Warning: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable in /home/rano365/public_html/wp-content/themes/yoo_nano2_wp/warp/systems/wordpress/helpers/system.php on line 61
Rano360.com » RB

Posts Tagged ‘RB’

RB flies to Haikou

Written by Rano Iskandar on . Posted in travel, Social News

 


Evergreen Park, Haikou. Image from Hainan Explore website
 

Royal Brunei Airlines is pleased to announce that the national carrier has launched direct scheduled services to Haikou effective 22 November 2018.

RB’s CEO Karam Chand said, “We are pleased to introduce Haikou, the capital of Hainan province, to our growing network of scheduled flights to China. Adding Haikou to our scheduled services will support our airlines’ network development and builds on the strong bilateral relationship between Brunei and China. The new route presents a very special opportunity for both cities to boost tourism and trade sectors.

In addition to Haikou, we have already launched Nanning and Hangzhou routes and soon Changsha which will operate effective 15 January 2019. Further establishing RB’s presence in China is very important for us as we are constantly exploring new opportunities to grow our footprint in one of the largest market in the world. With the growth of our short-haul network to China and vice versa to Brunei, we are confident our guest will benefit from the increased connections and enhanced travel experience from non-stop flights and signature RB service on our game changing A320 NEO aircraft.”

The flight is available on www.flyroyalbrunei.com and also at RB’s travel agents.

 

 


RB flies twice weekly to Haikou
 


View of Haikou. Taken from South China Morning Post
 


Marriot Hotel, Haikou, Hainan Province.
 

Purrrrrrfect

Written by Rano Iskandar on . Posted in community, travel, lifestyle, Business, Social News

 

"\
 

"\
Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong, Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism (2nd from left) during the memorandum of Agreement between Royal Brunei and Sarawak Tourism Board held recently
 

Meeeowwww!!!! It’s back again!! After a 4 year hiatus, direct flight from Bandar Seri Begawan to Kuching is back!!! The previous connection was via MASwings which stopped its operation back in October 2014. Royal Brunei ever flew to Kuching and its first flight was back on 15th May 1975 while its last flight was 28th July 2011. So it’s good to see that Royal Brunei has finally re-commencement its flight services to Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia, starting 28th December 2018.

A signing of memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between RB and the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) was held yesterday, aimed on offering bi-weekly flights between Bandar Seri Begawan to Kuching and vice versa.

Present was the guest of honour, Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong, Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism. Present during the MoA were Datuk Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Sarawak Minister for Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports, Sharzede binti Datuk Haji Salleh Askor, CEO of Sarawak Tourism Board and Karam Chand, CEO of Royal Brunei.

“The signing of the MoA between the Sarawak Tourism Board and Royal Brunei Airlines bears great importance to both our capitals,” said Sharzede binti Datuk Haji Salleh Askor, CEO of Sarawak Tourism Board. “First, it symbolises the start of the many collaborative efforts between our two capitals which will bring about sustainable socio-economic growth for both Sarawak and Brunei with tourism as a significant contributor, as well as strengthening the friendship between our people.

“Secondly, the Sarawak-Brunei tourism collaboration, especially with the strengthened connectivity between the two destinations, will increase the competitiveness and attractiveness as twin tourism destinations to capture tourists around the regions and the world, especially making Kuching more accessible to our focus markets including Melbourne, Shanghai and London, which augurs well for the marketing of the destination.”

RB will fly to Kuching on December 28 using the RB A320, with the route operating twice weekly before increasing to four times a week by February 3, 2019.

 

 

"\
The signing of the memorandum of agreement
 

"\
Datuk Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Sarawak Minister for Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports speaking during the press conference
 

"\
Karam Chand, CEO of Royal Brunei, on a side note, mentioned there will be no changes in scheduling for BSB to KK with the arrival of their competitor this coming January
 

"\
 

All passengers are safe, arrived London via diff airlines

Written by Rano Iskandar on . Posted in travel, Social News

 

"
Royal Brunei Airlines flight BI003 made an important diversion and landed at Vienna International Airport, Austria, yesterday after the aircraft had some technical issues
 

As posted on Royal Brunei Airlines website.

