SARAWAK plans to collaborate with Indonesia-based Xpress Air for a joint tourism promotion following the airline’s inaugural direct flight from Pontianak in West Kalimantan, Indonesia to Miri today.

“We hope to invite media from Indonesia to visit Miri so they will be able to share interesting tourism places,” he said after the airline’s first flight to Miri touched down at Miri Airport today.

Karim said Indonesia has always been one of Sarawak’s important markets and yearly arrivals from Indonesia into Sarawak were steadily growing. 

Kuching-based Indonesia consul general Jahar Gultom, who also spoke at the function, said the flight would enhance relationship between Malaysia and Indonesia.

He said Miri, being the second destination in Sarawak Xpress Air was operating after Kuching, would benefit tourism for both sectors and Indonesian nationals working in Bintulu and Miri as well as those working in Brunei.

Xpress Air’s twice weekly flights to Pontianak from the two cities in Sarawak are on Tuesday and Saturday.

Besides Kuching and Miri, Xpress Air also flies to Malacca and Johor.

Xpress Air started operation in 2005 and is operating in 13 cities with more than 35 routes interconnected within Indonesia. – Bernama, December 12, 2017.