Ready for service: Batik Air is said to be the only airline offering Business Class from Subang.
PETALING JAYA: Batik Air will be making a comeback at Subang SkyPark, with the relaunch of its operations to and from the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Subang – featuring an upgraded fleet of Boeing 737.
This event marks a historic moment as Subang SkyPark welcomes the first narrow-body jets back after 22 years, said Batik Air in a statement yesterday.
Batik Air chief executive officer, Datuk Chandran Rama Muthy, said that the airline was the only one offering Business Class from Subang – delivering an exceptional level of service at competitive prices.
“Passengers can enjoy comfort without compromising on value, making our airline the perfect choice for both business and leisure travel.
“Utilising the Boeing 737 aircraft, which features dual-class cabins – Economy and Business Class, provides our valued passengers with an enhanced flying experience, including bigger legroom, increased comfort and improved efficiency,” said Chandran.
The airline said that it was proud to be part of this transformation, replacing the previously used ATR service – which ended in Feb 2024 – with a more advanced and comfortable option.
Tourism Malaysia director-general Manoharan Periasamy said Subang SkyPark’s role as a pivotal city airport is expected to significantly boost intercity travel and attract more tourists.
“Subang SkyPark offers a unique advantage with its proximity to Kuala Lumpur. This makes travel incredibly convenient and attractive for both local and international tourists,” he said, adding that they are excited about the potential growth to the tourism industry as a result.
Manoharan also expressed his support for Batik Air and advocated for the expansion of international flights to and from Subang, which would be an option in terms of connectivity besides KL International Airport’s Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
Batik Air has introduced its first route from Subang SkyPark to Penang International Airport with three flights weekly, increasing to daily service starting from Aug 15, 2024.
The decision to select Penang as the inaugural destination reflects Batik Air’s roots and commitment to reconnecting with a city that holds a special place in its history, explained the airline.
In 2013, when the airline first began operations as Malindo Air at Subang, it had a modest fleet of just two ATR aircrafts, initially offering flights to only two destinations; namely Penang and Kota Baru, Kelantan.
The airline said that it has plans to broaden its services, with plans underway to add new destinations including Kota Baru, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah and Kuching, Sarawak.
Last Tuesday, flights at the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Subang were subject to limited operating hours, which is between 6am and 10pm, said Anthony Loke.
According to the Transport Minister, no midnight flights are allowed there.
Loke also said six airlines will resume narrow-body aircraft operations from Aug 1, and they are AirAsia, Firefly, SKS Airways, Transnusa, Batik Air Malaysia and Scoot.
Loke said the resumption of jet operations at the airport comes after all jet operations were previously moved to KLIA back in 1998.
