Transport minister Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong launching of Boeing 737-8 and announcement of rebranding Batik Air at Sama Sama Hotel KLIA.With him are (from left) BAPAK Rusdi Kirana, Datuk Capt Chester Voo, Capt Mushafiz Mustafa Bakri (hidden), Datuk Seri Saripuddin Hj Kassim and Datuk Chandra Rama Muthy. —SAMUEL ONG/ The Star
SEPANG: After almost a decade in operation, Malindo Air has been rebranded as Batik Air.
In a ceremony at a hotel here on Monday (July 11), Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong officiated at the rebranding exercise alongside the induction of the Boeing 737-8 as part of the airline’s fleet.
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In his speech, Dr Wee congratulated Batik Air on its rebranding and its drive as a young and growing airline to offer competitive services within Malaysia and the Asia-Pacific region.
“The rebranding and launch marks the beginning of an exciting transformation alongside being a promising endeavour.
“This benefits not only the airline itself but also the aerospace and air transport industry,” he said.
The MCA president added that the addition of the Boeing 737-8 to Batik Air's fleet was a milestone in Malaysian aviation as it would be the first airline in Malaysia to operate the aircraft.
“With (the aircraft's) flight time spanning a maximum of eight hours, Batik Air will be able to improve its product offerings alongside operations to further markets,” he said.
Dr Wee also noted that the position of KL International Airport (KLIA) as an aviation hub had grown by offering direct connectivity to almost all parts of the Asia-Pacific region.
“With the aviation sector facing many challenges, it is of utmost importance for both airlines and KLIA to jointly plan for the future.
“The success of KLIA as a regional hub is also strategically important for Malaysia given that it supports essential economic linkages with the rest of the world and is a catalyst for the growth of opportunities to the Malaysian economy.
“As such, the government remains committed to the strong positioning and sustained growth of KLIA,” he said.
Batik Air chief executive officer Captain Mushafiz Mustafa Bakri said the rebranding exercise enabled it to be synchronised with its regional sister airline Batik Air Indonesia, allowing recognition for both as a broader entity.
“Through this, we are anticipating gradual but tangible growth in passenger traffic to our existing network.
“The introduction of the new aircraft is also key to the growth of our overall capacity and fleet expansion strategy,” he said at the event.
He noted that Batik Air had also obtained national operational clearances from the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) for the Boeing 737-8 to fly in Malaysia and internationally.
“Come year end, we are looking to induct 17 units of the new aircraft into our fleet given its fuel efficiency alongside having a lower carbon footprint and improved range,” he said.
Also present was CAAM chief executive officer Datuk Captain Chester Voo, Malaysian Aviation Commision (Mavcom) executive chairman Datuk Seri Saripuddin Haji Kasim, Lion Air Group founder Pak Rusdi Kirana, Lion Air Group strategic director Datuk Chandran Rama Murthy and Boeing Sales and Marketing Asia Region senior vice-president John Bruns.
