Sarawak Tourism board to finalise campaign with Brunei airline soon

KUCHING: Sarawak expects to finalise a tourism promotion campaign in several international cities with Royal Brunei Airlines (RBA) soon.

Sarawak Tourism Board chief executive officer Gracie Geikie said it would meet RBA officials on July 17 to finalise details of the campaign in cities, including London, Perth, Shanghai and Hong Kong.

“RBA will support the campaign by offering special fares (from these cities to Sarawak),” she said.

Continue reading at: Sarawak Tourism board to finalise campaign with Brunei airline soon

Royal Brunei Airlines revises fuel surcharges

By Azaraimy HH

Royal Brunei Airlines (RBA) informed the public that it will be revising its fuel surcharges for all tickets issued in Brunei Darussalam from July 1, 2008 onwards.

According to a press release from RBA, price revision was in line with standard industry practices.

The surcharges that will apply to tickets issued in Brunei for travel to and from Bandar Seri Begawan are:

* Kota Kinabalu and Kuching - B$35 one-way

* Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Jakarta, Surabaya and Ho Chi Minh City - B$70 one-way

* Hong Kong - B$85 one-way

* Perth and Brisbane - B$120 one-way

* Dubai and Jeddah - B$140 one-way

* Dubai to London - $140 one-way

* London - $195 one-way

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin Weekend

Royal Brunei Airlines summer schedule starts on June 1 with more offerings

By Narissa Noor

With the summer holidays just around the corner, Royal Brunei Airlines' new summer schedule will begin on June 1, 2008, offering passengers improved timings and frequencies to popular destinations.

According to RBA, this schedule will strengthen the overall network by introducing flights that improve accessibility to Brunei Darussalam from regional and international destinations.

However, due to the rise in oil prices, the capacity on certain routes has been adjusted.

Flights to Kuching will operate three times weekly and to Jakarta six times weekly. Flights to Perth remain daily, but will be now using the Airbus A320 instead.

Meanwhile, the June 1, 2008 deadline set by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) for airlines to switch to e-tickets (ET) has been comfortably met by RBA.

RBA now offers ET, an electronic document that has replaced conventional paper tickets, across its entire network.

In addition to meeting the IATA deadline for ET on their flights, RBA has also now achieved 96 per cent ET with its interline partner airlines.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin Weekend

Royal Brunei Airlines raises fuel charges on selected routes

By Narissa Noor

Royal Brunei Airlines is increasing its fuel surcharge on selected routes for tickets issued on and after June 1, 2008.

Released yesterday, the increase applies to tickets issued in Brunei for travel to and from Bandar Seri Begawan.

For Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Jakarta, Surabaya, Manila and Ho Chi Minh City, fuel and insurance surcharge each way has increased to B$60.

Increases in other sectors include Hong Kong at B$75, Perth and Brisbane at B$95, Dubai and Jeddah at B$110 and Auckland at B$130, and London at B$160, each way.

According to Royal Brunei Airlines, in line with standard industry practice, it will continue to monitor the price of jet fuel and will adjust the application of fuel surcharges appropriately.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin Weekend

Royal Brunei Airlines and Thai Airways go into code sharing

By Azlan Othman

Royal Brunei Airlines and Thai Airways International Public Company will begin code share flights from May 2008 onwards.

Under the agreement, THAI will code share on RBA's daily services between Bandar Seri Begawan and Bangkok. RBA flights BI515 and BI516 will be marketed by THAI as TG4602 and TG4603 respectively.

RBA Chief Executive Officer Ray Sayer said that this code share agreement with THAI will enable RBA to welcome travellers from a wider target market. "RBA is pleased to partner with THAI to further grow the regional travel and tourism market," Mr Sayer commented.

"The code share agreement between THAI and RBA signifies the beginning of network cooperation between the two carriers, whereby THAI will be able to continue services to Bandar Seri Begawan on flights operated by RBA.

Therefore, the code share agreement between the two carriers will enable passengers in Thailand, Brunei, and connecting passengers from abroad to continue to take advantage of travel and tourism opportunities in both countries, said THAI's Executive Vice President for Commercial, Mr Pandit Chanapai.

