Its inaugural services to Bali and Jakarta fully booked

Malindo Air’s inaugural flights to Bali and Jakarta in Indonesia yesterday and Monday, respectively, have been well-received.

The all-inclusive one-way fares from Kuala Lumpur were almost fully booked by Malaysians and tourists.

“We’re excited by this great potential. This further reinforces Kuala Lumpur as an important Asian gateway. Our strong business and cultural ties to Indonesia make us a natural departing point for flights across the region,“Malindo chief executive officer Chandran Rama Muthy said in a statement.

Malindo will have 10 new planes added to its fleet every year as part of its plans to own 100 aircraft in 10 years’ time.

Malindo also has plans to own a Dreamliner by 2015.

“In the meantime, we cannot disclose when we would open for India and Southern China, as we are pending approval from their authorities,“said Malindo director of public relations and communications Raja Sa’adi Raja Amrin, who spoke as a proxy for Chandran, who was absent due to unforseen circumstances.

Offering daily services by the newly flown-in Boeing 737-900ER, the frequency of flights may be increased if demand continued to pour in, the airline said.

Construction is ongoing for a new terminalfor Bali’sNgurahRaiDenpasar Airport, which has a single runway coping with 23 incoming and outgoing flights per hour.

The three-trillion-rupiah airport will be completed by next May.

Meanwhile, Raja Sa’adi squelched concerns about Malindo’s safety and precautionary procedures post sister company Lion Air’s accident in Bali in April.

“Malindo’s maintenance as well as cabin staffing are handled by National Aerospace and Defence Industries Sdn Bhd.

“They undergo rigorous training and adhere to the highest standards.”