KLIA offers direct connection to Russia as Transaero debuts at KLIA

KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 31, 2011): Malaysia Airports's relentless marketing effort and Tourism Malaysia's aggressive promotion continued to bore fruit to ensure the aviation industry ended 2011 on a positive note. And, to end the year on a positive note, Transaero Airlines, Russia's second largest airline, made its maiden landing at KL International Airport (KLIA) today.

Transaero, the sole airline from Russia to operate into Kuala Lumpur, operates one weekly flight every Saturday from Moscow and Kuala Lumpur and vice versa, using a Boeing 767 aircraft with 255 seat configuration, said Malaysia Airports in a statement. The inaugural flight UN551 touched down at KLIA today and was given a warm Malaysian style reception by Malaysia Airports and Tourism Malaysia. It said Transaero has been operating charter flights to KLIA for the last few years and has created sufficient market demand on this route for the airline to start scheduled operations.

Managing Director Tan Sri Bashir Ahmad was quoted as saying:"Malaysia Airports is very pleased with Transaero's decision to include Kuala Lumpur in their network and establish a direct connection between Malaysia and Russia. "Transaero's service opens a new market for us and we wish them all the best for their operations in Kuala Lumpur. We look forward for the airline to stabilise and strengthen its operation into Kuala Lumpur and hopefully, increase their frequency to KLIA soon".

He said it was Malaysia Airports' close cooperation and relations with Tourism Malaysia plus the Ministry of Transport's pro-business policies that brought this airline from Russia to Malaysia.

Transaero, the 57th airline serving Kuala Lumpur, will provide convenient access between Kuala Lumpur and Moscow and expand two-way trade, investment and tourism for both countries. In 2011, apart from Transaero, KLIA also welcomed Air Koryo and Lion Air, while Egypt Air made a comeback to KLIA.

Transaero, which flies to China, Japan, Thailand and India, also plys to major Russian cities and is also the leading carrier to Kazakhstan. Its network covers many European destinations such as Austria, Cyprus, England, Germany, Greece, Israel and Spain. 

-Bernama.

http://www.transaero.com/