Latest news with #RiaNorsan

Barnama
4 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
Kuching-Pontianak Direct Route Provides Flexibility, Convenience For Travellers
KUCHING, July 26 (Bernama) -- Sarawak Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin said the Kuching-Pontianak route, scheduled to commence on Sept 12 and operate twice daily, would provide greater flexibility and convenience for travellers from both sides of the border. In a statement today, he said the opening of these air routes was not just a milestone in aviation, but also a testament to the strong historical, cultural, and familial ties shared by the people. 'It will boost tourism, trade, education and social linkages, especially among border communities,' he said. According to him, the Sarawak government appreciated the Indonesian government's move to reopen Supadio Airport in Pontianak for international flights, which is a strategic air route connecting Kuching and Pontianak, the capital of West Kalimantan. He said he was formally invited to attend the launch, but was unable to be present due to prior official commitments, and delivered a pre-recorded video message to show his full support. 'I wish to first extend my sincere apologies for not being able to attend today's very special event. 'Nonetheless, I am truly delighted and would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Sarawak Tourism Board for the successful organisation of the Sarawak Travel Fair in Pontianak,' he said in the message. Air Asia Malaysia announced the launch of the two new direct routes connecting Kuala Lumpur and Kuching to Pontianak, to become the only airline operating international flights to the West Kalimantan capital city. In a statement today, the airline said the new routes were unveiled during the Sarawak Travel Fair, organised by the Sarawak Tourism Board in Pontianak, and officially launched by West Kalimantan Governor Ria Norsan.

Barnama
4 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
AirAsia Launches Direct KL, Kuching–Pontianak Routes From Sept 12
BUSINESS KUALA LUMPUR, July 26 (Bernama) -- AirAsia Malaysia has launched two new direct routes connecting Kuala Lumpur and Kuching to Pontianak, the capital city of West Kalimantan, Indonesia, with AirAsia as the only airline operating international flights to the city starting Sept 12, 2025. In a statement, the company said the expansion follows AirAsia's rapid growth in Indonesia, including the recent launch of the Kuala Lumpur–Palembang route in July and the upcoming Kuala Lumpur–Semarang service in September. 'With the introduction of Pontianak, AirAsia Malaysia will operate to a total of 17 destinations in Indonesia through 223 weekly flights between the two countries, solidifying its position as the airline with the widest network serving Indonesia,' it said. The launch of these new routes strengthens regional connectivity and supports both governments' targets, including Malaysia's goal of attracting 4.3 million Indonesian tourists in 2025 and Sarawak's target of five million visitor arrivals by year-end. It also aims to contribute to Indonesia's national target of 16 million international arrivals, with Malaysia remaining one of its top source markets, it said. The new routes were unveiled during the Sarawak Travel Fair, organised by the Sarawak Tourism Board in Pontianak, and officially launched by West Kalimantan Governor Drs Ria Norsan. He said the new direct routes will not only facilitate easier access for travellers but also bolster trade, investment and tourism flows. 'West Kalimantan stands ready to welcome more Malaysian visitors while providing convenient access for Indonesians seeking business opportunities, leisure travel and medical services in Sarawak and Kuala Lumpur,' he said. Consulate of Malaysia in Pontianak, Consul Azizul Zekri Abd Rahim said the new connectivity marks a pivotal moment in fostering stronger bilateral ties between Malaysia and Indonesia, particularly West Kalimantan.