Meanwhile effective June 1, 2008, Royal Brunei Airlines will introduce its enhanced summer schedule that incorporates standard timings and increases in flight frequencies to popular destinations.

The summer schedule will strengthen the overall network by introducing changes that improve accessibility to Brunei Darussalam from regional and international destinations.

Chief Executive Officer Ray Sayer said, "The airline is committed to meeting the needs of target passengers in various markets while also better serving Brunei's travel needs".

With the introduction of the summer schedule, RBA's passengers based in Brunei and Miri will be able to take advantage of daily services to Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Kota Kinabalu, Hong Kong, Perth, Brisbane, Auckland, Dubai and London; with flights to Singapore operating twice daily and flights to Kota Kinabalu operating 17 times weekly.

Flights from Bandar Seri Begawan to Kuching will operate five times weekly and services to Surabaya will increase to six times weekly. The daily flights to Auckland will incorporate a newly introduced three times weekly direct service from Bandar Seri Begawan, while still maintaining its four times weekly service via Brisbane.

For more information, passengers may call RBA reservations offices at 2212222 or 3333737.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin Weekend

Royal Brunei Airlines mulling extra flights into Kuching

Airlines still waiting for added services to be given final approval

KUCHING: Royal Brunei Airlines (RBA), which recently resumed service to Kuching International Airport after laying off in 2004, will announce more flights soon.

A company spokesman said the increase would be a modest one, most likely by one or two more flights. The flights would utilise its medium-jumbo Airbus fleet, which has a seating capacity of about 120.

Presently, RBA operates flights three times weekly - Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday - from here to Bandar Seri Begawan. In comparison, RBA has daily flights to Kota Kinabalu and Kuala Lumpur.

Continue reading at: Royal Brunei Airlines mulling extra flights into Kuching

Royal Brunei Airlines online booking closer to departure

By James Kon

Royal Brunei Airlines has introduced online ticket purchase from April 15 at www.bruneiair.com 48 hours before flight departure, according to a press release.

RBA said it continues to work towards further reducing the booking window so passengers will be able to purchase online up to 24 hours in advance.

This is possible through the introduction of the present credit card identification (PCCI) system for online transactions.

This is a secure method of online purchasing that allows for credit card verification at the check-in counter before flying or at an RBA office.

For passengers purchasing tickets online with a credit card that is not their own, the card owner may present the card at their nearest Royal Brunei Airlines Office before the flight date.

RBA provides passengers with the option of bypassing the PCCI system by signing a Letter of Indemnity that may be downloaded from RBA's website.

"Royal Brunei Airlines is dedicated to ensuring convenient and safe options for our passengers who book online. At a time when Internet fraud is on the rise, with these additional measures, RBA passengers can shop comfortably and with peace of mind," said RBA Chief Executive Officer Ray Sayer.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

Royal Brunei Airlines too hikes fuel surcharge

By Azaraimy HH

The national carrier, Royal Brunei Airlines on Friday informed that it will increase its fuel surcharge on selected routes in the wake of rising oil prices.

In a press statement, RBA said due to the continuous rise of oil prices Royal Brunei Airlines will increase its fuel surcharge on selected routes for tickets issued or reissued on and after Tuesday 1st April 2008.

Below is the updated list of surcharges that will apply to tickets issued in Brunei for travel from and to Bandar Seri Begawan.

* Kota Kinabalu and Kuching - B$30 one-way (no change),

* Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Manila, Jakarta, Surabaya, Bali and Ho Chi Minh City - B$55 one-way,

* Hong Kong and Shanghai - B$65 one-way,

* Perth, Brisbane and Sydney - B$75 one-way,

* Auckland - B$110 one-way,

* Dubai and Jeddah - B$90 one-way,

* London - B$135 one-way.

Earlier this week Singapore Airline (SIA) announced increased fuel surcharges between Singapore and Asean countries due to soaring jet fuel prices.

