By V. Sivaji
Come February 10th, 2024, flydubai will make its inaugural flight to the Penang International Airport (PIA) here.
The daily connection will offer connectivity to more than 120 destinations in 54 countries.
They will fly their Boeing 737 model planes complete with flatbed facilities on the seven hour flight journey.
In preparation of this ground breaking and exciting development, a briefing session for Penang MATTA members along with other tour and travel agents at their office earlier today.
The overwhelming response of more than 35 participants was briefed by Ms Temima Nassir Kemal, Regional manager for Southeast Asia and Ms Grace Law sales manager and their team.
Also present was MATTA Penang chapter chairman, Ms Carolyn Leong.
Participants were provided with information on the airline, crew, planes, bookings, connectivity and various destinations they fly to and other relevant data.
With a fleet of 84 Boeing 737 planes of various models in their inventory currently, flydubai has also ordered another 30 brand new 787 Dreamliner planes to come into service in 2026.
They also have a flight crew coming from 111 nationalities.
“In 2023, we flew some 4.5 million travelers with flydubai to various destinations all over the world. Among them are Thailand, Egypt, India, Russia, Bulgaria, Austria, Armenia, Finland, Turkey, Greece, Italy, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Saudi Arabia to name a few,” added Temima.
Meanwhile, Leong added that the direct flights will offer the convenience for holiday-makers and travelers from Penang and even from the Northern Region to visit Dubai and take in the sights and sceneries there.
“We would also like to thank the Penang state government and the federal government for facilitating in making this direct flight a reality. This will surely boost tourism and overall economy in the Northern Region,” she added.
The welcoming ceremony at the PIA on Feb 10 is expected to see the attendance of the Minister of Transport, Anthony Loke, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Tiong King Sing, Penang Chief Minister YAB Chow Kon Yeow among other VIP guests.
Temima with Grace