Malay Mail
4 days ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
AirAsia to launch KL and Kuching-Pontianak direct flights to boost Malaysia-Indonesia travel from Sept 12
KUALA LUMPUR, July 26 — AirAsia Malaysia has launched two new direct routes connecting Kuala Lumpur and Kuching to Pontianak, the capital city of West Kalimantan, Indonesia, with AirAsia as the only airline operating international flights to the city starting Sept 12, 2025. In a statement, the company said the expansion follows AirAsia's rapid growth in Indonesia, including the recent launch of the Kuala Lumpur-Palembang route in July and the upcoming Kuala Lumpur-Semarang service in September. 'With the introduction of Pontianak, AirAsia Malaysia will operate to a total of 17 destinations in Indonesia through 223 weekly flights between the two countries, solidifying its position as the airline with the widest network serving Indonesia,' it said. The launch of these new routes strengthens regional connectivity and supports both governments' targets, including Malaysia's goal of attracting 4.3 million Indonesian tourists in 2025 and Sarawak's target of five million visitor arrivals by year-end. It also aims to contribute to Indonesia's national target of 16 million international arrivals, with Malaysia remaining one of its top source markets, it said. The new routes were unveiled during the Sarawak Travel Fair, organised by the Sarawak Tourism Board in Pontianak, and officially launched by West Kalimantan Governor Drs Ria Norsan. He said the new direct routes will not only facilitate easier access for travellers but also bolster trade, investment and tourism flows. 'West Kalimantan stands ready to welcome more Malaysian visitors while providing convenient access for Indonesians seeking business opportunities, leisure travel and medical services in Sarawak and Kuala Lumpur,' he said. Consulate of Malaysia in Pontianak, Consul Azizul Zekri Abd Rahim said the new connectivity marks a pivotal moment in fostering stronger bilateral ties between Malaysia and Indonesia, particularly West Kalimantan. 'With Visit Malaysia 2026 on the horizon, this expansion comes at the perfect moment to further boost tourism, foster cultural exchange and enhance regional ties between both nations,' he said. AirAsia Malaysia chief executive officer Datuk Captain Fareh Mazputra said the strong demand for travel between Malaysia and West Kalimantan had driven the company to enhance connectivity, making it easier and more affordable for people to travel for business, tourism and medical purposes. 'By launching flights from our main hub in Kuala Lumpur and Kuching, we are providing greater convenience and flexibility for our guests while contributing to the tourism growth and economic development of both Malaysia and Indonesia,' he added. — Bernama


The Sun
4 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
AirAsia launches KL, Kuching–Pontianak direct flights from Sept 12
KUALA LUMPUR: AirAsia Malaysia has introduced two new direct routes linking Kuala Lumpur and Kuching to Pontianak, the capital of West Kalimantan, Indonesia. The flights, set to commence on September 12, 2025, will make AirAsia the sole airline operating international flights to the city. The expansion follows AirAsia's rapid growth in Indonesia, including recent launches of the Kuala Lumpur–Palembang route in July and the upcoming Kuala Lumpur–Semarang service in September. 'With the introduction of Pontianak, AirAsia Malaysia will operate to a total of 17 destinations in Indonesia through 223 weekly flights between the two countries, solidifying its position as the airline with the widest network serving Indonesia,' the company stated. These new routes aim to enhance regional connectivity and support tourism targets, including Malaysia's goal of attracting 4.3 million Indonesian tourists in 2025 and Sarawak's target of five million visitor arrivals by year-end. Additionally, the expansion aligns with Indonesia's national target of 16 million international arrivals, with Malaysia remaining a key source market. The routes were unveiled during the Sarawak Travel Fair in Pontianak, officially launched by West Kalimantan Governor Drs Ria Norsan. He highlighted the benefits of the new flights, stating, 'West Kalimantan stands ready to welcome more Malaysian visitors while providing convenient access for Indonesians seeking business opportunities, leisure travel and medical services in Sarawak and Kuala Lumpur.' Malaysia's Consul in Pontianak, Azizul Zekri Abd Rahim, emphasised the significance of the new connectivity in strengthening bilateral ties. 'With Visit Malaysia 2026 on the horizon, this expansion comes at the perfect moment to further boost tourism, foster cultural exchange and enhance regional ties between both nations,' he said. AirAsia Malaysia CEO Datuk Captain Fareh Mazputra noted the strong demand for travel between Malaysia and West Kalimantan as a key driver for the expansion. 'By launching flights from our main hub in Kuala Lumpur and Kuching, we are providing greater convenience and flexibility for our guests while contributing to the tourism growth and economic development of both Malaysia and Indonesia,' he added. - Bernama