Royal Brunei Airlines standardises Melbourne flight timings

From Feb 5, Royal Brunei Airlines passengers will have greater ease when making travel arrangements to and from Melbourne with its newly implemented flight timings that have been standardised for passengers' convenience, a press release stated.

With the new timings, the four times weekly flights from Bandar Seri Begawan will depart on Monday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday at 12.20pm and arrive in Melbourne at 10.15pm.

Return flights will depart from Melbourne at 1.25pm and arrive in Bandar Seri Begawan at 5.35pm.

Deputy Chairman of Royal Brunei Airlines, Mr Dermot Mannion, stated, "This is just the first step to improve RBA's connections from Bandar Seri Begawan to Melbourne.

With the enhanced timings, our passengers from Brunei will feel as if it is merely a hop away to travel to the city of Melbourne."

Passengers may visit their travel agent or www.bruneiair.com to book their flights.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin
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Sabah Air urged to talk to Brunei Airlines on setting up airline

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Air Sdn Bhd should consider talking to Royal Brunei Airlines (RBA) about its plans to set up an airline in Borneo.

This is because RBA is an established and successful airline, Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) president Datuk Seri Panglima Yong Teck Lee said.

Yong pointed out that setting up an airline is not an easy feat to accomplish as it is much more complicated and risky.

There are more rules than land transport to abide by, he said during a press conference after launching SAPP’s “Sabah Economic Plan” here yesterday.

Yong was of the opinion that Sabah Air is not suited to start an airline because an airline has major risks.

“One miscalculation on the fuel prices will kill the company. It is the fuel price that is causing problem to AirAsia today,” he said.

According to Yong, in the past, when AirAsia took over MAS’ domestic route in Sabah with its subsidiary, FAX, there were so many problems at that time prompting him to propose that the State Government consider setting up some form of airline for Borneo.

“Tian Chua seems to have picked that up by having a Borneo Airlines. But we all know that an airline is not a simple thing, it is not a bus company … an airline is much more complicated and risky, there are more rules than land transport.

“So if some form of airline were to emerge in Borneo, I would feel that the first airline to talk to is Royal Brunei Airways (RBA) using Bandar Seri Begawan as a hub. RBA has this plan before, they want passengers coming to Sabah and Sarawak to stop over in Brunei. So it is possible that Brunei can be the hub. This is part of BIMP-EAGA,” he stressed.

Continue reading at: Sabah Air urged to talk to Brunei Airlines on setting up airline
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Firefly pullout will dampen Sarawak target of four million tourist arrivals

KUCHING: Firefly’s impending pullout from Sarawak before the yearend may mean that the targeted four million foreign tourist arrivals, a figure set by state authorities earlier this year, is unlikely to be achieved.

This is according to Sarawak Tourism Federation, an umbrella association for the private sector, which said the pullout would be a huge setback for the industry, coming just months after Royal Brunei Airlines closed its Kuching-Brunei route.

Federation president Audry Wan Ullok said Firefly’s high flight frequency – up to seven times daily between Kuching and Kuala Lumpur – plus the high load factor of about 70% would be a big gap to fill.

“My feeling is we will really start to feel the impact (of Firefly’s possible pullout) during the year-end school holiday,” Audry told The Star here yesterday.

“Domestic tourists make up a very big part of our industry. Because of that, cheap airfares have always been an important ingredient of Sarawak’s tourism.

“As for non-Malaysian tourists, they have to transit because of lack of direct flights. Travel expenses to Sarawak are a big part of tourist budgets. Often times, travelling costs more than accommodation.”

Last year, about 3.2 million tourists came to Sarawak, out of which 1.4 million were domestic travellers.

Peninsular Malaysians made up about 747,000, and Sabahans about 625,000.

Non-Malaysian arrivals were just over 1.9 million, with Bruneians making up about 1.19 million.

For 2011, arrivals in Sarawak was increasing. Year-to-date arrivals growth had been around 20%, with the rate of non-Malaysian arrivals increasing faster than domestic travellers.

Continue reading at: Firefly pullout will dampen Sarawak target of four million tourist arrivals

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Royal Brunei Airlines gives Sarawak tourist destinations a boost

MIRI: Sarawak was given a boost yesterday when Royal Brunei Airlines (RBA) brought in Australian travel agents to the state on a familiarisation tour.

“There is certainly a market for jazz and this is definitely a product catering for different segments of the market. After trekking in the tropical rainforest, they can relax and have a good time in the festival,” said RBA sales account manager Carol Baker.

The airlines yesterday played host to 10 Australia agents on a familiarisation trip to both Mulu National Park and Borneo Jazz.