7 November 2018 4:46 PM

Due to technical issues, Royal Brunei Airlines flight BI003 from Bandar Seri Begawan (BWN) to London Heathrow (LHR) on 07th November 2018 has made a diversion landing at Vienna International Airport.

The safety and security of our guests is of paramount importance to RB and we are currently working to ensure our passengers will safely reach London Heathrow through other carriers.

Update at 1700 (GMT+8)

Please be advised that Flight BI004 on 07th November 2018 from London Heathrow to Bandar Seri Begawan is cancelled. Guests are currently rerouted on other airlines.

Update as at 1842 (GMT+8)

Please be advised that all guests have been rebooked onto flights with other carriers, leaving Vienna later today.

The safety and security of our guests is our number one priority.

We apologise for the inconvenience caused.

RB Customer Service Centre:
Bandar Seri Begawan: +673 2 221 2222
London: +44 2075 846660

Note:

It hasn’t been confirmed on what the technical issue is and no statement or press release given by Royal Brunei Airlines to confirm on the specific technical issues. It was definitely a significant technical issue as RB flight B1003 had to make an unscheduled landing at Vienna International Airport. What’s more important are the safety of the passengers, pilots and crew on board. Kudos to the pilots for the quick thinking, considering this is a long haul flight (14 hours) and a non-stop flight from Brunei Darussalam to London. Appreciation also goes to the crew on board to calm the situation and making sure everyone is safe and in good hands. Alhamdulillah.

When we thought that Twitter is not relevant anymore, it still is as the pictures of the incident were being circulated and it was a screenshot from twitter, @FlightAlerts_ to be specific.

On board on the flight B1003 was Yang Berhormat Khairunnisa Ash’ari, a member of the Legislative Council, who tweeted on the whole ordeal from checking in in Brunei International Airport to finally arriving in London safely. She did highlight one thing though – Travel insurance 🙂 Oh yes, how that is so important and let’s not taking everything for granted.

Let’s hope the situation of such incident is a rare one. Once again, kudos to the pilots and the crew on handling the situation and the swift thinking of the pilots.

 

RB flies direct to Nanning

Written by Rano Iskandar on . Posted in travel, lifestyle, Social News

 

 

Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) held a promotional event in Nanning recently in conjunction with its local partners and RB’s International Brand Ambassador, Wu Chun, to promote the newly launched scheduled services between Nanning and Brunei.

Nanning, the capital of GuangxiZhuang Autonomous Region in South-West China, is the latest scheduled destination added to the growing route network of RB. The national flag carrier of Brunei Darussalam first operated season chartered flights to Nanning back in 2016 and resumed services again as chartered flights between January and March 2018. Only in April this year, it became a scheduled flight twice weekly.

Mr. Karam Chand, RB’s Chief Executive Officer, said, “RB is extremely proud to have launched our twice weekly flights between Nanning and Bandar Seri Begawan. Our Nanning flights have proven to be very popular with our Chinese and Bruneian guests. Going into scheduled services so soon after launching the flights is a testament to the hard work done by RB together with our business partner in China – Hainan Wenhua Air Tourism.”

“We have experienced an average load factor in excess of 80% since the commencement of the services and this is great news for all Bruneians and Nanning tourism stakeholders. RB is pleased with the growth from the new source market and we will continue to monitor this and other regional cities in China with an objective of adding more capacity.”

RB’s International Brand Ambassador, Wu Chun, made a special appearance for his fans to promote RB and Brunei Tourism. He took part in activities with thousands of fans and visitors at the event venue.

Wu Chun said, “I warmly welcome even more visitors from Nanning, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Hong Kong and soon Haikou to my beautiful country – Brunei Darussalam. You will have a unique experience and enjoy our warm Bruneian hospitality together with the many sightseeings, activities and culinary delights which are on offer. With RB’s direct flights and its award winning sales, your holiday will start the moment you step on our aircraft.”