SIA said surcharges between Singapore and other Asean countries will increase from US$26 (B$37.30) to US$30 (B$43.50) per sector, while for flights to US and Canada, fuel surcharges will go up from US$123 (B$178.35) to US$130 (B$188.50) per sector.

Other SIA flights to Europe and North Asia will see an increase in fuel surcharges from US$75 (B$108.75) to US$80 (B$116) per sector.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin Weekend

Royal Brunei Airlines only airline to fly direct to Kuching

By Ben Ng

National carrier Royal Brunei Airlines (RBA) is participating in the Sarawak Travel Fair that kicked off yesterday in efforts to increase public awareness on the reinstatement of their flights to neighbouring Kuching.

"As the only airline that flies direct to Kuching from Bandar Seri Begawan, Royal Brunei Airlines wishes to use the Sarawak Travel Fair as a platform to increase public awareness on the reinstatement of our flights to Kuching," RBA said in a statement yesterday.

During the travel fair, visitors may purchase special promotional fares to Kuching for B$159.00, RBA said. Golden Touch Holidays - RBA's tourism arm - will also be showcasing their special holiday package to Kuching.

In addition, RBA is offering a complimentary dinner or city tour vouchers to the first 40 passengers who book "Golden Touch Holidays' 4 Days & 3 Nights Retreat" packages to Kuching.

Meanwhile, Royal Skies members who purchase tickets to Kuching during the fair "will see their mileage doubled", said RBA. Non-members need not worry "as they can enrol during the travel fair to also take advantage of this offer".

"This travel fair will be a good opportunity for the public to discover more about Royal Brunei Airlines' products and services to Kuching, and to take advantage of all the great offers. Our helpful and friendly staff will be readily available during the travel fair to assist visitors," RBA said.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin Weekend

Window on Brunei tour for transit flyers

By Zasika Musdi

Royal Brunei Airlines and Sunshine Borneo Tours signed an agreement yesterday for the "Window on Brunei" Transit Tour Programme.

Signing the agreement was the Chairman of Sunshine Borneo Tours, YAM Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Wadood Bolkiah, and RBA Senior Vice President Commercial - Yield and Planning Captain Sheikh Rashid Sheikh Hj Abd Salam.

Under the agreement, passengers who are transiting in Brunei for more than four hours will have the opportunity to experience a complimentary city tour that gives a brief glimpse of what Brunei has to offer as a tourist destination.

Sunshine Borneo Tours will bring passengers to Bandar Seri Begawan's waterfront that overlooks Kampong Ayer, Yayasan Shopping Centre, Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, Istana Nurul Iman and Subangsih Mulia.

"Sunshine Borneo Tours sees the transit tour programme as a great opportunity to introduce Brunei to passengers who are travelling through our country," said YAM Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Wadood.

Passengers who wish to stay at the airport during their transit may opt for a complimentary meal voucher at the Coffee Garden in the Brunei International Airport departure hall.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

RBA and SIA end code share agreement

By Zasika Musdi

Royal Brunei Airlines and Singapore Airlines have mutually agreed to end their code share agreement on flights between Brunei and Singapore.

The code share agreement between the airlines was announced July 18, 2003 and the first code share flight took off September 14, 2003. The last code share flight will be on Thursday, January 31, 2008.

To serve the travelling public better, Royal Brunei Airlines now operates two flights daily to Singapore but when the agreement was originally signed, RBA did not have this many flights.

With departure times from Brunei at 8am and 6pm, the schedule caters for the needs of holidaymakers and day-trippers to and from Singapore.

When asked whether RBA will experience an increase in competition, a representative from the national carrier said there is competition between RBA and Singapore Airlines even with the code share agreement in place, as each airline independently determines its own fares for its flights between Brunei and Singapore.

Budget airline Tiger Airways, meanwhile, will soon be entering into the fray providing services to Singapore.

A Tiger Airways spokesperson when enquired on when the airline will start its services to Brunei told the Borneo Bulletin that the airline is working on finalising operational details as well its network schedule, which is subject to change with respect to air traffic agreement developments within Asean.