According to Baker, the agents on the trip were mostly Borneo wholesalers and specialists offering special packages to Sabah, Brunei and Sarawak.

“They specialise in adventure and trekking holidays. They have come to experience what Sarawak has to offer to different Australian tourist market,” said Baker adding that Thailand, Fiji and Bali were traditional destinations among Australians.

The airline is looking at Borneo as a new exciting and energetic destination.

It is becoming a trend among Australians to appreciate nature through activities such as jungle trekking, caving, and boating.

The familiarisation trip is also to illustrate to the Australian agents the easy connectivity from Brunei to Miri by road (three-hour drive).

Meanwhile, Sarawak Tourism Board chief executive officer Rashid Khan told The Borneo Post that the initiative was in response to the board’s trip to Australia where they had marketing talks with Royal Brunei Airlines in Brisbane and Tourism Malaysia’s Sydney office.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Royal Brunei Airlines gives Sarawak tourist destinations a boost
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Australians told to explore Brunei's magical eco-tourism

By Azlan Othman in Melbourne, Australia

"Brunei is a wonderful place and has a warm relationship with Victoria. Brunei offers some magical opportunities in eco-tourism especially with its unspoilt pristine jungle compared to many other tourist destinations around the world.

"It becomes the Sultanate's principality and Australians are well known for their interests in eco-tourism. We hope Royal Brunei Airlines (RBA) has a very successful fly in the sky for many years to come," said Bruce Atkinson, President of the Legislative Council and state member of Eastern Metropolitan region in a speech to senior government officials from Brunei Darussalam marking RBA's inaugural flight to Melbourne.

"We are always delighted to welcome a new airline to Victoria.

"We have better airports in Australia. Melbourne is clearly one of the most important gateways to Australia. Victoria is an important state for Australia particularly in food manufacturing which is of interest to Brunei and increasingly to tourism. One of the interesting aspects about tourism is Victoria has no natural wonders like some other states have.

"A lot has been said about our shopping and the Formula One Grand Prix which was held last week and many other sporting, convention programmes and cultural activities.

"We are very fortunate to bring many people to Australia through Melbourne. When we have another opportunity to bring another airline, Royal Brunei Airlines (RBA) to Melbourne, RBA passengers find it convenient to go to Australia via Melbourne, as a gateway to Australia.

"We see opportunities for more Australians and more visitors from other parts of the world to Australia looking at RBA as an alternative to go and perhaps experience Brunei, which is a terrific opportunity. RBA is the 27th airline to come into Melbourne and effectively puts around another 120,000 international seats into Melbourne each year as RBA flies four times a week.

"I think it is going to be an effective and successful route for RBA and a bridge to many events perhaps like exports and trade opportunities and in working with the Brunei government, its agencies and companies particularly in Halal branding," he said.

"There are terrific markets out there for Australian food and beverage manufacturers to try and match in business through the export market. Certainly Halal endorsement is a very significant marketing tool worldwide. With us working to some extent with Malaysia and now with Brunei Darussalam to extend their Halal brand in food, it certainly gives a good opportunity," he added.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin
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Royal Brunei Airlines officially opens Melbourne office

Royal Brunei Airlines commemorated the opening of its new office in Melbourne, Victoria with a ceremony officiated by Hj Adnan Hj Mohd Jaafar, High Commissioner of Brunei Darussalam in Australia and Riaz Moiz, Executive Vice President of Commercial and Planning of Royal Brunei Airlines. Royal Brunei Airlines launched its four-time weekly services to Melbourne on March 29.

Riaz Moiz stated, "We've had a positive response from the public and are witnessing the start of exciting growth in the Australian market whilst strengthening ties with Victoria Tourism."

During the ceremony, Hj Adnan Hj Mohd Jaafar said, "I have the honour to officiate the Royal Brunei Airlines office opening ceremony in Melbourne, Victoria. May it be blessed with success for many wonderful and prosperous years." Flights are scheduled to operate from Bandar Seri Begawan to Tullamarine Airport, Melbourne on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, while flights depart from Melbourne are on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays via RBA's Boeing 777 aircraft.

Royal Brunei Airlines' Melbourne office is located at Level 10, 45 William Street, Melbourne Victoria, 3000, Australia. Customers can book flights with Royal Brunei Airlines through travel agents, visit their local RBA office, or visit us online at www.bruneiair.com.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin
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Royal Brunei Airlines service to Melbourne takes off, to fly four times weekly

By Azaraimy HH

Brunei Tourism's "Window on Brunei" initiative would benefit from the four-times weekly services to Melbourne, the CEO of Brunei Tourism, Sheikh Jamaluddin told the Bulletin last night just prior to the inaugural Royal Brunei Airlines' (RBA) new Brunei-Melbourne route.

