SilkAir customers will enjoy direct flights between Singapore and Sabah in East Malaysia when the airline launches new twice-weekly services to Kota Kinabalu, the gateway of Sabah. The new service will extend SilkAir`s presence in East Malaysia, building on its operations to neighboring Sarawak, launched in March earlier this year.

The scheduled services to Kota Kinabalu will be codeshared with Singapore Airlines (SQ) and Malaysia Airlines (MH). SilkAir`s twice-weekly service will complement Malaysia Airlines thrice-weekly flights.

SilkAir`s flight will depart from Singapore Changi Airport and arrive at Kota Kinabalu International Airport. The return flight will depart from Kota Kinabalu and arrive in Singapore.

Kota Kinabalu marks SilkAir`s third destination in Malaysia, after Langkawi and Kuching, bringing to 10 the total number of weekly flights SilkAir operates to Malaysia. Mr. Mike Barclay, SilkAir`s Chief Executive, said, We are delighted to be adding Kota Kinabalu to our network of exotic holiday destinations. Sabah has all the makings of a top-quality leisure destination. With its famed national parks, hot springs, beaches, diving spots and affordable golf courses, it is poised to be one of Asia`s latest travel hotspots. It has something to offer everyone, and it is just two and a half hours away from Singapore.

Tan Sri Datuk Chong Kah Kiat, Sabah`s Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment said, I am delighted that SilkAir, the regional wing of Singapore Airlines has decided to operate direct flights to Sabah from Singapore. I hope to see increased frequencies by next year as the State Government has always wanted Singapore Airlines, in this case, SilkAir, to resume its direct operation into Sabah. SilkAir can be assured of the State Government`s fullest support and cooperation.