Malaysian Airlines bullish; doubles flights to Colombo

By Shabiya Ali Ahlam

Having witnessed a passenger growth of 20% in 2011/2012, Malaysian Airlines will double flights to Colombo to 10, introducing three daytime flights effective from 1 April 2013. Apart from the daily Boeing 737-800 flights departing from Colombo at 0100 hours and arriving in Kuala Lumpur at 0710 hours, the three new weekly services will be operated every Monday, Thursday, and Saturday.

The newly introduced daytime flights will depart from Colombo at 1300 hours and arrive in Kuala Lumpur at 1910 hours, and the Kuala Lumpur-Colombo daytime flights will depart at 1110 hours and arrive at 1200 hours.

Malaysian Airlines, represented by Hemas Air Services in Sri Lanka, will have the capacity of this route increased by 40%, which amounts to 480 seats, in one direction. Noting that its twice a week frequency was increased to four times weekly in 2007 and its five times a week frequency in 2005 eventually doubled in 2013, Malaysian Airlines General Manager Sri Lanka and Maldives Shah’Irwan Shahizan stated that the airline is growing from strength to strength.

He said that the daytime flights will provide better travel options for customers who will enjoy improved connectivity to destinations in the airline’s network.

“With true Malaysian hospitality, traditional cuisine, and competitive prices, an exceptional in-flight experience can be enjoyed by those who choose to fly with us,” he added. Shahizan asserted that the growth of the airline will continue, stating: “We will certainly move forward alongside the economic development of Sri Lanka.”

Pointing out that 2012 saw an increase of 35% in tourists from Malaysia visiting Sri Lanka and tourists from visiting Malaysia increased by 55%, Malaysian High Commissioner Azmi Zainuddin said that the increased flight frequency would help both countries strengthen their relationships.

“I appreciate the step taken by our national airline as it will surely make travelling between Sri Lanka and Malaysia easier,” he said.

Hemas Holdings Group Director Intiaz Esufally sharing his views stated that the success for Malaysian Airlines is its customer focus.

“The airline has identified and understood the traveller well and does its best to cater to a customer’s requirements,” he said.

 Esufally opined that the additional trips between the two destinations will be well used by travellers as Malaysia and Sri Lanka are both recognised as top tourist destinations.

     Pic by Sameera Wijesinghe