 

 

 

 

Local banks help financing RB’s latest fleet

Written by Rano Iskandar on . Posted in Business, Social News

 


ang Berhormat Dato Seri Paduka Dr. Awang Hj Mohd Amin Liew Abdullah, the Minister of Finance II, as the guest of honour (2nd from left), Mr. Mubashar Khokar, Managing Director of BIBD, Mr. Karam Chand, the CEO of Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) and Mr. Pierre Imho, the CEO of Baiduri Bank
 


Guest of honour delivering his welcoming remarks at Brunei International Airport

Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) has closed the Islamic financing of one Boeing 787-8 aircraft and five Airbus A320neo and the conventional financing of two Airbus A320neo at a signing ceremony held at Brunei International Airport.

It was interesting to know that two local banks are involved in the financing where the islamic financing is under BIBD’s portfolio while the conventional term loan is under Baiduri Bank’s portfolio.

Present at the event was Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Paduka Dr. Awang Hj Mohd Amin Liew Abdullah, the Minister of Finance II, as the guest of honour. Signing on behalf of RB was Mr. Karam Chand, the CEO of RB whole Mr. Mubashar Khokar, Managing Director of BIBD and Mr. Pierre Imho, the CEO of Baiduri Bank signed on behalf of BIBD and Baiduri Bank respectively.

“The combination of conventional financing for 2 aircrafts with an islamic financing structure for 6 other aircrafts allowed Royal Brunei Airlines to achieve attractive terms. The new fleet allows RB to achieve a leaner cost structure from the combination of lower ownership and maintenance costs and lower fuel burn. Complete fleet renewal is a rarity in our industry and to achieve this by the end of 2018 will be a very significant milestone for RB,” said Karam Chand.

“Alhamdullilah, I would like to congratulate RB on another national milestone with the latest additions to their fleet, and also becoming our latest “Partner in Growth”. Together may we continue to support Brunei Darussalam’s economic diversification while strengthening Brunei’s positioning as a regional hub for economic activity and trade. The acquisition of these aircrafts is also another landmark transaction for Brunei’s Islamic banking and financial industry in general as it highlights our local capabilities to deliver on large complex Islamic transactions,” said Mr. Mubashar Khokar.

“Baiduri Bank is proud to enter into this partnership with RB, where we will be financing two unites of Airbus A320neo aircrafts. As a major local bank with a strong commitment to the Brunei market, Baiduri will continue to play an active role in providing financing to businesses, contributing to the economic growth of the country and its development programmes in order to meet the goal of Brunei’s Wawasan 2035,” said Mr. Pierre Imhof.

 


The board members of RB and other invited guests
 


A quick visit to the newly A320neo aircraft
 

 

First deliver of the A320neo aircraft

Written by Rano Iskandar on . Posted in travel, Business, Social News

 


The new A320neo aircraft with members of the local media at Toulouse, France. Image taken from The Scoop.
 


Her Excellency Datin Paduka Malai Hajah Halimah binti Malai Haji Yussof, Brunei Ambassador to France; Karam Chand, RB Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Eric Schulz, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer inspecting the new A320neo aircraft
 

It would have been a perfect fit if I had a first hand view of the new A320neo purchased by Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) when it was handed over at Toulouse, France, a few days ago. This is the first of the seven firm aircraft (A320neo) and three option aircraft ordered by RB as part of its fleet renewal program back in 2014. So it’s good to see the plan turn to reality.

Present at the commemorative ceremony in Toulouse was Her Excellency Datin Paduka Malai Hajah Halimah binti Malai Haji Yussof, Brunei Ambassador to France; Karam Chand, RB Chief Executive Officer (CEO); Eric Schulz, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer; Mohammad Nazri Mohammad Yusof, Acting Director of Brunei Department of Civil Aviation; Mr Jason Tonich, Vice President and General Manager of GE Aviation Sales and Mrs Elsie Yamanouye, Director, Customer Program Management of Thales.

“Airbus A320neo aircraft comes equipped with Leap-1A26 CFM engines with some of the best fuel, noise, emission and operating efficiency in its class and will allow Royal Brunei Airlines to achieve significant cost savings and reduce its emissions footprint. We are based in Brunei on the Island of Borneo which has some of the most pristine environment on earth and we are pleased to be playing a part in preserving this,” said Mr Karam Chand, CEO of Royal Brunei Airlines.

