STARLUX Airlines, a boutique airliner, flew into Penang yesterday to a very warm welcome on its maiden flight from Taipei.
Its chief executive officer (CEO) Glenn Chai described it as a remarkable achievement for the airliner.
The Airbus A321neo aircraft, which has a total of 188 seats, with eight in business class and 180 in economy class, landed at the Penang International Airport (PIA) at about 2.40pm on Jan 23.
It received a water salute to mark the beginning of its Taipei-Penang connection.
“As a brand-new carrier, we will fulfil our responsibility by providing safe and high-quality service.
“We will make every effort to make the airline industry in Taiwan better.
“We are also looking forward for more flights from Taipei to Penang and vice-versa in future,” he told a press conference at the Penang International Airport (PIA) VIP lounge yesterday.
Starlux is operating one flight per day between Taipei and Penang with Airbus A321neo.
The flight time is about four and a half hours, with the plane departing Taipei at 9.20am daily and departing Penang at 3pm every day (except on Saturday at 3.10pm).
Besides Penang, the airline, which was established in May 2018, also launched maiden flights to Macau and Da Nang simultaneously.
Passengers sitting in economy class can stretch out a generous 31-inches of leg room with a personal entertainment system.
WiFi service is provided in both classes as well.
State Tourism Development, Arts, Culture and Heritage Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin, who was present, lauded the historic flight and achievement.
He said the airline was the latest international flight to operate at the airport this year.
“My office is working very closely with the airline’s company for today’s maiden flight,” he said, adding that it would boost the state’s tourism.
Also present was Malaysia Airport Holdings Berhad (MAHB) Airline Marketing general manager Mohd Sallauddin Mat Sah.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Law Suun Ting