RBA in its press statement said that all passengers who made earlier bookings intended for travel after the termination date of the code share agreement will be re-accommodated onto flight BI421 or BI423 from Brunei, or, if flying from Singapore, flight BI422 or BI424.

For further enquiries on how this may affect bookings, passengers are advised to contact the local RBA office.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

Royal Brunei Airlines reintroduces two-piece hand baggage allowance

Beginning today (January 7), the UK Department for Transport will lift the one-piece hand baggage allowance restriction at London's Heathrow. As a result, Royal Brunei Airlines will re-introduce its two-piece hand baggage allowance for Business Class passengers departing from Heathrow, RBA said in a press release.

All cabin baggage must be of a size that fits either under the seat in front of you or in the aircraft's overhead lockers. The maximum allowed size of a passenger's carry-on luggage is 22 inches x 15 inches x 8 inches, equal to 55cm x 38cm x 20cm.

One piece of carry-on baggage should weigh no more than seven kilogrammes and the combined weight of carry-on luggage for Business Class passengers should not exceed 12kg.

Rules governing the carriage of liquids, aerosols and gels remain unchanged.

In addition, all passengers may also bring personal items, such as a small handbag, purse, small briefcase, laptop or baby-change bag, the press release added.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

Royal Brunei Airlines introduces visit Asean fares

By Azlan Othman

Royal Brunei Airlines being an Asean airline that participates in the Visit Asean Pass (VAP) programme has introduced a new air-pass with lower airfares from beginning this month.

Bernama reported, the new air-pass, called Special Visit Asean Air-Pass, is valid until Nov 30, 2008, and the eight participating airlines are Royal Brunei Airlines together with Malaysia Airlines, Garuda Airlines, Lao Airlines, Myanmar Airways International, Philippine Airlines, Thai Airways International and Vietnam Airlines.

At the same time, the validity of the original air-pass, named Visit Asean Air-Pass, has been extended for another year until Nov 30, 2008, said the Asean Tourism Association (Aseanta) which launched the pass in January 2006.

Aseanta president Felix J. Cruz said the new air-pass would be a major catalyst for further boosting tourism in Asean countries. "We will continue to look for more ways that airlines of Asean can play that important role," he said in a statement.

The new air-pass is priced at US$319 for three sectors or coupons and each additional sector or coupon is priced at US$120, up to a maximum of five sectors or coupons.

Courtesy of: Borneo Bulletin Weekend

New Brunei-UK air services agreement

By M K Anwar

Brunei Darussalam and the United Kingdom enhanced their air transport cooperation with the signing of new air services between the two countries yesterday.

The agreement which came into effect yesterday was signed by the Minister of Communications Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia Awg Hj Abu Bakar bin Hj Apong representing the Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam while representing the Government of The United Kingdom was Mr Jim Fitzpatrick MP, Undersecretary of State for Transport, in charge of Aviation.

Also witnessing the signing was the Brunei High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, Pg Dato Paduka Hj Maidin bin Pg Hj Hashim.

The Agreement between UK and Brunei relating to Air Services was inked in London yesterday in the offices of the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport in London. The text for the new agreement was negotiated and finalised with the United Kingdom's delegation in Bandar Seri Begawan in May this year.

According to a press release from the Ministry of Communication, the new Agreement is also in conformity with the European Community law supersedes a 17 year old outdated bilateral air services agreement that was signed on November 23, 1990.

The previous ones had certain historical arrangements which is now outdated and inappropriate to current developments in European policy on air services arrangements.

Mr. Fitzpatrick commenting on the new agreement said that it will be good for passengers and the aviation industry for both countries.

"It will also further opportunities for the development of the tourist industry in Brunei," he added.

The agreement offers new opportunities for both countries to foster cooperation in air transport bringing valuable inbound tourism industry and commerce between the two countries.

The United Kingdom is considered an important gateway for European tourists coming to Brunei. The country's national carrier, Royal Brunei Airlines operates flights between Brunei and UK.

According to Brunei Tourism, the latest tourism figures of holiday visitor arrivals from January to August 2007 recorded 3,459 European visitors in total.

