By V. Sivaji
The inaugural flydubai flight FZ1603 from Dubai landed at the Penang International Airport (PIA) at 3.03 pm earlier today.
The customary water salute was rendered for the Boeing 737-Max 8 aircraft.
Despite being the first day of Chinese New Year and the Year of the Dragon, the welcoming reception was led by Penang State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy YB Wong Hon Wai, Penang Global Tourism (PGT) Chief executive officer Ooi Chok Yan, Datin S. Barathi, GM of Chief Minister Incorporated (CMI), Tourism Malaysia Deputy Director for West Asia, Africa & Pakistan Unit, Zurina Abd Samad, Dato Khoo Boo Lim, VP of National MAH among others from the tourism industry.
Also present was flydubai regional manager for Southeast Asia, Ms Temima Nassir Kemal and sales manager, Grace Law
Upon arrival, the passengers were presented with goody bags and a traditional welcome. The flight will also connect Langkawi on a daily basis which will serve to boost tourism from the Middle East.
“We offer something for everyone, be it Chinese, Indians or even the Arabs as we are a multicultural society.
The connectivity from Europe and Middle will offer the perfect timing for the visitors to immerse themselves in the Lunar New Year festive atmosphere”, said Wong.
Meanwhile, flydubai will offer connections to more than 120 destinations in 54 countries.
Come 2026, they will receive their fleet of brand new 787 Dreamliner aircrafts. Currently they have some 84 Boeing 737 model planes in their inventory.
