AsianAviationGossip: Malindo Air - new rising star of Malaysian airways

Malindo Air was established in March 2013. The airlines formed from joint venture between Malaysia and Indonesia companies which are NADI from Malaysia (51% share) and Indonesia largest low cost carrier - Lion Air group. The presence of the new airlines helps balancing dominantion of Air Asia and Malaysia Airlines and also giving more choice selection for travellers/ passengers to fly [1]. The airlines business (for me) is similar to Air Berlin's business model focusing on hybrid market (offers business class and low price for Economy class). The airlines main hub located in main terminal of Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) and its initial routes to two cities, Kota Kinabalu and Kuching. Currently, Malindo air expands flights to Johor Bharu, Langkawi, Penang, Miri and Sibu [2,3]. Moreover, the airlines also expands international flights to Jakarta , Denpasar and Dhaka. Malindo air has ambitious plan to offers more destinations to ASEAN, Indian and Southern Chinese cities from Kuala Lumpur International Airport. All destinations operated from KLIA equipped with 6 Boeing 737 - 900ER (4 on order)[1]

Malindo Air current and proposed routes [3]

current routes served from SZB

Malindo air also has extended destinations flights within Malaysia by establish another hub in Subang's Sultan Abdul Aziz Airport (SZB) and operated by turboprop aircraft [3 ATR 72 - 600 and 3 on order]. The destinations served from SZB are Alor Setar, Langkawi, Penang, Kota Bharu, Johor Bharu and Kuala Terengganu. The flights from SZB giving more convenient for Business travellers, since SZB located nearer to greater Kuala Lumpur[4].

Hot Meals from Malindo Air

From 5 October 2013, Malindo Air is offering hot meals in both cabin classes by introducing famous original kayu Nasi Kandar. The menus are Briyani Rice & Chicken Briyani, Nasi Kandar with Chicken Korma & Acar, and Nasi Kandar with Fish curry and acar. Since than, these menu become big hit selling onboard. Moreover, there are other menus are offered such as chicken rice, BBQ chicken and Many more. However, the meals are only served on destinations operated by 737 - 900 ER. [Nasi Kandar is one of the most famous cuisine in Malaysia and originating from Penang. The cuisine can be found from India-Muslim (a.k.a Mamak) restaurant. The cuisine is usually served white rice with spicy and delicious curry chicken, lamb or fish... You must try this food)

Malindo onboard menus [5]

From thestar - youtube channel [6]

Conclusion

Malindo Air has presence in Malaysia Air market has also helps boosting more passengers travel within Malaysia and Asean regions. The presence of Malindo Air has also increase competition among other malaysian airlines such as Malaysia Airlines, Air Asia, Air Asia X and Firefly. Moreover, the presence of Malindo air helps KLIA establish as important hub in ASEAN region.

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