Sharzede (third left) exchanging the signed MoA with Syed Anuar (third right) while witnessed by Abdul Wahab (second left) and Abdul Aziz (second right). – Photo by Chimon Upon
The aircraft livery emblazoned with an image of Sarawak’s majestic hornbill on an AirAsia aircraft which will be flying regionally throughout Southeast Asia from next year onwards. – Photo courtesy of STB
KUCHING: The image of Sarawak’s majestic hornbill will take to the skies on an AirAsia aircraft from next year onwards as part of the Visit Sarawak Campaign that commences in January.
Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) chief executive officer Sharzede Salleh Askor said the special aircraft livery will be emblazoned on the aircraft to promote Sarawak colours to the world.
“The aircraft will be flying regionally throughout Southeast Asia for a period of two years while decorated with our vibrantly coloured design depicting a hornbill, the majestic bird that is held sacred by our local native communities.
“It has even become our namesake as Sarawak is also known as the Land of the Hornbills,” she said at the Aircraft Livery Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) signing ceremony between STB and Laduni Services Sdn Bhd at a hotel here today.
She explained that the use of this image, along with the eye-catching colours in the new Sarawak logo design, is instrumental in promoting Sarawak as a destination full of life, vibrancy and excitement with its many attractions and products in the areas of culture, adventure, nature, festivals and food.
Apart from the aircraft livery on an AirAsia aircraft, Sharzede revealed that the interiors of this aircraft along with three AirAsia Malaysia aircrafts and two AirAsia Thailand aircrafts will also be prominently adorned with visuals depicting elements of Sarawak’s culture, adventure, nature, festivals and food on the aircrafts’ overhead baggage compartments and meal trays.
She pointed out that STB in its pursuit to achieve its target of five million visitor arrivals for the year 2019, visibility is the keyword for the tourism campaign and hence the reason why it embarked on a joint collaboration with its strategic partners Laduni Services and AirAsia to ensure that the branding of Sarawak is seen far and wide on the aircrafts operating in the region.
“We look forward to seeing this vision realised physically on the side of this aircraft and we expect that when passengers see this majestic hornbill emblazoned on the side of their plane, they will be intrigued to know just what there is to discover in Sarawak.
“We are excited and are looking forward to showcase Sarawak’s uniqueness to the world. As a Sarawakian, I truly believe that visitors will be amazed that we still maintain the product authenticity with modern comfort.”
During the signing ceremony, Sharzede signed on behalf of STB while Laduni Services was represented by its managing director Syed Anuar Syed Ahmad.
Also present were STB chairman Datuk Abdul Wahab Aziz and AirAsia Board of Directors non-independent non executive director Dato Abdul Aziz Abu Bakar.