Malaysia’s first hybrid airline Malindo Air made a maiden landing at Sibu Airport today and will fly on a daily basis to Sibu from the KL International Airport (KLIA).

Malindo Air’s Boeing 737-900ER arrived at about 2.30pm, carrying its chief executive officer Chandran Rama Muthy and 16 media personnel to experience the historic journey.

Upon arrival, the passengers were given a warm welcome and charmed with Sibu’s hospitality of presenting a grand Sarawakian traditional reception, led by state Finance Minister II Wong Soon Koh, who is also Local Government and Community Development Minister.

Also present at the airport was Sarawak Tourism Board’s director of corporate communications, Angelina Bateman.

During a brief press conference, Wong described the Malindo Air flight to Sibu as a historic moment and would open wider connectivity between the peninsula and East Malaysia.

“It will further boost tourism by linking Kuala Lumpur to Sibu and also benefit Sibu people, especially those in business, which requires them to travel a lot,” he said.

Wong said Sibu had lots to offer especially in culture as “there are 27 ethnic groups in Sarawak living harmoniously here while the other attractions are boat cruises on the Rajang River and visits to Iban longhouse villages”.

He said the state government was targeting 4.2 million tourists to Sarawak this year, after recording a total of 4.05 million tourists in 2012.

“We are positive that the number can be achieved as there was a five percent increase in the same period last year,” he said.

Malindo Air which started its operations on March 22, offers one flight daily to Sibu, with complimentary flight entertainment, snacks and 20kg luggage allowance for economy class and 30kg for business class.

- Bernama