Study to revive KK-Puerto Princesa direct flight
KOTA KINABALU: Tourism players in Sabah and Labuan welcomed the initiative of the local government of Puerto Princesa City to revive the Kota Kinabalu-Puerto Princesa direct flight.
During a visit to Puerto Princesa Tourism City Officer Demetrio C. Alvior Jr last month, the Labuan Chamber of Commerce (LCC) and Sabah Cross Border Trade Association (SCBTA) including a member of the Sabah Economic Advisory Council (SEAC) were told of an ongoing study to pave way for resumption of the KKPuerto Princesa flight.
Present at the meeting were LCC chairman TS Daniel Daughty, SCBTA president Razanah Paimin, and SEAC members Benjamin Golimbi and Dr Rayner Pailus.
Alvior said Puerto Princesa strongly believed that the revival of the air connectivity will benefit both borders and further improve movement of people and trading activities.
In Novermber 2013, MASwings Sdn Bhd operated the Puerto Princesa- Kota Kinabalu direct flight.
In less than a year, the operation was suspended due to passenger load factors and other pressing problems.
Alvior reiterated that City Hall is optimistic that the success of the current study will result in mutual benefits to Palaweneos, Sabahans and Labuanites in the tourism, trading sectors among others.
He said Puerto Princesa and the entire Palawan province are more than willing to work closely with its Sabah counterpart to help uplift the standard of living of people and further promote bilateral relationships among leaders.
Reciprocating the good gesture of Puerto Princesa, Daniel said Labuan is looking forward to work together with the city and provincial government.
“I believe Palawan and Labuan will continue to enjoy cordial friendship relationships in all aspects?” Daniel stressed.
On her part, Razanah vowed that she and SCBTA will continue to also work closely with Palawan to aggressively promote the air connectivity project not only to members but all its clients.
“The resumption of the direct flight will significant help boost the tourism industry and improve trading activities,” Razanah stressed.
Meanwhile, Rayner expressed relief upon learning that study is underway for the revival of the direct flight.
He said the revival of the direct flight will encourage more Malaysian industrial players to seriously consider Palawan for business expansion opportunity.