In a historic moment for both Malaysia and India, Malaysia Airlines‘ inaugural flight MH116 touched down at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on November 9, marking the airline’s grand debut in the vibrant city of Trivandrum.
Distinguished guests from the Indian division of Malaysia Aviation Group, including Melvinder Kaur Jeswant Singh and Neetu Batra, joined hands with representatives from the Trivandrum Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Department of Tourism, and airport authorities.
Malaysia Airlines expanding route network
As the first-ever direct flight service from Thiruvananthapuram by Malaysian Airlines, MH116 signifies a groundbreaking development in air travel connectivity between Malaysia and India.
The airline aims to strengthen its presence in the Indian market by expanding its route network to key destinations, with Thiruvananthapuram now added to the list alongside Amritsar and Ahmedabad.
The landing was met with an atmosphere of excitement and festivity as esteemed guests and officials gathered to welcome the passengers on this significant maiden journey.
The aircraft, a Boeing 737-800 with a capacity of 174 passengers, including a luxurious business class, made its historic touchdown amid a grand welcome ceremony.
Significant benefits for tourism and travel
The passenger experience onboard MH116 is set to showcase Malaysia Airlines’ renowned hospitality, inviting travelers to indulge in the signature warmth and service excellence that the airline is known for.
The business class, a long-awaited feature for many travelers, will provide a premium travel experience to East Asian countries, meeting the demands of both business and leisure travelers alike.
Beyond the immediate joy of this inaugural flight, the new service holds promising implications for the travel and tourism sectors in Kerala. The direct link to Kuala Lumpur provided by Malaysia Airlines will not only cater to the tourism industry but also bring significant benefits to students from Kerala studying in far East countries and expatriates from the southern districts of Tamil Nadu.
This connection serves as a gateway for travelers not only to Malaysia but also to a plethora of international destinations, including Australia, New Zealand, North America, Japan, China, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Thailand.