KOTA KINABALU: Starting next month, Sabahans can fly directly to Bangkok, Thailand, via low-cost carrier AirAsia, says Datuk Jafry Ariffin.
The Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister also said the airline was interested in introducing more international flights to connect the state capital in due time.
In a statement on Friday (June 24), he said this was discussed during a special meeting with AirAsia Malaysia chief executive officer Riad Asmat at the company's Kuala Lumpur headquarters on Thursday (June 23).
"I welcome the efforts of AirAsia in expanding both its domestic and international network, by introducing direct flights connecting Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
"This will help to attract more tourists here as well as boost the state tourism sector," he added.
At present, overseas direct flights offered by AirAsia plying Kota Kinabalu are to Singapore and Manila (Philippines).
Meanwhile, the route connecting Kota Kinabalu to Seoul, South Korea, is operated by South Korea's Jin Air.
Scoot also offers direct flights to Singapore and Royal Brunei Airlines is plying the Kota Kinabalu-Bandar Seri Begawan route.
During the visit to the company's headquarters, Jafry also met with Capital A group CEO Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, who expressed gratitude to the Sabah government for cooperation given to AirAsia and the aviation industry over the years.
