Rayani Air starts inaugural KL-Kota Kinabalu flight

Rayani Air Sdn Bhd, a Shariah-compliant airline, today starts its inaugural Kuala Lumpur (KL)-Kota Kinabalu flight, its third route after KL-Langkawi and KL-Kota Baharu.

The arrival of its Boeing 737-400 aircraft with about 70 per cent passenger capacity at about 11.10 am at the Kota Kinabalu International Airport was welcomed by Sabah Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun.

Masidi in his speech said the state government welcomed the flight services by Rayani Air as it was in line with its effort to stimulate the country's domestic tourism industry.

"This is a logical move to ensure the nation's economy continues to strengthen, more so in the challenging global economic situation," he said.

Masidi said many people in Malaysia had not yet discovered the beauty and uniqueness of their own country, hence the domestic tourism must be encouraged, and Rayani Air's services to Sabah would help Malaysians get to know the state better.

He said Sabah offered many tourism products including natural environment such as Mount Kinabalu climb, resort islands for snorkeling and cultural activities.

Masidi hoped Rayani Air would always provide quality services including in terms of timing to be on par with other international airlines.

He also proposed the airline to expand its route destinations to major towns in Sabah such as Tawau and Sandakan.

Meanwhile, Rayani Air executive director, Ravi Alagendrran, urged customers in Sabah to continue supporting the airline to enable it to provide the best services to its passengers.