Viva Macau launched its first scheduled commercial flight. Viva Macau flight ZG301, the first ever direct flight from Macau, Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta to the Maldives left Macau International Airport with more than 200 passengers on board.

The maiden flight marks the beginning of the airline’s scheduled commercial operations, charter operations are already being operated to Haiphong, Vietnam and Phuket, and is a statement of commitment in extending Macau’s air transport links and network. Ngan In Leng, Viva Macau President led industry leaders, business partners and the airline’s management team in a send-off ceremony held at the Macau International Airport’s Departure Lounge.

“We are delighted to witness the successful launch of the first scheduled commercial flight of Viva Macau, which marks a major milestone for Viva Macau and in the expansion of Macau’s aviation industry,” said Mr Ngan.

“On behalf of Viva Macau, I thank everyone here for their support and cooperation in making the Macau dream come true. Special thanks go to the Macau SAR Government, Macau International Airport, the Administration of Airports Ltd, friends from the Macau aviation and tourism industries, media friends and last but not least, our customers.”

“The new exciting destinations introduced by Viva Macau have drawn a great response from consumers in Macau, Hong Kong and the Mainland. We are confident that using Macau as a gateway to the outside world will become a popular travel pattern for people in the entire Pearl River Delta,” Andrew Pyne, the airline’s chief executive said.

“Asia’s most exciting airline is now linking Asia’s most exciting city in the world! The launch of service today is a significant step forward for Macau as a major regional aviation hub, developing stronger tourism and air transport ties between Macau and the rest of the world,” said Pyne.