Zamboanga-KK flight from March 31

KOTA KINABALU: Philippine Airlines (PAL), the flag carrier of the Philippines, will begin its thrice-weekly flight from Zamboanga to Kota Kinabalu that will take one hour and forty-five minutes effective March 31, 2020.Announcing this Tuesday, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Christina Liew said this is good news for the business community, trading fraternity and leisure travellers.“I have been looking forward to this inaugural PAL flight from Zamboanga to Kota Kinabalu since the proposal  was made last year when a delegation paid a courtesy call on me. The move is timely as it ties in well with Visit Malaysia Year 2020,” she said in a statement issued here, after a courtesy call by the Chairman of BIMP-EAGA Malaysia Business Council (BEBC), Sabah Chapter, Carl Moosom. He was accompanied by the BEBC Head of Sabah for Socio-Cultural Education, Ting Yi Hang.

Liew, who is also Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, commended the Sabah Chapter for its initiative and persistence to ensure that the inaugural flight becomes a reality.Briefing the Minister on the flight schedule, Carl said it will be on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from Zamboanga to Kota Kinabalu (8am-9.45am) and then from Kota Kinabalu to Zamboanga (10.45am-12.30pm).

“PAL will be using the Bombardier 400 wd 86-seater aircraft,” he said.According to Liew, the aircraft will be given a water salute upon arrival at the Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) on March 31, 2020 while its passengers will be given a traditional welcome by the Sabah Tourism Board’s (STB’s) cultural troupe.Also present were the Ministry’s Deputy Permanent Secretary, Hjh Mariam Omar Matusin, Principal Assistant Secretary, Mary Malangking, STB General Manager, Noredah Othman and Marketing Manager Bobby Alex.

Source: Daily Express