KOTA KINABALU: Direct Firefly flights between Penang and Kota Kinabalu will be able to help revive Sabah's tourism industry.
Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin said the selection of Sabah as one of the airline's routes would facilitate the entry of domestic and international tourists.
"I welcome people from all over the country to come to Sabah and explore interesting places including its cultural diversity.
"The ministry is always open to work with all airlines to make direct flights to Sabah, especially via Kota Kinabalu," he told a press conference after welcoming the arrival of passengers for the inaugural Firefly flight from Penang to Kota Kinabalu this afternoon.
Also present were MASwings Chief Operating Officer Captain Nasaruddin A Bakar and Sabah Tourism Board (STB) Chief Executive Officer Noredah Othman.
Nasaruddin said 100 passengers boarded the first Firefly flight from Penang to Kota Kinabalu today.
Firefly has scheduled single daily flights between Penang and Sabah until April 24, followed by an expected increase in the number of trips.