Batik Air Launches Direct Flights Between Kuala Lumpur and Alor Setar

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Batik Air Launches New Direct Route to Istanbul

Batik Air launched its maiden journey from KL International Airport (KUL) to Istanbul.

Batik Air launched its maiden journey from KL International Airport (KUL) to Istanbul.

By Batik Air on February 10, 20243 minutes read

Kuala Lumpur, February 10, 2024 – In a dazzling display of celebrations, Batik Air launched its maiden journey from KL International Airport (KUL) to Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) in Istanbul, Turkiye on February 9, 2024.

Flight OD723, adorned with Batik Air’s distinctive livery, gracefully took off from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1 at 3:50 PM. To commemorate this special occasion, passengers boarding the inaugural flight were presented with tokens of appreciation for the journey ahead. 

Group Strategy Director of Batik Air, Datuk Chandran Rama Muthy said, “We are delighted to announce that our inaugural flight to Istanbul is operating at full capacity. This journey not only strengthens the bond between Malaysia and Turkiye but also marks a significant milestone in Batik Air’s journey towards connecting people and cultures across borders”. 

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“With the introduction of this new route, we take pride in providing our passengers with increased options for effortless travel between Kuala Lumpur and Istanbul and eagerly anticipate welcoming more travellers aboard,” he said. 

The send-off ceremony was attended by senior officials from Malaysia Airports (MAHB), underscoring the collaborative efforts between Batik Air and KLIA in making this inaugural flight a success.

Amid the jubilant celebration, the return flight made a safe touchdown and taxied in at  3:55 pm today. A spectacular water salute greeted the aircraft, symbolising a warm welcome as the aircraft graced Malaysian soil for the very first time from Istanbul. 

Passengers were welcomed with delightful goodie bags personally handed out by  Tourism, Arts, and Culture (MOTAC) Minister YB Dato Seri Tiong King Sing, Batik Air  Chief Executive Officer Captain Mushafiz Mustafa Bakri, and senior management from  MAHB. 

“From January to November 2023, Malaysia welcomed 15,623 arrivals from Turkiye, a positive growth of 10.8% in comparison to the same period in 2019 with 14,096 arrivals. Officially surpassing its pre-pandemic benchmark, Tourism Malaysia is determined to foster more smart partnerships and collaborations with international airlines to create more travel demand from Turkiye,” said Dato Seri Tiong King Sing. 

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The event was also attended by Tourism Malaysia Director General Datuk Dr Ammar  Abd. Ghapar, Deputy Director General (Promotion) Datuk Musa Yusof, Senior Director  International Promotion Division Asia/Africa (Covering for Deputy Director General Planning) Manoharan Periasamy, and Senior Director International Promotions (America, Europe and Ocenia) Iskandar Mirza Mohd Yusof. 

This direct service will operate four times weekly, departing every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday at 3:50 PM and arriving at SAW at 10:45 PM (local time). The return flight operates on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, departing at 12:05 AM (local time) and arriving in KUL at 3:55 PM. 

This is the longest flight operated by Batik Air to the crossroads of Asia and Europe by the A330-300 aircraft. The flight time is 11 hours and 55 minutes to Istanbul and 10 hours and 50 minutes for the return journey.

Passengers can enjoy delicious complimentary meals prepared by Batik Air’s Inflight  Kitchen, along with beverages, during the flight. For those desiring extra meals and beverages, they can be purchased onboard during the flights. 

Moreover, Batik Air offers generous baggage allowances, which include a minimum of 20 kg for Economy Class and a minimum of 30 kg for Business Class. 

As Batik Air embarks on this exciting journey, the airline is committed to providing convenient and comfortable travel options for passengers between Kuala Lumpur and Istanbul. This further highlights its strategic importance in connecting ASEAN and Asia Pacific markets with the Far East. 

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