SilkAir to launch direct flights between Singapore and Kota Kinabalu

SilkAir is to launch direct twice-weekly flights between Singapore and Kota Kinabalu, the gateway of Sabah on 12 December 2005.

Perched on the northern tip of mystical Borneo, the world's third-largest island, Sabah delivers a blend of uniquely fascinating flora and fauna; warm, friendly people; exotic cultural diversity and a selection of world-class holiday resorts. It is probably best known as home to South-East Asia's tallest mountain, Mt Kinabalu, the imposing granite peak after which the capital is named, and the world famous dive site of Sipadan island. The expansive Mt Kinabalu Park, Malaysia's first World Heritage Site designated by UNESCO in 2000, welcomes some 20,000 visitors monthly.

The scheduled services to Kota Kinabalu will be codeshared with Singapore Airlines (SQ) and Malaysia Airlines (MH). SilkAir's twice-weekly service on Monday and Friday will complement Malaysia Airlines thrice-weekly flights on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Flight MI 398 will depart from Singapore Changi Airport at 1540 hours and arrive at Kota Kinabalu International Airport at 1800 hours. The return flight MI 397 will depart from Kota Kinabalu at 1845 hours and arrive in Singapore at 2055 hours the same day.

Mr. Mike Barclay, SilkAir's Chief Executive, said, "We are delighted to be adding Kota Kinabalu to our network of exotic holiday destinations. Sabah has all the makings of a top-quality leisure destination. With its famed national parks, hot springs, beaches, diving spots and affordable golf courses, it is poised to be one of Asia's latest travel hotspots. It has something to offer everyone, and it is just two and a half hours away from Singapore."

Tan Sri Datuk Chong Kah Kiat, Sabah's Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment said, "I am delighted that SilkAir, the regional wing of Singapore Airlines has decided to operate direct flights to Sabah from Singapore. I hope to see increased frequencies by next year as the State Government has always wanted Singapore Airlines, in this case, SilkAir, to resume its direct operation into Sabah. SilkAir can be assured of the State Government's fullest support and cooperation."

To commemorate the launch of its new flights, SilkAir is introducing an inaugural fare of S$188 to Kota Kinabalu for bookings made by 17 December 2005.

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