From now on, Royal Brunei Airlines could mount daily services on routes between BSB and London without any restrictions on aircraft type and seat capacity with the end of the previous arrangement.

RBA could also enjoy the privilege to mount four services per week on routes to Manchester if decided at a later date.

The signing of this new air services agreement is continuing development of the excellent bilateral relationship between both countries. Its significance is in its role improving the flow of passengers, goods, services and investment.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin Weekend

Royal Brunei Airlines resumes flights to Kuching

By Ahmed Shaheeb

Royal Brunei Airlines (RBA) announced yesterday it will resume flights to Kuching, Sarawak, starting December 1, 2007.

The three times weekly flights to Kuching on Monday, Friday and Saturday will depart Bandar Seri Begawan at 9.55pm

The new service will allow RBA to make Brunei a key gateway to Borneo and allow passengers from Kuching to connect to RBA's other destinations.

RBA's chief executive officer (CEO) Ray Sayers said, " After A long break from the Kuching market, we are now keen to re-activate our services.

"We foresee great potential in re-establishing the Kuching sector with

the intention of serving the market to and from Brunei Darussalam and beyond."

Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) lauded the move.

STB CEO Gracie Geikie said the move would further boost Sarawak's effort in attracting more visitors to the state particularly from all the destinations that RBA flies to.

Geikie also expects frequent travel between Brunei, Sabah and Sarawak, which will also enhance BIMP-EAGA collaboration.

Customers can book flights to Kuching through their travel agents, RBA ticket offices or online at www.bruneiair.com.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin Weekend

Royal Brunei Airlines to introduce Boeing 777

By Za'im Zaini

Royal Brunei Airlines will be acquiring Boeing 777 extended range aircraft on lease, with the first due to arrive in the third quarter of this year.

The B777 aircraft, to be used on the long-haul routes to Europe and Australia, will vastly improve RBA's capabilities by offering a higher passenger and cargo load capacity. It will also present the opportunity to operate direct flights to London.

The B777's seat capacity of 273 seats is significantly higher than the current Boeing 767's capacity. It will have a three-class configuration, encompassing Royal Executive Class with 12 seats, Darussalam Class with 46 seats and an Economy Class with 215 seats. The introduction of the new Royal Executive Class gives premium travellers the opportunity to upgrade to a class that offers "cocoon" flatbed sleeper seats, which provide plenty of space and privacy.

The leased B777 aircraft are an interim solution to the airline's re-fleeting programme. In line with RBA's Strategic Business Plan, it aims to phase out the current Boeing 767 aircraft. Under the re-fleeting programme, RBA will also acquire new Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft that have been ordered and are due for delivery in late 2009.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

Royal Brunei Airlines flights to Kuching to resume on November 1

KUCHING - Royal Brunei Airlines will start flying into Sarawak this November, raising expectations of increased tourist arrivals in the state, particularly from Australia and north Asia.

Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) marketing manager Mary Wan Mering said the airline will fly three times a week from the Bruneian capital Bandar Seri Begawan to Kuching beginning Nov 1.

"We regard Bandar Seri Begawan as an important hub for us because Royal Brunei flies into South Korea, Japan, China and Hong Kong a lot.

"We want to tap into these markets and get these passengers to come here through Brunei," she said. Speaking to reporters after a meeting with industry players here on Wednesday, Mering said STB would team up with Royal Brunei to market the new flights at the airline's various destinations, starting with Australia.

"Royal Brunei have very good access to Australian cities, including Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Darwin. So Australia will be our first target, and north Asia after that," she said.

She added that Sarawak currently received about 20,000 tourists from Australia.

"With the three flights coming in from Royal Brunei, we hope we can increase the number of arrivals by 15 per cent," she said.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

Royal Brunei flights to boost Sarawak tourism

KUCHING: Royal Brunei Airlines will start flying into Sarawak this November, raising expectations of increased tourist arrivals in the state, particularly from Australia and north Asia.

Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) marketing manager Mary Wan Mering said the airline will fly three times a week from the Bruneian capital Bandar Seri Begawan to Kuching beginning Nov 1.

