TO FURTHER bolster Brunei’s already strong trade and industrial relations with South Korea, the Sultanate’s flagship carrier Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) will operate direct charter flights to Incheon International Airport, a move that will boost tourism industry in both countries.
The national carrier inked an agreement in this regard with FOB Sdn Bhd this Thursday.
Karam Chand, Chief Executive Officer of RB, and Park Sung Ho, Chief Executive Officer of FOB Sdn Bhd signed on the dotted lines, witnessed by Christina Chua, RB’s Head of Loyalty, Freight and Ancillary; and Choi Hee Jeong, Director of IMK Holdings on behalf of FOB Sdn Bhd.
Under the agreement, RB will be operating its A320ceo aircraft weekly twice from Bandar Seri Begawan to Incheon, South Korea (and vice versa) commencing on December 29, 2016 until December 28, 2017.
“The introduction of this direct charter flights signifies RB’s commitment in developing its route network, diversifying its revenue base and providing a solid platform for Brunei’s tourism development and growth,” said Karam Chand.
According to Brunei’s Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism, Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong, South Korea is Brunei’s second largest trading partner and the Sultanate wanted to see this relationship enhanced especially on the tourism sector.
Karam Chand, CEO of RB (R) and Park Sung Ho, CEO of FOB Sdn Bhd, during the signing ceremony. – RB
Recently, South Korean Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam, Cho Won-myung, had expressed his country’s interest in launching a direct flight between the two countries.
The direct flight will cut travel cost and time for businessmen and other travellers from both countries, as the Brunei-South Korea route currently uses a connecting flight either through Malaysia or Singapore which is inconvenient and time-consuming, he had said.
Aside from developing tourist traffic between Brunei and South Korea, the charter service also aims to develop business opportunities for both nations.
FOB Sdn Bhd is also working with The Empire Hotel & Country Club in promoting the hotel to the Korean market as the main accommodation for honeymooners and golfers, as well as introducing Korean products to the Bruneian market via shops that will set up at the hotel.
RB’s regional network today comprises nine points in Southeast Asia: Jakarta, Surabaya and Denpasar in Indonesia; Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia; Manila in the Philippines; Bangkok in Thailand; Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam and Singapore.
Three points are also served in China – Hong Kong, Shanghai and Zhengzhou – while the long-haul network consists of Melbourne in Australia, Dubai in the UAE and London in the UK.
Seasonal services are operated to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia during the Haj and Umrah pilgrimages.
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