its beaches maintain their pristine natural beauty.
Attractions at Labuan include the water villages and UNESCO COBSEA award-winning Layang-Layangan, Pancur Hitam and Batu Manikar beaches, as well as wartime memorials and museums.