“We regard Bandar Seri Begawan as an important hub for us because Royal Brunei flies into South Korea, Japan, China and Hong Kong a lot.

Continue reading at: Royal Brunei flights to boost Sarawak tourism

Royal Brunei Airlines brings Chinese tourists to Sabah

By Rosli Abidin Yahya

The Royal Brunei Airlines (RBA) has helped to bring tourists from China to Sabah, but it can play an even bigger role in helping the state tap into the growing Chinese market.

Sabah Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Karim Bujang said tour operators in the country reportedly receive many Chinese tourists every month, especially those from Shanghai, Guangzhou and Hong Kong, via RBA.

"We are seeing an influx in Chinese tourists due to RBA," he said. "We can cooperate further, for the benefit of both Sabah and Brunei."

Datuk Karim was speaking to SME traders from Brunei, who were in Sabah to widen their network with Malaysian counterparts, on June 16.

The visitors were also hosted to a dinner and cultural show by the Association of Brunei Community in Sabah (PMBS) at Binsulok Nature Resort, Kg Brunei Membakut.

Datuk Karim also said, "Some 60,000 Brunei visitors have come to Sabah since 2005, and you can do your bit to increase that figure."

He added, "Sabah receives half a million backpackers from Australia, and since RBA flies to Perth, Brisbane, Sydney and Darwin, it is a key deliverer of Australian tourists to Sabah."

He called for the strengthening of ties between Bruneians in the Sultanate and the Brunei community in Sabah.

Datuk Karim said being a descendent of the Brunei community in Sabah, he fully agreed for a call towards cultural sharing and exchange between Brunei communities in Brunei and Sabah.

"We must also increase trade and economic activities so as to raise the socio-economic status of the Brunei community, especially those in Sabah."

Meanwhile, PMBS president Datuk Haji Yussof bin Datuk Haji Kassim called for the preparation of tourism, cultural and economic programmes involving the communities in the two countries.

"We have received feedbacks from concerned agencies in Brunei on culture," he added.

Later, the Brunei community in Sabah presented the visitors with song and traditional dance performances as well as gambus and gulingtangan.

The visitors from Brunei, meanwhile, recited poems, syair, performed a silat routine and sang traditional Malay songs at the event.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

Royal Brunei Airlines goes paperless with eTicketing

By Azaraimy HH

Royal Brunei Airlines and Abacus Distribution Systems Brunei on Friday announced the launch of electronic ticketing (eTicketing).

Abacus-connected travel agents in Brunei will now issuing eTickets on Royal Brunei Airlines flights from June 1, 2007.

Royal Brunei Airlines Vice President for Reservations and Distribution John Newn said, "The implmentation of eTicketing for travel agents in Brunei is a crucial component towards increasing our eTicketing penetration.

"We are pleased to engage Abacus to provide e-ticketing capability to the Brunei travel agents. This cutover represents another milestone and progress towards achieving International Air Transport Association's target of 100% eTicketing worldwide by end 2007.

"Abacus is pleased to provide solution for Royal Brunei Airlines to enable the travel agents to issue eTickets," said Abd Halim Haji Abd Rahman, Sales & Marketing Manager of Abacus Brunei.

"Brunei is a unique market as a Billing and Settlement Plan does not exist, thus the solutions for the other BSP markets cannot be implemented here. Abacus is providing a generic electronic transitional automated ticketing (eTAT) for the implementation of eTicketing in Brunei," he said.

Brunei's travel agents are also enthusiastic about the prospect of going paperless. Ms Young Siut Leng, the manager of Continental Tours & Travel, said "eTickets are not only more secure and convenient for customers, it also offers substantial cost benefits in terms of delivery and time management."

As eTicket holds the information previously held on a paper ticket, eTicketing is a real-time paperless method for airlines and travel agents to issue tickets.

Individual ticket information is stored within the airline's reservation system and can be retrieved and processed electronically, reducing the amount of paper ticket inventory and hassle in re-issuance of misplaced printed tickets.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin Weekend