The newly launched BWN-MEL route operates on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday on RBA's B777 aircraft flights BI53 and BI54.

RBA's inaugural flight to Melbourne departed Brunei International Airport at 10pm last night and was scheduled to arrive in Melbourne, Victoria today, at 7.55am in Tullamarine Airport, Melbourne. The return flight from Melbourne BI54 is scheduled to depart Tullamarine Airport today at 1.40pm and arrive in Bandar Seri Begawan on the same day, at 5.40pm.

Travelling aboard the maiden flight was a delegation from the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources led by Dato Paduka Dr Hj Amin Liew bin Abdullah, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources.

Also among the delegates is the CEO of Brunei Tourism, Sheikh Jamaluddin.

"The launching of Royal Brunei Airline's direct flight to Melbourne will strengthen the relationship between Australia and Brunei Darussalam - not just within tourism and trade but also in, hopefully, the education sector," RBA's Deputy Chairman, Mr Dermot Mannion said. "The recent years have seen an increase in Brunei students' interest to studying in Australia - this direct flight to Melbourne aims to make it easier for students and their families to travel. For passengers bound for London from Melbourne, we provide transit options in Brunei and Dubai."

The Australian High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam, Mr Mark Sawers congratulated Royal Brunei Airlines on the momentous occasion.

"This new service is certainly welcome news to travellers both as a direct stop or transit option," said Mr Sawers. "Not only tourists will enjoy the new link but students and business associates will find this direct flight option a very timely convenience."

Ms Josie Abdullah, the Australian Trade Commission's Manager for Brunei and East Malaysia, also travelled on the inaugural flight to facilitate business meetings for Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources officials and as well as the Brunei International Chamber of Commerce representatives.

"The Victorian Government, Tourism Victoria and a number of key allies in Australia have been very supportive in putting together a work and visit programme," she said.

Customers can book flights with RBA through travel agents, by visiting the RBA Melbourne office at Level 10, 45 William Street, Melbourne Victoria, 3000, Australia or by logging onto the RBA Website at www.bruneiair.com.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin
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Royal Brunei Airlines inaugural flight to Melbourne tonight

The inaugural flight by Royal Brunei Airlines to Melbourne, Australia will commence tonight, March 29. Four flights per week are scheduled, according to a press release.

The additional services to Melbourne will further strengthen the people to people links between Brunei Darussalam and Australia in education and tourism while also providing a valuable opportunity to further strengthen business links between both countries.

The Australian High Commissioner, Mark Sawers, indicated that the additional flights would provide greater accessibility to students and prospective students from Brunei Darussalam intending to undertake educational studies in Melbourne.

The Australian High Commissioner further emphasised the opportunities to further strengthen business ties between Brunei Darussalam and Australia by leveraging the existing strong business links between both countries to further develop new investment opportunities.

A delegation from the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources will be joining the inaugural flight as part of a working visit to Melbourne and Canberra. The delegation will be led by Dato Paduka Dr Hj Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources. Also joining the working visit are the Chairman and Executive Members of the Brunei International Chamber of Commerce. The Austrade Senior Business Manager, Josie Abdullah, will accompany the delegation on their working visit to facilitate dialogues with both government and the private sectors.

The Australian High Commission would like to acknowledge the assistance provided by the Brunei High Commission in Australia and the assistance of the Victorian Government, Tourism Victoria and Austrade Visits Team in supporting the working visit.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin
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Tourist arrivals to Brunei on the rise

By James Kon

Brunei Tourism is targeting an increase of 20 per cent in tourist arrivals this year compared to last year when an estimated 190,000 to 200,000 tourists visited the country.

Brunei has recorded a jump in foreign tourist arrivals by air thanks to better air linkages and marketing strategies on the majestic allure of the Water Village, Jame' 'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah, Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque, the Istana Nurul Iman, Royal Regalia, the Museums and other tourism hot spots.

According to statistics provided by Brunei Tourism, 111,538 foreign tourists touched down in Brunei for holidays from January until July last year.

Based on arrival statistics, Brunei Tourism has estimated that arrivals for the whole of 2010 would have been between 190,000 and 200,000, representing a growth between 20 and 27 per cent over 2009.

From the arrival numbers, Malaysians topped the list with 27,736 arrivals. The second spot went to China with 12,482 arrivals followed by United Kingdom and Australia at 9,194 and 9,093.

Recently, 11 charter flights brought in 1,345 tourists from Hong Kong, mainland China and Taiwan who ushered in the Year of the Rabbit in the Abode of Peace.

