SIBU: Malindo Air’s Boeing 737-900ER made its maiden landing at Sibu Airport at 2.10pm from Kuala Lumpur International Airport yesterday.
On board were the airline’s chief executive officer Chandran wRama Muthy, SME Ordnance Sdn Bhd director Datuk Ed Sullaiman Tan Sri Ahmad, media personnel from KL and some 140 passengers.
Second Finance Minister and Minister of Local Government and Community Development Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh was on hand to welcome them.
Wong told a press conference later that connectivity was vital not just for tourism but for the community of Sibu, especially those involved in business.
He described the Malindo Air flight to Sibu as a historic moment and would open wider connectivity between the peninsula and east Malaysia.
“It will further boost tourism by linking Kuala Lumpur to Sibu and also benefit Sibu people, especially those in business, which requires them to travel a lot,” he said.
He also said Sibu has lots to offer especially in culture as “there are 27 ethnic groups in Sarawak living harmoniously here while the other attractions are boat cruises on the Rajang River and visits to Iban longhouse villages”.
Meanwhile, Chandran disclosed that Malindo Air targeted to have three daily flights on the Kuala Lumpur-Sibu-Kuala Lumpur route after Hari Raya, besides flying the Sibu-Kota Kinabalu route during the first quarter of next year.
“We’ll need more aircrafts. A total of 10 aircrafts would be delivered by September,” he added.
He also said Malindo Air is working very closely with Sarawak Tourism Board to create new products as Sarawak has many new things to offer especially in Sibu, Miri, and Kuching.
“China and India have huge populations, and when we give them new products they are potential tourists to Malaysia,” he pointed out.
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