OPENING REMARKS
YANG BERHORMAT PENGIRAN DATO SERI SETIA SHAMHARY PENGIRAN DATO PADUKA HAJI MUSTAPHA
MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND INFOCOMMUNICATIONS,
BRIDGING DESTINATIONS UNITING CULTURES
THE BRUNEI – CHENNAI CONNECTION
A CELEBRATION OF TOURISM, TRADE AND FRIENDSHIP
DATE:
FRIDAY, 25 OCTOBER 2024
VENUE:
TARINDAK D'SENI, ARTS & HANDICRAFT CENTRE
Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
Alhamdullilahi Rabbil `Alameen Wasaalatu Wassalaamu `Ala Asyrafil Ambiae Walmursaleen, Saidina Muhammadin Wa'alaa Aalihiee Wasahbihee Ajama'een
Assalamu'alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh, and a very good evening.
Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr. Awang Haji Mohd. Amin Liew bin Abdullah, Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II;
Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Muhammad Juanda bin Haji Abdul Rashid, Minister of Development, cum Chairman of Royal Brunei Airlines;
Yang Mulia Dato Seri Paduka Awang Mohd Riza bin Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Yunos; Deputy Minister at Prime Minister's Office, cum Deputy Chairman of Royal Brunei Airlines;
Your Excellency Mr. Alok Amitabh Dimri, High Commissioner of India to Brunei Darussalam;
Yang Mulia Captain Sabirin Haji Abd Hamid, Chief Executive Officer of Royal Brunei Airlines;
Yang Mulia Awang Nazeer bin Ahmad, President of Indian Chamber of Commerce in Brunei Darussalam;
Board of Directors, Permanent Secretary, Deputy Permanent Secretaries,
Management and Staff of Royal Brunei Airlines;
Ladies and Gentlemen;
1. The airline industry is integral to economic development, global connectivity, and the movement of people and goods. According to the latest IATA, or the International Air Transport Association, June 2024 Global Outlook for Air Transport - the total global air passenger traffic has matched and surpassed the 2019 pre-COVID numbers in February 2024, this year.
2. Most countries are expected to climb above 2019 levels in 2024, and experience continuous growth. Over the next 20 years, they expect world passengers to increase by 3.8% per year on average, resulting in over 4 billion additional passenger journeys in 2043 compared to 2023 with Asia Pacific anticipated to record the fastest rise in passenger numbers and to contribute to more than half of the net increase in global passenger numbers by 2043.
3. Also, amid concerns about initial declining air cargo yields in 2024, booming e-commerce and repeated disruptions in global maritime shipping capacity, has led to some positive growth rates and increases in traffic levels that are are a welcomed development, as they hold promise for expanding air cargo volumes across all regions in the current year.
4. At the same time, traffic numbers are not the only way to look at activity in the airline industry – the number of connectivity are also important as connectivity ensures the seamless flow of goods, people, cultural exchanges and ideas necessary to support the global business value chain.
5. Hence, it is against this backdrop that it is both a great honor and a privilege to be here with all of you this evening to celebrate — Royal Brunei Airlines inaugural flight to Chennai, India. Tonight's event, themed "Bridging Destinations, Uniting Cultures: The Brunei–Chennai Connection," signifies a remarkable milestone in the realms of tourism, trade, and friendship between Brunei Darussalam and the Republic of India. This connection not only enhances our links but also enriches the tapestry of our shared experiences and aspirations.
6. I would like to take this opportunity to extend my warmest congratulations to Royal Brunei Airlines on this remarkable achievement. Starting on 5th November 2024, Royal Brunei Airlines will launch their three weekly flights connecting Brunei Darussalam to Chennai, India, using its Airbus A320neo fleet.
7. This new route stands as a testament to RB's unwavering commitment to expanding its global footprint, enhancing air connectivity, and strengthening bonds with vital markets around the world. Through this initiative, we are not only opening new avenues for travel but also deepening the ties that unite our nations.
8. With the launch of Royal Brunei Airlines' operations to Chennai, India, the total number of city pairs connected to Bandar Seri Begawan rises to 21, spanning 18 countries. This expansion reflects Brunei Darussalam's ongoing commitment to enhancing global connectivity, as demonstrated by the 40 Air Services Agreements established worldwide.