The Lunar New Year charter flights combined with the recent lifting of visa requirements for Hong Kong passport holders and the resumption of Royal Brunei Airlines direct flights to Shanghai offering more frequent and direct connections to the Kingdom of Unexpected Treasures, are expected to contribute a rise in Brunei Tourism's target of tourist arrivals by air.

Brunei receives an average of 22,000 tourists a year by air from Hong Kong and China and also an additional 2,000 tourists from Taiwan, majority of them coming for a relaxing holiday.

In addition to tourist arrivals by air, more than 20,000 people have come as cruise ship passengers visiting Brunei on day trips.

Arrivals by land and sea (Serasa) are not included, as Brunei Tourism doesn't have the percentage of land and sea arrivals that qualify as tourists, day trippers or border crossers.

With the encouraging figures, Brunei Tourism is targeting a 20 per cent increase over 2010 arrivals for year 2011.

Initiatives to further boost Brunei's tourism are currently in the pipeline and one of the efforts that has already borne fruit is the appointment of Brunei Tourism first marketing representative office in China called Longway recently.

From 2007 to 2009, Brunei received a total of 232,616 tourists by air. Tourists from China made up the most of tourist arrivals from the Far East at 62,769 in three years.

In total, tourists from China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea and Taiwan added up to a total of 97,287 arrivals from 2007 to 2009.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin
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New 787s to give Royal Brunei Airlines more muscle

By Danial Norjidi

Royal Brunei Airlines (RBA) is set to spread its wings even further when five Boeing Dreamliner 787s join its fleet in 2012.

This was confirmed by Mr Robert Yang, the Chief Executive Officer of RBA (top photo), in an interview with the Weekend Bulletin, on the sidelines of the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) 54th Assembly of Presidents at The Empire Hotel and Country Club.

"We have, on order, five 787s, and we hope to welcome them sometime in 2012," he said, adding that this was in line with the airline's strategy to expand prudently and at the same time sustain an effective corporation. "We are on track."

According to earlier reports, RBA had planned to welcome its Boeing Dreamliner 787s in the Sultanate by 2009. However, it failed to materialise due to a number of reasons such as shortage of parts and difficulty in bringing together fuselage and wing structures from Japan, Italy and US.

Speaking during yesterday's media forum, Mr Riaz Moiz, the Executive Vice President of Commercial & Planning at RBA, disclosed that the airline was continuously looking at possible options (destinations) around a "seven-hour radius around Brunei".

According to him, destinations around North Asia that have "always been under consideration" include Tokyo, Taipei and Incheon.

On RBA's fleet expansion, he noted that RBA was currently operating with a 10-aircraft fleet and that the new 787 aircraft would "be more for replacements". He added that the airline was finalised the exact dates when the planes would be coming to the Sultanate.

Commenting on the AAPA 54th Assembly, Mr Yang said: "It's gone great... The airlines have seen some growth and we're optimistic about the coming months and next year. We're now much stronger now and able to tackle all the industry issues as mentioned during the press conference."

"RBA is a strong supporter of AAPA, and it's been an honour to chair it this year," he added.

Meanwhile, at the conclusion of the AAPA 54th Assembly of Presidents yesterday, the Association's Director General, Andrew Herdman, warned that the "post-recessionary airline world still presents a minefield full of regulatory threats to the industry's long term interests".

The need to face up to such major industry challenges is reflected in a series of "strong resolutions" that were adopted by the members of the AAPA upon of the conclusion of the Assembly yesterday.

"Governments in Europe and the US, as well as others here in the Asia Pacific region, continue to bombard airlines with well-intentioned, but often ill-conceived, policies that are actually counter productive to every effort that airlines make to improve efficiency, value for money and overall passenger service experience," Herdman said.

The Association's Director General stressed that governments need to rethink unwarranted and ineffective policies on environment, taxation, as well as passenger services.

"Looking to the long term, the prevailing shift of influence and commercial dynamism towards Asia should result in carriers from the region playing an increasingly important role in shaping the future of the global air transport industry," he added. "Beyond achieving further commercial success, the region's airlines are committed to concerted action and taking leadership on global regulatory issues."

The resolutions that resulted from the AAPA Assembly yesterday fell into five categories, namely 'Safety', 'Security', 'Environment', 'Taxation' and 'Passenger Services'.

Under the resolution on safety, the AAPA calls on governments "to properly resource and support their regulatory authorities with the aim of achieving full ICAO compliance", while at the same time "positively considering the creation of a cooperative Asia Pacific regional body to provide enhanced safety oversight and guidance to national airworthiness authorities."

