LONDON – Batik Air, the new rebranded name of Malaysian Low-Cost Carrier Malindo Air celebrated its new name and logo launching at a ceremony held at Sama Sama Hotel at Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Malaysia.
Along with rebranding, the company had another glorious reason for the celebration, as they welcomed the addition of another 17 new Boeing 737-8 aircraft to its fleets of Boeing 737-NG and ATR 72-600 turbo-props with newly rebranded name and logo that will be distinguishingly evident at the KLIA from now on.
In his speech, Transport Minister, Dr. Wee addressing the audience stated that “The rebranding and launch marks the beginning of an exciting transformation alongside being a promising endeavor. This benefits not only the airline itself but also the aerospace and air transport industry in Malaysia and beyond.”
Dr. Wee further added that, “I congratulate Batik Air for successfully completing this rebranding exercise and introducing Batik Air as a young and growing airline.”
“The rebranding of Batik Air and the launch of Batik Air new aircraft Boeing 737-8 marks the beginning of Batik Air transformation. We look forward to welcoming connecting traffic from Lion Air Group, especially from Indonesia to transit through Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), as they will contribute significantly to Malaysia’s economy.”
Infusion of new Boeing Fleets
Batik Air’s predecessor Malindo Air was the first operator around the globe to operate Boeing 737MAX8 in early 2017, with possibility of fleet revival of complete Boeing 737 MAX 8 configuration.
However, the plans were brought to stall when the global grounding of Boeing 737 MAX8 was issued due to fatal accidents involving Lion Air and Ethiopian Airlines, forcing airline back to its original configuration of Boeing 737 NG and ATR turbo-props.
With Boeing 737MAX8 once again cleared by the authorities to operate flights after rectification, the carrier is once again looking for promising relationship with the Boeing aircraft, where future generation fleets can elevate Batik Air’s plans to establish as medium haul carrier with focus countries around the region.
With borders reopening for tourism and VFR purposes, the road to recovery for LCCs based in the region are evident, with operations spanning between Middle East and as far as Manila from its epicenter in the Malacca region of Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia.
While addressing on new aircraft, CEO of Batik Air, Capt. Mushafiz Bin Mustafa Bakri said that “The induction of Boeing 737-8 into our fleet is a key element in our overall capacity growth and fleet expansion strategy. Its improved operating efficiency offers us the option to open even more new routes, providing better travel options for our passengers.”
Speaking on this occasion, Capt. Mushafiz Bin Mustafa Bakri said that “Being a larger part of the Lion Air Group with renowned network and substantial passenger base, the rebranding exercise would enable us to be synchronizes with our regional sister airline, Batik Air Indonesia, hence being recognized as a wider entity internationally.”
“With this rationalization, we are anticipating a gradual but tangible passenger traffic growth to our existing network. Subsequently, this will ensure seamless and exceptional customer service experience across Batik Air Malaysia and Batik Air Indonesia.”