9. The inclusion of Chennai in our network marks a significant milestone, further strengthening our efforts to connect with the world and foster closer ties with international partners. This development not only broadens travel options for our citizens and enhancing cultural exchange between Brunei and India, but to also position Brunei as a gateway to other regional destinations and opening up new economic opportunities.
10. While we continue to see improvements in air passenger traffic numbers at Brunei International Airport, we are currently at 60% pre-COVID levels for air traffic passengers, of which Royal Brunei Airlines is a key contributor to these numbers.
11. In light of this, I strongly urge and encourage Royal Brunei Airlines to remain proactive in seeking out new connectivities through the availability of signed Air Service Agreements. As a facilitator and enabler, the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications will continue to strive to establish new agreements with countries but also encourage airlines to make use of already established agreements. Together, we can harness these connectivities to foster further growth, enhance our tourism sector, and position Brunei Darussalam as a key player in the aviation landscape.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
12. Under the visionary leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, and His Excellency Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of the Republic of India, the strong bonds between our two nations have been greatly nurtured. Their unwavering dedication to fostering this partnership has laid the foundation for this historic connection.
13. With nearly 15,000 Indian nationals residing and working in Brunei, this new route to Chennai will make it significantly easier for them to travel, particularly within the Visiting Friends and Relatives (VFR) segment. Additionally, this connection will introduce Brunei to new waves of Indian tourists, further strengthening our local tourism industry and positioning Brunei as a transit hub for travelers exploring the ASEAN region and beyond.
14. Beyond tourism, the Brunei—Chennai connection will also enhance business opportunities between our two countries. This direct air link will facilitate cargo movement and stimulate new market exploration, benefiting industries and economies in both Brunei and India.
15. I am also pleased to announce that the Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB) will be organizing an investment seminar for the Indian market during the inaugural flight week, showcasing Brunei's business-friendly environment and investment opportunities.
16. Royal Brunei Airlines, together with the Brunei Economic Development Board, will also host a Brunei Night in Chennai to promote Brunei's tourism, supported by the Brunei High Commission in India and Brunei Tourism.
17. This new chapter promises not only to enhance our bilateral ties but also to unlock new opportunities for collaboration and shared prosperity, benefiting both Brunei Darussalam and India in meaningful ways.
18. Therefore, it is our ambition to work closely with Royal Brunei Airlines to broaden its horizons, enabling it to reach even more destinations globally. I am confident that with the right partnership and strategic direction, Royal Brunei Airlines will continue to grow as a world-class airline, further enhancing Brunei's international profile.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
19. As we celebrate this milestone, it is important to reaffirm our commitment to safety and sustainability in aviation. Safety is not merely a priority—it is the foundation of everything we do. Royal Brunei Airlines' success as a global connector, rests on its dedication to maintaining the highest safety standards, ensuring that passengers, crew, and cargo travel with complete confidence and peace of mind.
20. In addition to safety, sustainability remains a cornerstone of our vision for the future of aviation. As we expand our network and connect more destinations, we must do so responsibly. The aviation sector also has a vital role in addressing climate change, and it is essential that we take meaningful action to reduce our carbon footprint. In this regard, I'm pleased to learn that Royal Brunei Airlines is investing in cleaner, and greener technologies that would definitely set them up for success for the future.
21. Both safety and sustainability are not just operational strategies; they are our promise to future generations. As we continue to rebuild from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have an opportunity to shape a more resilient and environmentally conscious future for the aviation industry.
22. To conclude, I would like to once again express my heartfelt gratitude to all those whose dedication and hard work have made this event and the launch of the new route a reality. Your efforts are a testament to our shared commitment to excellence in aviation. As we embark on this new chapter, let us reaffirm our dedication to safety, sustainability, and responsible growth-ensuring that our industry thrives while safeguarding the future for generations to come.
23. I am confident that the Brunei–Chennai connection will unlock new opportunities for tourism, trade, and friendship, fostering mutual benefits for both nations. Together, let us build a brighter, safer, and more sustainable future in aviation—one that not only connects destinations but also unites people, cultures, and aspirations across the globe.
Thank you.
Wabillahi Taufik Walhidayah, Wassalamu Alaikum Warrahmatullahi Wabarakatuh.
