CJMY
On February 9, Batik Air successfully inaugurated its first flight from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) to Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) in Istanbul, Turkiye.
The Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, alongside representatives from Batik Air and Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB), welcomed to passengers arriving at Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
The aircraft received a ceremonial water salute from MAHB, symbolising a gracious reception for the passengers of Flight OD724.
Malaysia welcomes more Turkish visitors
Launching a new service directly connecting the two cities, Batik Air now operates four flights per week between Kuala Lumpur and Istanbul using the Airbus A330-300.
Departing every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, this service accommodates 377 passengers.
This development stands as a significant milestone in bolstering tourism between the two destinations and strengthening global connections through Sabiha Gokcen International Airport in Istanbul, Turkey.
“Between January and November 2023, Malaysia welcomed 15,623 visitors from Turkey, marking a 10.8% increase from pre-pandemic levels in 2019,” said Tiong, highlighting the growing tourism ties between Malaysia and Turkey.
“Tourism Malaysia remains committed to fostering strategic partnerships with international carriers to further promote travel between our nations.”
Batik Air inaugural flight takes off to full house
Batik Air inaugurated its inaugural flight from Kuala Lumpur International Airport to Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport on February 9.
Flight OD723 departed smoothly from KLIA Terminal 1 at 3:50 pm, as confirmed by Batik Air group strategy director, Datuk Chandran Rama Muthy.
“We are delighted that our inaugural flight to Istanbul is operating at full capacity,” said Chandran.
“This journey not only strengthens the bond between Malaysia and Turkey but also marks a significant milestone in Batik Air’s journey towards connecting people and cultures across borders.”
“With the introduction of this new route, we take pride in providing our passengers with increased options for effortless travel between Kuala Lumpur and Istanbul,” he added.
The return flight of Batik Air from Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur made a safe touchdown and taxied in at 3:55 pm on February 10.
Passengers were greeted with delightful goodie bags personally handed out by Tiong, Batik Air chief executive officer Captain Mushafiz Mustafa Bakri, and senior management from MAHB.
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