“The RB A320neo aircraft is also the world’s first narrow body fitted with Thales Avant (Gen5) in-flight entertainment system and this will provide our guests significantly enhanced experience on board and match those generally available on long haul aircraft. These aircraft will have business, economy plus and economy seats with leather covering, USB power outlets and audio/video on demand at every seat. These features have been added keeping in mind the changing needs of our guests and to provide seamless and consistent service to our many transferring guests from the B787 Dreamliner long haul services to the A320 flights,” said Mr Chand.

“The new aircraft will also play an important role in maintaining and improving our operational reliability. RB’s on time performance is ninety percent, one of the best in the industry, however we believe we need to keep improving this as the vast majority of guests travelling to/from/via Brunei use RB services. The extended range of A320neo’s also provides RB with a lower risk option to pioneer new medium haul markets up to seven hours duration and we will be making new route announcement over the next several months,” added Mr Chand.

RB’s first A320neo aircraft will be in revenue service from 7th June 2018 with Singapore selected as the very first destination which is less than two weeks from now.

“Airbus is pleased that Royal Brunei Airlines is the latest airline to take delivery of the A320neo, the world’s preferred single aisle aircraft. With its exceptionally comfortable cabin, low operating costs and excellent fuel efficiency, the A320neo will complement Royal Brunei’s existing fleet and contribute to the airline’s continued success,” said Eric Schulz, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer.

RB’s current fleet consists of 10 aircraft; four Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner and six A320ceo. Eight new aircraft will join its fleet by December 2018 (a fifth B787 and seven A320neo). RB will have one of the youngest fleet in the world with an average age of 2 years by the end of 2018. The national carrier of Brunei Darussalam today operates out of its hub airport – Bandar Seri Begawan to eighteen destinations across the world.

Can’t wait for the rest of the A320neo aircrafts to be delivered to Brunei. You can read more news of the delivery from The Scoop.

 

 


The traditional welcoming gesture for the new A320neo, a two minute water salute as a sign of respect and gratitude at Brunei International Airport
 

More choices to Turkey via RB

Written by Rano Iskandar on . Posted in travel, Social News

 


Mr. Karam Chand, Chief Executive Officer of Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) and Mr. Bilal Ekşi, Chief Executive Officer and Deputy Chairman of Turkish Airlines (TK) are pleased with the new expansion to provide customers with more options to travel to Turkey
 

Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) and Turkish Airlines (TK) began its code share agreement in February 2016 that allows passengers to connect seamlessly from Bandar Seri Begawan to Istanbul via Dubai (and vice versa). Both airlines are pleased with the results and plans to further enhance this connectivity via Singapore.

So effective 1st May 2017, flights from Singapore to Istanbul (and vice versa) will be operated by Turkish Airlines whereas the flight between Bandar Seri Begawan and Singapore will be operated by Royal Brunei Airlines.

 

 


To Turkey via Singapore through RB
 


To Turkey via Dubai through RB
 

Mr. Karam Chand, Chief Executive Officer of RB said, “We are very pleased to have partnered with Turkish Airlines to provide our customers with more choices. The results to-date have been very encouraging and as a result, we are expanding our partnership. The RB and Turkish Airlines code share flights offer the best connection to Istanbul and vice versa and we believe we will further enhance the tourism and business links between two countries.”

Mr. Bilal Ekşi, Chief Executive Officer and Deputy Chairman of TK stated that; “This expansion in the scope of the codeshare will not only provide our respective passengers with varied options for traveling to Brunei, but also create a great opportunity for a seamless travel with the reduced layover durations. It is a pleasure for us to improve our service to Bandar Seri Begawan, which I believe will eventually contribute to the enhancement of the good relations between two countries.”

Customers can now choose to travel to Istanbul, Turkey via Dubai or Singapore. For further information on the Turkish Airlines cooperation, please contact your nearest Royal Brunei Airlines Office.

 

Contact RA

ranoadidas (a) gmail.com
Instagram & Snapchat @ranoadidas
Contact: +6738677773

About RA

A blogger since 2002, using platforms from blogspot, joomla and now currently wordpress. A readership that stands on average of 20,000 visits per month. Also on active on social media platform on IG, Facebook and Snapchat (@ranoadidas)

Advertisement rates

You can email me for your interest in advertisement packages. There's also a bundle package with social media postings.