The launch of RB Airbus A320 Aircraft

Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) held an official launch of its A320neo fleet with a blessing ceremony on 22nd September 2018 at Hangar 3, Brunei International Airport.

Present as the guest of honor and to officiate the launch of RB’s A320neo fleet was Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Hj Ali Bin Hj Apong, Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism. Also present to launch the aircraft were Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Hj Mohd Amin Liew Bin Abdullah, Minister of Finance II and Chairman of RB Board of Directors; Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Abdul Mutalib Bin Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Seria Dato Paduka Haji Mohammad Yusof, Minister of Communications;Karam Chand, RB Chief Executive Officer (CEO); Mr Jean Francois Laval, Airbus Executive Vice President (EVP) Asia.

“The introduction of our A320NEO aircraft is the remaining part of our fleet modernization program and opens up a new phase to pursue further regional growth. We will have all the seven Airbus A320NEOs in our fleet by November 2018, making RB the owner of one of the youngest fleet in the World with an average fleet age of two years. This is something we as the National Airline of Brunei Darussalam are extremely proud of. The new fleet’s cabin features especially the inflight entertainment have exceeded guest expectations and has been applauded as “best in class” and five star for Regional Services. The new fleet will also play a vital role in maintaining and improving our operational reliability which is extremely important as we have a National Role to play and provide close to eighty per cent of all seats to/from Brunei” Said Mr Karam Chand, RB CEO

“Our guests on the RB A320NEO are enjoying unmatched levels of in-flight entertainment on the new aircraft, being the world’s first single-aisle aircraft fitted with Thales AVANT (Gen 5) in-flight entertainment system. Equipped with a Personal In-flight entertainment system; there are more than 1,000 movies, TV shows and audio entertainment content to enjoy on demand at every seat on all our short/medium haul flights” Added Mr Chand.

Today marks a milestone in the strong relationship between Airbus and Royal Brunei,” said Jean-Francois Laval, Airbus EVP Asia. “With the A320neo in its fleet Royal Brunei is now operating the world’s most modern, comfortable and fuel efficient single aisle aircraft. We are proud to see the A320neo flying in the colours of Royal Brunei and wish the airline every success with its new fleet.”

RB also showcased the Destination Marketing strategy and campaign. As the lead tourism marketing agency to market Brunei internationally in collaboration with its partners; Brunei Tourism and M&C Saatchi of Singapore, RB will be commencing 100 percent digital marketing in key international marketing starting on 24th September 2018. In support of this initiative, a special livery A320 neo aircraft was launched by Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali Bin Haji Apong, Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism, which celebrates the very best of Brunei tourism.

RB has announced several developments over the past few months, with the introduction of its non-stop flight to London from Brunei which is scheduled to begin at the end of October, and the introduction of Nanning, Hangzhou and Taipei to its route network.

Mr. Karam Chand also took the opportunity that evening to announce the commencement of twice weekly Haikou services from 30th October this year and twice weekly flights to Changsha from 18th December 2018. RB is also pleased to announce that it will be flying to Tokyo – Narita from 15thMarch 2019. The new routes are subject to slot and government approvals which are being pursued.