On security, the AAPA said: "Whilst always remaining vigilant to terrorist threats, regulatory agencies often react too quickly to incidents by issuing nationally focused aviation security requirements that are costly yet ineffective in achieving improvements to global security."

Increasingly complex, onerous and inconsistent aviation security procedures reportedly continue to frustrate the travelling public.

On environment, the AAPA resolution called on governments to actively support efforts through ICAO to develop a global framework and agreed principles to be applied to the implementation of market based measures, and to refrain from introducing duplicative measures, including the imposition of arbitrary taxes under the guise of green initiatives.

On taxation, the Association called on governments to carefully consider the overall economic effects of putting further financial strain on the travelling public and the air transport industry. It added that the governments should refrain from the introduction of unjustified, discriminatory and arbitrary tax increases that are counterproductive to the shared goals of increased societal mobility and global trade growth.

On passenger services, the AAPA's resolution called on governments "to refrain from introducing legislation that would act as a disincentive to airlines to compete freely on customer service standards and also ensure that mandated regulations related to passenger processing and treatment are designed from the outset to be practical, cost-effective, efficient and sustainable".

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin Weekend
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Sabah Travel Fair in Brunei

Holiday makers planning a getaway should visit the 4th annual Sabah Travel Fair from November 5 to 7 at Atrium Concourse of The Mall in Gadong to enjoy great deals on the offer.

This year, Royal Brunei Airlines is offering a special three-day holiday package to Grand Borneo Hotel in Kota Kinabalu from only $199 per adult. Including flights and accommodation, this package will only be on sale at this price during the fair.

The airline's booth, numbered B3 and B4, will be opened from 10am until 9pm and attractive packages to other hotels and resorts in Sabah will also be available for purchase.

In addition to packages, RBA passengers wishing to fly to Kota Kinabalu between May 1, 2011 and August 31, 2011 can also purchase fares starting at $59 per person.

During the fair, visitors can also enjoy cultural performances, quizzes and games organised by the Sabah Tourism Board.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin
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Royal Brunei Airlines Melbourne bound

By Azlan Othman

Melbourne Australia will be part of the Royal Brunei Airlines network from March 29 2011, RBA said in a statement to the Weekend Bulletin yesterday.

A four-times weekly service will be introduced in which Royal Brunei Airlines will depart Bandar Seri Begawan to Melbourne on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. With the addition of Melbourne, Royal Brunei Airlines will fly 14 times weekly to three cities in Australia.

Royal Brunei Airlines Executive Vice President of Commercial & Planning, Riaz Moiz, said that, "With the launch of the Melbourne flights, Royal Brunei Airlines will be able to meet demand for seats to Melbourne from across our Asian and UK networks, while also expanding our presence in Australia.

Trade links between the two countries will also be enhanced. The additional of Melbourne is another positive step towards establishing Brunei as a competitive hub in the Asia Pacific region."

Melbourne Airport Chief Executive Officer, Chris Woodruff, said the Royal Brunei Airlines announcement was a fantastic result for Victoria. Mr Woodruff said, "The importance of direct international air services to Melbourne and Victoria cannot be overstated.

Southeast Asia is one of Victoria's fastest growing markets and Royal Brunei Airlines' services will enable tourism and trade opportunities to be further developed.

This is great news for Victorians, whether they are travelling to the Sultanate of Brunei, holiday destinations in Borneo's Sabah and Sarawak, or onwards to Royal Brunei Airlines' network throughout Asia, Europe and the Middle East."

Located in the state of Victoria and best known for being the cultural capital of Australia, Melbourne is also a centre for commerce, education, entertainment and sports. Visit Melbourne and experience a wide range of activities, attractions and excitement for the whole family.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin Weekend
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Royal Brunei Airlines, Philippine Airlines End Code Share Agreement

Bandar Seri Begawan - Beginning October 31, 2010; Royal Brunei Airlines and Philippine Airlines will be ending their code share agreement and the last code share flight will take off October 30.

Royal Brunei Airlines has decreased flights to seven times weekly while still maintaining daily service from Bandar Seri Begawan to Manila, a press release said Raiz Moiz, RBA Executive Vice President of Commercial and Planning, said, "Although both carriers have mutually agreed to end the code share arrangement, we still look forward to working with Philippine Airlines in the future and we wish them great success in their future endeavours."

For further enquiries of how this may affect current bookings, passenger may contact their local Royal Brunei Airline offices.

Meanwhile, Cebu Pacific (CEB) began flying to Brunei Darussalam from August 21 this year and operates twice-weekly service between Manila and Bandar Seri Begawan.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin
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